How to Choose Outdoor Canopies

Outdoor canopies are ideal for outdoor parties and celebrations, wedding receptions and sports events. Great for shading and enclosing a public area, outdoor canopies can also be used to cover RVs, trucks, and cars. With a range of canopies from which to choose, you'll have plenty of options, including enclosed canopies, portable or pop-up canopies, and shade canopies. Many are easy to assemble and disassemble; some designs, such as the portable canopy, offers a one-step pop-up system.

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a retailer. Companies such as SunSetter, the largest manufacturer of retractable awnings in America, and King Canopy have established themselves as leading manufacturers of outdoor canopies. Custom canopies are also available.
- 2
  Evaluate a canopy based on its ability to resist the elements and hold up against a variety of weather conditions. Opt for 100-percent waterproofing.
- 3
  Opt for a canopy with UV protection to protect guests from the dangerous UV rays.
- 4
  Choose the type of canopy. These include shade canopies, which allow light to pass through the canopy cloth; enclosed canopies, which act as a full enclosure and allows in very little light; portable canopies or pop-up canopies, which offer easy, pop-up construction; garden canopies, which are designed for outdoor events; and canopies with valance top, which feature a top cover that extend over the canopy sides by a couple of feet.
- 5
  Choose a canopy by size. Canopy sizes come in square and rectangular footage, including 5 by 5, 8 by 8, 8 by 12, 10 by 10, 12 by 12, 13 by 13, 14 by 14, 10 by 15, 10 by 20, 12 by 20, 10 by 27, 18 by 20, 18 by 27, and larger.
- 6
  Choose canopy accessories such as side walls, replacement tops, roller weights, weight bars and stakes, and anchors.
- 7
  Check the term of the warranty. Many outdoor canopies are warranted for a 1- to 5-year period.

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