#1 Awnings Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast’s warm, sunny weather and occasional heavy rains require durable, UV-resistant, and weatherproof window treatments. Here are the best options:

Retractable Awnings

Ideal for flexibility, they let you enjoy the sun when desired and provide shade when needed. Motorised options make operation effortless.

Fixed Metal Awnings

Made from aluminium or steel, they are highly durable and low-maintenance, perfect for year-round weather protection.

Folding Arm Awnings

They are great for entertaining areas, offering shade without the need for poles or support structures.

Ziptrak® or Outdoor Blinds

Designed for patios and verandahs, they provide wind, rain, and sun protection while maintaining an open-air feel. 

Canvas or Fabric Awnings

A cost-effective option, they block UV rays and help keep indoor spaces cooler. Look for fade-resistant, waterproof materials for a longer lifespan.

Installation on the Sunshine Coast typically requires obtaining a development building work permit. If you’re unsure, reach out on (07) 5437 6405 for advice and support from a member of our team. 

Proper maintenance is key to keeping your window coverings on the Sunshine Coast looking great and functioning well despite the region’s sun, wind, and occasional storms. Follow these simple steps:

Regular Cleaning

• Fabric Awnings: Gently brush off dirt and debris weekly. Use a mild soap solution and a soft brush to remove stains. Rinse with clean water and let it air dry.
• Metal or Aluminium: Wipe down with warm, soapy water and a cloth every few months to prevent dirt buildup and corrosion.

Prevent Mould & Mildew

Humidity can encourage mould growth. Ensure awnings are completely dry before retracting them, and use a vinegar-water solution to spot-clean any mildew.

Check for Damage

Inspect frames, joints, and mounting points for rust, loose bolts, or wear and tear. Address small issues promptly to prevent costly repairs.

Retract in Strong Winds

For retractable awnings, always roll them in during storms or strong winds to avoid damage. 

Annual Professional Servicing

A professional inspection once a year helps ensure your awnings remain in top condition.

Yes — awnings make a noticeable difference to indoor temperatures, especially on the Sunshine Coast, where strong sun and humidity are part of daily life.

Here’s why they work so well:

• They stop the heat before it hits the glass. External awnings block direct sunlight outside your home, preventing heat from building up indoors in the first place. This is far more effective than internal blinds, which only reduce glare after heat has already entered.
• They reduce reliance on air conditioning. By cutting down solar heat gain, many homeowners find their rooms stay cooler for longer, easing pressure on air con and helping lower energy use.
• They’re ideal for east- and west-facing windows. These sides of the home cop the harshest morning and afternoon sun — exactly where awnings deliver the biggest benefit.
• They still allow airflow and light control. Modern awnings can be angled or retracted, letting you balance shade, breeze, and natural light throughout the day.

The best coastal-grade awnings are those designed to handle salt air, wind exposure, and intense UV without breaking down over time.

Here’s what we recommend based on real coastal installs:

• Folding Arm Awnings (with marine-grade components) –  These are one of the strongest all-round performers for coastal homes when built properly. High-quality folding arm awnings use corrosion-resistant aluminium frames, stainless steel fittings, and UV-stabilised fabrics. They provide excellent shade over windows and outdoor areas while retracting safely when conditions change.
• Drop Arm Awnings –  Ideal for windows that take harsh sun but still need airflow. Drop arm awnings allow hot air to escape while blocking direct sunlight, making them very effective for east- and west-facing elevations common along the coast.
• Multi-Stop or Fixed External Awnings –  For homes exposed to consistent sun and wind, fixed or multi-stop awnings offer durability with fewer moving parts. When paired with quality fabrics and powder-coated aluminium hardware, they hold up extremely well in salty environments.

Yes — quality awnings are wind-rated and well-suited to Sunshine Coast conditions, as long as they’re designed, specified, and installed correctly.

Here’s what that means in practice:

• Wind ratings vary by awning type. Fixed, multi-stop, and drop arm awnings generally handle wind better than large retractable systems because they have fewer moving parts. Folding arm awnings are also suitable, provided they’re fitted with the correct arms, fixings, and wind management features.
• Materials matter in coastal weather. For the Sunshine Coast, awnings should use powder-coated aluminium frames and stainless steel fittings to resist corrosion from salt air and humidity. Cheaper hardware is where failures usually start.
• Installation is critical. Even a well-engineered awning can fail if it’s not fixed into the right structure or positioned for local wind exposure. Correct mounting points, fixings, and angles make a major difference.
• Smart controls add protection. Motorised awnings can be paired with wind sensors that automatically retract the awning when conditions pick up — a big advantage during sudden coastal weather changes.

Yes — awnings play a big role in protecting outdoor furniture from fading and weather damage.

Here’s how they help:

• They block harsh UV rays. Prolonged sun exposure is the main cause of faded cushions, timber drying out, and plastics becoming brittle. Awnings significantly reduce direct UV, helping furniture keep its colour and integrity for longer.
• They provide shelter from rain and salt exposure. While awnings aren’t designed to be fully waterproof enclosures, they do shield outdoor settings from light rain, coastal salt spray, and dew — all of which contribute to corrosion and material breakdown over time.
• They reduce heat build-up. By keeping surfaces cooler, awnings prevent fabrics from overheating and timber from cracking or warping under constant sun.
• They extend usable lifespan. Furniture under an awning typically lasts years longer than furniture left fully exposed, reducing replacement costs and ongoing maintenance.

The main differences come down to how they operate, how much flexibility they offer, and where they work best. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you choose the right option:

Folding Arm Awnings

These are fully retractable awnings that extend outward using folding arms and sit flat against the wall when not in use.

• Best for patios, decks, and large windows
• Provide wide, open shade with no posts
• Can be manual or motorised
• Ideal when you want shade only when needed
• Should be retracted in strong wind

Best for: Flexible outdoor living spaces and entertaining areas where openness matters.

Drop Arm Awnings

Drop arm awnings extend outward and down at an angle, creating shade while still allowing airflow.

• Excellent for east- and west-facing windows
• Reduce heat and glare while keeping breezes moving
• Can be adjusted to different angles
• More wind-tolerant than folding arm awnings

Best for: Window shading and heat control without fully blocking light or air.

Fixed Awnings

Fixed awnings are permanently set in place with no moving parts.

• Strong, stable, and low maintenance
• Handle wind and coastal conditions very well
• Constant shade with no adjustment
• Often used where reliability matters more than flexibility

Best for: High-exposure areas, strong sun zones, or homes wanting a set-and-forget solution.

Yes — awnings can absolutely be motorised and automated, and adding wind and sun sensors is one of the smartest upgrades you can make, especially on the Sunshine Coast.

Here’s how it works:

• Motorised operation –  With the touch of a remote, wall switch, or app, you can extend or retract your awning effortlessly. It’s ideal for larger awnings and everyday convenience — no cranking, no strain.
• Sun sensors for comfort control –  Sun sensors automatically extend the awning when UV levels rise, helping reduce heat and glare before your outdoor area or interior spaces heat up.
• Wind sensors for protection –  When wind speeds increase, the sensor retracts the awning automatically. This is especially valuable in coastal areas where conditions can change quickly, helping protect the awning from damage.
• Smart home integration –  Many systems can integrate with broader smart home setups, giving you automated shading that responds to conditions even when you’re not home.

Awnings don’t always require council or body corporate approval in QLD, but in some situations, approval is required, and it’s important to check before installation.

Here’s how it generally works:

Council approval (local council)

For most standard residential homes, awnings are considered a minor building addition and often do not need council approval, provided:

• The awning is attached to an existing structure
• It doesn’t extend beyond property boundaries
• It doesn’t affect drainage, access, or neighbouring properties

However, approval may be required if:

• The awning is very large or structural
• It projects over public land or close to boundaries
• The property is heritage-listed or subject to special overlays

Body corporate approval (units, townhouses, apartments)

If your property is under a body corporate, approval is almost always required, even for small awnings. This is because:

• Awnings alter the external appearance of the building
• Fixings affect common property
• Consistency across the complex must be maintained

Body corporates may also request:

• Engineering details
• Wind ratings
• Installation drawings or specifications

In coastal environments like the Sunshine Coast, well-made awnings typically last 10–15 years, and often longer, when the right materials are used and they’re properly cared for.

Here’s what determines awning lifespan near the coast:

Quality of materials

• Powder-coated aluminium frames resist corrosion far better than steel
• Stainless steel fixings are essential in salty air
• UV-stabilised, mould-resistant fabrics prevent fading and breakdown

Awning type

• Fixed and drop arm awnings generally last longer due to fewer moving parts
• Folding arm awnings can last just as long when high-quality arms, motors, and fittings are used — and when they’re retracted in strong wind

Correct installation

Coastal longevity depends heavily on:

• Secure fixings into the correct structure
• Proper angles and clearances
• Wind exposure being accounted for at the design stage

Use and maintenance

• Retracting awnings during strong weather extends life significantly
• Occasional rinsing with fresh water helps remove salt build-up
• Following basic care guidelines prevents unnecessary wear

Awnings are generally low-maintenance, but like anything exposed to the elements — especially in Sunshine Coast coastal conditions — they do benefit from simple, periodic care rather than ongoing servicing.

Here’s what to expect:

Day-to-day maintenance (minimal)

• Occasional rinse with fresh water to remove salt spray and airborne debris
• Visual checks to make sure arms, brackets, and fabric are sitting correctly
• Let the fabric dry fully before retracting after rain to reduce mould risk