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The folding arm awning which completed our back deck

April 15, 2019 6 Comments

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You may have seen our recent back yard transformation with a new deck which gave us a beautiful and practical outdoor entertaining space. Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite perfect due to the loss of shade from dismantling the ageing pergola, so we needed a new solution. And it is a Sunway folding arm, retractable awning.

We didn’t think our old timber pergola was in too bad shape, but it seemed shortsighted to build a brand new deck around it so we decided to remove it and, when we did, we found out it was actually pretty badly weathered in places so it was just as well! With it gone, we loved the new open feeling to the space, which seemed much bigger. But we no longer had any kind of roof to protect us from the sun which, in this climate, is obviously a big issue, especially being a very sun safe family with young kids.

We love the option to have the awning retracted when we don’t need it

After some discussion, we settled on a retractable shade solution so that we could have the area totally open with the nice view to the lawn at the end of the deck when we didn’t need shade, and then we could open the awning when we were out there in the sun, especially entertaining friends or just having dinner as a family.

We knew Sunway by reputation so we were delighted to have the opportunity to work with the brand and choose from their range. We didn’t really know where to start though, having never bought an awning before or had a space for one. It was great to have a Sunway specialist come out from the local store to tell us more about the options, what was possible, and how we could customise it to our space and taste. No question was too stupid (I’m sure some were, but they certainly didn’t make me feel bad for asking!) and I found this a really important and useful part of the process.

Obviously, aesthetics are important to me as well as functionality and quality, and I spent quite a bit of time deciding on the broad charcoal and grey stripe design. Our house is not particularly modern so I felt it would suit the traditional striped look, but black and white felt too harsh against the red brick. I’m really delighted with how it looks. It ties in well with the house trim which we recently had painted charcoal, and the grey of the deck.

All Sunway products are custom made to measure to suit your space, so we were able to consider our very long outdoor dining table and ensure the awning would comfortably cover this at four metres long. Because the only place to fix the awning was quite low, under the eaves, we chose the Sunway Fabric Beam model to give us a bit of extra clearance and head height.

We chose a short straight valance to finish off the look, but it also comes with the option of a scalloped valance or none at all.

It’s fully motorised which means we can easily open it using the remote control, and we can even  control it from our phones via WiFi using the Neo Smart Blinds app. There’s also a wireless motion sensor which cleverly ‘knows’ to retract the awning if it gets too windy (especially handy if you accidentally leave it open at the end of a party after a few glasses of bubbles, for example!).

The awning install happened just in time for the super hot Christmas holidays which was certainly a blessing. Electricians came in first to hard wire for the motorisation and then the awning itself went up, It was all done in a morning; just a few hours. I couldn’t believe it! And suddenly, we were set for summer entertaining!

We often set up Sebastian’s paddling pool under the awning

We are actually getting a lot more use out of the awning now, with the weather still sunny but nowhere near as uncomfortably hot as in the middle of the summer. The deck has really come into its own the last few weeks and we are so happy with our awning, which really finished it off for us.

For more information 

Disclosure: Sunway provided us with an awning in exchange for an honest review of the product and service.

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Do I recommend a timber vanity top? A big fat NOP Do I recommend a timber vanity top?

A big fat NOPE! 💧 

Which is why we have recently covered ours with a Caesarstone top (thanks to @justinplace_sydney for the advice and supply) and the sweet RELIEF of not having to worry about this high traffic area anymore, I'm telling you!🤗

Doesn't matter what they tell you or how many times it's sealed, I'm not sure it's a great idea in a room which is so, well, wet!

I love having the warmth of timber in the bathroom and it's a beautiful piece, but timber on the top? Never again.

Ours probably lasted a year (if that) before it started to go downhill (and we want a good decade out of a bathroom, right?!). 2.5 years on, everything else in this bathroom looks virtually brand new and the water marked vanity top was really letting the side down and making me sad!

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Next week I'll tell you what I really think of my brass tile trim too 😉

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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarHelen says

    April 17, 2019 at 10:09 am

    Hi there,
    Can you please post a closeup pic of how it is installed/screwed/attached to the wall?
    I need to have a look at it and see if it’s suitable for my space!
    Also, I understand the awning was supplied to you in exchange for an honest review, but could you kindly let me know how much this sized awning would actually cost? ( Has to fit the budget etc).

    Thanks so much!

    Helen

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      April 17, 2019 at 10:40 am

      Hi Helen, I will send you a pic to your email! This four-metre long one would cost around $9k but it is HUGE!

      Reply
  2. AvatarRachel says

    April 17, 2019 at 12:35 pm

    Looks great! I love a deck 🙂 And I love that the blind is retractable too.

    May I ask … where do you put the cushions on your sofas? Do you have to bring them in from the weather?

    Thanks!
    Rachel

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      April 17, 2019 at 2:24 pm

      Thanks Rachel! We usually leave them out to be honest as they are outdoor ones, and they dry really quickly the next day. No issues in the last few months and we’ve had a LOT of rain. Probably more sensible to put them undercover in a downpour but it isn’t always practical! We do have an undercover bit to the right of the awning as you’re looking towards the garden.

      Reply
  3. AvatarAnita Jurat says

    June 7, 2020 at 2:25 pm

    Hi Jen,

    I just watched your Ikea video and I loved your playroom. I’m refurbishing my classroom and am about to buy some white tubs! But, I’m also building, so I was wondering if you could tell me how your raised your Ikea shelving system off the floor in your living room. I thought that was an excellent idea.

    Kind regards,
    Anita

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      June 7, 2020 at 3:35 pm

      Hi Anita! Glad you enjoyed it! The living room shelving is actually not IKEA, it’s from BoConcept and it was professionally installed. It’s eight sections, all wall-mounted. They don’t do these ones anymore but they have similar.

      Reply

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