Outdoor Canopies – Creating The Perfect Outside Environment

Whether you are planning on hosting a backyard barbecue for your neighbours, organising a small community event for a group of other individuals or you are seeking a comfortable place to relax in nice weather, outdoor canopies are a perfect solution to provide shade while also adding a flair of style to the surroundings. Outdoor canopies can transform even the most basic of simple areas into a personal and comfortable space and offer a stress-free place to unwind and relax.

Outdoor canopies come in a variety of custom made shapes and sizes and the material used can vary to suit the conditions.

What Are Outdoor Canopies Made Of?

Outdoor canopies are semi-permanent structures that are designed in mind to offer shelter and protection from the elements while offering the ability to enjoy external surroundings. Outdoor canopies come in a large variety of shapes and sizes and can be built using a wide variety of materials, making them suitable for a variety of events – garden parties, car boot sales, trading shows and even outdoor sporting events. The frame of outdoor canopies is typically made of metal or fiberglass and a cover sits over this frame. The cover is usually made from waterproof fabric, vinyl or mesh material to protect it from damp or wet conditions.

So What Are The Benefits Of Outdoor Canopies?

1. They Offer Protection From The Elements

One of the primary reasons for investing in outdoor canopies is their reliability to protect people and outdoor objects from a variety of weather conditions – whether that be high levels of UV rays from the sun, a long-lasting downpour or frost.

During sunny days, people don’t get sunburn or heat exhaustion and objects made of material that can be damaged by UV rays do not fade or discolour. Your event or relaxation time can go on without interruption from the weather.

2. They Are Versatile And Functional

Outdoor canopies are incredibly versatile. This makes them great for use for a variety of purposes:

Personal Events And Gatherings – Outdoor canopies are perfect for hosting weddings, parties and other milestone events as they can provide large area cover and protection for guests.

Trading Events – If you are looking to host an outside car boot sale or trading stall, then an outdoor canopy is the perfect solution.

Camping  – Outdoor canopies do not have to be permanently fixed. They can be portable and fixed to large vehicles, providing the right fixtures are used. Some outdoor canopies can be setup to fit with outdoor camper vans and trailers to provide a relaxing area wherever you are.

Community Events – Music and dance concerts and festivals are popular community events that make use of large canopies and cover solutions.

3. Ease Of Setup And Portability

Most outdoor canopies are designed with ease of setup in mind. You can get outdoor canopies that are fixed in place however there are many models that feature a retractable pop-up cover or unfolding design that allows for quick and hassle-free assembly. Additionally, their lightweight and collapsible nature make them easy to transport and store, making them a convenient choice for both occasional and regular use.

Choosing The Right Outdoor Canopies

1. Consider The Size And Shape

The size of the canopy you choose will largely depend on the intended use and the number of people you plan to accommodate. Canopies come in various sizes, from small, personal-sized options that can cover a handful of people to large mega-structures that can cover an entire area for a party or event. Shapes of common outdoor canopies can include, square, rectangular and multi-side (typically hexagonal or octagonal). The shape of a canopy can largely be dependant on the number of guests.

2. Pick The Right Material For Durability

The material of the canopy cover is crucial for performance and longevity. There are several materials that are commonly used and are highly effective, each one having its own set of benefits:

Polyester Canopy – A lightweight and affordable material, polyester canopies are suitable for general use. They offer protection against the sun and rain but over time might wear down or shrink due to the change in temperatures.

Vinyl Canopy – This type of material is well known for its water resistance and is incredibly durable. Unlike polyester it will not warp as much if the temperature or humidity changes and is a very good choice for areas with frequent and high levels of rainfall.

Mesh Canopy – Lightweight and breathable as a material, mesh can offer extra protection not just from the elements but also small insects, birds and other airborne objects and particles, all while allowing airflow to enter the area below the canopy. Mesh is commonly used on very large canopies that service outdoor events.

It is important to remember that the frame plays a crucial role in the durability of the canopy. Metal frames, such as those that are made from steel or aluminium offer sturdy and long-lasting support but can be prone to rusting and cracking. Fiberglass frames are more lightweight and flexible, which can make the canopy easier to setup and maintain and are less prone to cracking and warping.

3. Consider Extra Design Features

There are a number of additional features that can be considered when constructing outdoor canopies.

Side Walls – You can setup your canopy with unique removable side-walls, providing extra protection from wind and rain or add an extra layer of privacy.

Ventilation – Look for canopies with built-in vents or mesh panelling for better airflow, especially if you are planning on setting up your canopy in a humid area the

UV Protection – Ensure that the canopy offers UV protection to safeguard against harmful sun rays. Canopy material can have special UV film coating in place for this.

4. Ease Of Setup And Storage

Take into account how easy it is to set up and take down the canopy. Instant or pop-up canopies are fantastic for quick assembly, while larger or more elaborate models might require a bit more time and effort. Additionally, consider how the canopy will be stored when not in use. Many canopies come with special carrying bags or cases for convenient storage and transport.

Maintaining Outdoor Canopies

Like all structures, outdoor canopies need to be maintained to prolong their life.

Proper maintenance can extend the life of outdoor canopies and keep them looking their best. So here are some tips to keep your canopy looking tip top.

Clean It Regularly – Remove any dirt and debris from the canopy cover that becomes stuck with a soft brush or cloth. For deeper cleaning, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, usually just a bucket of mild soap mixed with warm water can removed most particle and dirt.

Check For Damage – Over time outdoor canopies can get holes and tears in the fabric and cracks in the frame. If you spot any of these, make sure you replace them as soon as possible.

Store The Equipment Properly – When not in use, store your canopy in a dry, cool place to prevent mould and mildew growth from leftover weather particles. Ensure all components are thoroughly dry before disassembly and also make sure that if a case or carry bag is provided for a smaller portable canopy that it is stored in here when not in use.

Final Thoughts

Outdoor canopies are a fantastic investment for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors. Their ability to provide the right amount of shade, shelter and introduce a touch of style makes them a valuable asset for a wide range of activities and events. By understanding the different types, benefits, and features of outdoor canopies, you can choose the perfect one to suit your needs and enhance your outdoor experiences. If you are looking for outdoor canopies, then Ace Shelters is here to help. Our team has years of experience in crafting bespoke outdoor canopies and can help you choose the right canopy for your events. Call us on 01704 829404 or drop us a line by filling out our form and contact us from our website.