Rain Awnings

Living in Seattle, Washington, an area well known for the large amount of rainfall we receive, I knew when I landscaped my backyard that rain awnings, or something similar would be really important to protect against the weather and make my yard more useful. Of course, I really had no idea where to find rain awnings or how rain awnings actually worked. I just knew that I wanted to enjoy my beautiful backyard as often as I could, and that meant protection from the weather, and so rain awnings sounded like the perfect solution.

My landscape architect had some great ideas for incorporating rain awnings into the landscape design, but I wanted to do some research on my own as well. I wasn’t even sure what materials rain awnings are constructed from, but I figured that rain awnings would be made out of a waterproofed canvas or nylon fabric, much like an umbrella, with some sort of metal frame. And, I discovered that many rain awnings are made that way. These rain awnings are constructed with a water repellent heavy fabric, that is also sun and fade resistant, even offering a huge selection of bright colors and patterns, to make them attractive and an appealing addition to homes. The protection from both rain and sun can be useful on those fairly rare sunny days, we see in here in Seattle. These rain awnings are often constructed with a metal frame that attaches to the house and is braced for support, with the rain awnings covering a patio or deck. Perfect for protecting the areas next to the house, it would allow me to use my deck even on a gloomy rainy day. I discovered that many of these rain awnings are also retractable, allowing me, the homeowner, control over their use. Even better, when retracted, the rain awnings are protected from really harsh storms, and so they wear better and last longer.
 

But, my yard is big and there are several other patio areas that I wanted rain awnings for, areas that didn’t have walls or a building to attach to and brace against. Again, my landscape architect had some great ideas on rain awnings for the space. Her suggestion was to build a freestanding structure, and then add removable rain awnings. The rain awnings could be put up for the season, so that the patio space was enjoyable on those warm, raining summer evenings. Before winter and stronger storms arrive, I can just remove the rain awnings and store them, until the next season. By removing them, I can make the rain awnings last longer and when the time comes, I can easily replace them. I loved that idea, because the structures over the patio, with or without the material covering them, adds interest during the boring winter months.

I love my new landscape and find excuses to be in the backyard now, all the time, even during a rainstorm. I’ve discovered that sitting on the back deck under my rain awnings is often the most relaxing time of the day.