There are a number of providers in the Canopy and Awning market. While we certainly think having more options to choose from can be helpful, it’s imperative to research the company and understand how their solution would benefit your property. 

When we claim to have been in business for over 25 years – we actually mean it! We began designing our canopy awning systems in 1998. Since then we have been continually innovating and making improvements to our design and engineering process. We’ve certainly learnt a lot about what works and what doesn’t. This is certainly something to consider when evaluating newer entrants to the market. 

We recommend a supplier of outdoor solutions who has been in the industry for some time with access to their own manufacturing expertise and a robust track record of customer success (such as industry awards). Having a showroom and mobile team of helpful consultants is a must. Ask to see canopies in your area that have been recently installed. The capability and reputation of the installation team is a great question to ask and drill into – such as examples and references.

Adding outdoor blinds and sides turns the canopy from a covered space into an outdoor room. There are many different options for side screens, some are more weather proof than others, some offer more privacy than others. Consider if you would like extras such as doors, sun shade roller blinds and pet doors to provide the best customised solution for your home. Also consider the space where your canopy will go. Does the canopy need to fit around a fireplace? Are there design challenges based on the structure of your house? We’ve seen it all and have a highly experienced engineering team that can solve challenging situations.

Our canopy rooms are specifically engineered to suit your outdoor area.

One size doesn’t fit all, which is why all Fresco Shade canopies are 100% custom designed to suit your space and your home. We offer a variety of different roof design styles to suit. 

A covered outdoor area via a canopy, pergola or awing provides a shield from harsh weather elements, such as rain, wind and hail. This makes the space more usable, and increases the longevity of your furniture by protecting metals from warping and fabric from fading in the summer sun. It also offers a much needed respite from harsh UV rays – filtering up to 99%.

Canopies provide a safe UV protected outdoor space for children and pets to play all year round. This can create a whole new room, with fireplaces, kitchens, BBQs, a bar and even a spa or hot tub  accommodated!

Fresco Shade canopies can be designed to fit around outdoor fireplaces. Alternatively infrared heaters can also be hung to provide extra warmth. Optional outdoor blinds and side screens are popular for added protection from wind and rain, as well as providing privacy.

Easily retractable outdoor GlideTrak blinds make for perfect climate control, allowing for the ultimate flexibility by using nature to both cool and heat the canopy room. In summer, outdoor blinds provide UV shade and can increase the effectiveness of your air conditioning unit by trapping cooled air. As the sun retreats the blinds can be retracted to increase ventilation from a cool evening breeze or retracted to block a cold wind. The same goes for the colder months, with blinds acting as a temporary wall to trap heat and subsequently minimise heating bills. It’s a win win for both your bank balance and the environment.

Whereas traditional conservatories lack the ventilation and flexibility to truly “bring the outdoors in”, this is where canopy awnings really come into their own. Retractable outdoor blinds  creates a completely versatile outdoor cooking space when tackling electric, open-flame cooking (i.e. barbecuing) or smoking meats. As previously mentioned, this robust PVC all-weather structure allows for a full conventional kitchen to be fitted, truly extending a dining area that is primed for entertaining.

Enjoy outdoor entertaining all year round, regardless of the weather!

The Glidetrak outdoor blind technology with an individually adjusted spring mechanism, providing a smooth operation that makes the screen easy to lower or be raised – depending on the conditions. Using a central locking system in the bottom bar, screens are locked into place when fully down, delivering security and stability that limits wind spill and rain. 

To say the Fresco Shade canopy is durable is a bit of an understatement! Our canopies are extremely weather resistant, combining the strength of the galvanised steel frame with state-of-the-art tensioned architectural grade PVC means it can take in its stride whatever the NZ weather has in store. The tensioned PVC makes is 100% waterproof and less noisy than polycarbonate equivalents, eliminating creaks by not expanding and contracting on hot days and rain not drumming. It’s so tough we guarantee our fabric for at least 15 years. We cut, bend, shape and power-coat all frames in our Auckland factory using Dulux to ensure our products are effectively protected from corrosive airbourne salt and rain. 

Adding mesh outdoor blinds can improve privacy. If you are using the space to entertain late into the night, or smoke meat, then keeping your outdoor area a fair distance from neighbouring properties can minimise any complaints. 

It is worth checking with your local council office to look over the latest regulations and how they apply to your home/building. If your project does require council consent, we can help you through the process. If you have any further questions, we would be happy to help.