Buying guides · 7 min · 2026-07-01
Buying guide: retractable awnings
Cassette vs open, width to 52 ft, projection, Beaufort class, and when to open the awning configurator.
Start with three questions
The retractable-awnings category uses Rainier-style guided selling: best price, closed cassette look, or 20 ft+ span. Then configure width (7–52 ft + inches), projection, mount, fabric, radio vs crank, sensors and valance at /configure/awning.
Questions people ask
- Cassette or open?
- Cassette hides the fabric when retracted and is cleaner for storefronts. Open lateral-arm is the value span for 20 ft decks.