​When it comes to awnings you want to pick the right one for your needs. This means that you should know more about your options. Awnings come in a variety of types, shapes, and sizes. In fact, awnings also have additional accessories you can add to them including things like drop screens and shade curtains.

​Awning design includes more than just the color and shape. In fact, here are a few things to consider when it comes to Awning Design 101:
·   Valances: These are technically pieces of decorative fabric that hang from the edge of your awning or other shade structure. Valances offer a little more design to your awning and patterns can be scalloped, straight edged, or something custom made.
·      Fabric: This is probably the most important part of your awning. Choosing the right fabric takes some research. You should know what color you want, the style, and the kind of fabric you desire. Not all fabrics are the same when it comes to awnings. Some are made of polyester and vinyl, others are acrylic, and more. So, remember when choosing your fabric, it’s about more than the color and style, it’s about the quality. Ask your awning installer/manufacturer which fabric is best for your needs and your environment. 

​·      Shape: The shape of your awning can be anything from a rectangle, to concave, to a dome like construction, and more. The shape of your awning is determined by your choice of width, drop, and projection as well.
·      Frame: The frame of your awning can be made from different materials including aluminum, steel, and more.
·    Accessories: Your awning can be decorated with more than just the fabric’s pattern. You can use things like Spears and valances to enhance the look and feel of your awning. Ask your awning installer for other options or discuss custom made ideas.
·    Graphics: If you are installing an awning for a business, store, or restaurant, then using graphics is another way to accentuate your shade structure. Printing your company’s logo or name on an awning is a great way to attract attention to your business. 

​Awning design isn’t as simple as it sounds when you start to see all the options you have. The above list is just a few of the many things you can do with your awning’s shape, frame, and fabric. For more information about awning design, feel free to contact us at American Awning & Blind Co. by visiting us at http://www.americanawningabc.com. Or call us at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​We’re mid-stride through the summer and there’s still plenty of time to decorate and organize your backyard. From awnings to shade screens, there’s a variety of ways you can spruce up your home and create an activity area that you can still use in the fall.

Here are some quick, fun ideas for organizing and decorating your backyard:

• Lounge Area: If you have an awning or other shade structure already installed, you can create a lounge area underneath it with outdoor furniture, tables, and more. You can string up lights for evening lounge time and have a nice drink while you read, chat with friends, or just enjoy the cool night. (Remember, always consult your awning installer for what you can hang or decorate your shade structure with).
• Games/Activity: Create an area on the lawn in your backyard where you can set up games like twister or croquet or other fun things for your kids. You can also set up an area for your kids to do crafts. You can create a craft area where your kids can:
  • Paint objects, rocks, and other materials. This is an excellent way to keep the interior of your home mess free when doing activities like painting with your kids.
  • Make things like papier-mâché trees, elves, and other fun items.
  • Construct things like tents, dog houses, and other simple projects.​

 Organizing and decorating your backyard is simple and just requires a little time on your part. But, once you’ve put all the pieces together, your backyard will look better and you can use it for fun activities with family and friends.
 
Now that you have a few more backyard decorating ideas, feel free to contact us at American Awning & Blind Co. for more information by visiting us at http://www.americanawningabc.com. Or call us at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​When you walk by a restaurant, you might notice the beautiful awning that’s providing shade. But, what are restaurant awnings? What are they for? Why bother having one? The answers are multifaceted.

​Here’s a quick list of what restaurant awnings are and how they are used:

• Dining Area Extension: If you own a restaurant, then you know seats equal revenue. Adding a dining area without having to purchase more land is exactly what an awning can do for you. Adding awning means you create a shaded extension of your business. That area can be equipped with tables and chairs for diners who want to eat outdoors; it’s as simple as that.
• Shade Structure: If you have a restaurant with outdoor dining, like say a hamburger shop, adding an awning provides a shaded area for customers to enjoy their quick meal. It’s a great way to keep customers happy, cool, and fed.
• Ad Space: Restaurant awnings are great to print on. You can put your logo, advertisement, or a graphic that not only stands out but attracts clientele. This is a great way to advertise your restaurant without paying constantly for commercials or ad space in other forms of media.
• Architecture: Aside from providing shade, an extended dining area, and ad space, restaurant awnings also offer a level of architectural design that make your business pop out in a tasteful, aesthetically pleasing way. Awnings can be designed to accentuate your building’s shape and color scheme. 

​​Restaurant awnings are a great investment that can help you generate revenue by extending your dining area or advertise your eatery. Restaurant awnings also come in a variety of shapes, colors, styles, and sizes. You can add on to these awnings with drop screens, curtains, and more to create an even more intimate outdoor dining area for your customers. You can use patio curtains or vinyl windows to create an intimate atmosphere for your outdoor dining space. Or, you can install drop screens for shade protection on the sides. Really, your options are numerous and talking to your local awning shop is a great way to start the conversation about what’s right for your restaurant. 

​Now that you know a little more about restaurant awnings and what they are, feel free to contact us at American Awning & Blind Co. for more information by visiting us at http://www.americanawningabc.com. Or call us at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​Entrance canopies are great addition to any business. These shade structures are designed to cover a walkway or other entryway and extend your businesses entrance. Elegant and aesthetically pleasing to look at, entrance canopies add a level of design to your business that makes it stand out from the crowd. 

​Here’s a quick list of things you should know about entrance canopies for businesses:
 
·      Advertising Space: Entrance canopies provide you with space to print your logo or ad on. In fact, you often see canopies with a company’s name, graphic design, or ad printed on it. These canopies stand out and offer you more bang for your buck when you install one; remember, these canopies also provide shade and an extension of your business’ entry way.
·      Canopies are Different than Awnings: Not to be mistaken as an awning, canopies are different and offer more space, width, and length than a traditional awning. Canopies can be freestanding. Or if use in an entryway, canopies can be mounted to the building/structure.  
·      Versatility: Entrance canopies can be designed with not just fabric, but other materials that can up the level of design. Think aluminum or metal lettering that stands up on the edge of the canopy or even lighting on the frame.
·      Architectural Design: Entrance canopies can be made into different shapes and sizes. For instance, suing curves and lines in the frame is another way of adding a level of design to your building or business that is different than just an awning. 

​Entrance canopies offer shade, design, ad space, and more for your business. These versatile shade structures are also excellent choices for restaurants and stores who need something a little extra to stand out from the neighboring competition.
 
Keep in mind, entrance canopies can be simple – from fabric structures to metal and lighting incorporated designs – to complex architectural constructions. Remember, ask your local awning shop to see how they can help you with your next canopy project. Keep in mind, if you’re not sure if an entrance canopy or awning is right for your business, you can always have the options rendered and then choose which one suits your needs. 

​Now that you know a little more about entrance canopies for businesses, feel free to contact us at American Awning & Blind Co. for more information by visiting us at http://www.americanawningabc.com. Or call us at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

Finding the right contractor takes time and effort. Once you pick your contractor, you should know what makes a good contract. Two important things to remember are the cancellation and payment schedule policies you agree too.
 
Here are some quick tips on what to know and think about when it comes to cancellation policies and payment schedules in your contract:

•  Timeline: Payment schedules are set on a timeline. Typically, payments are made in one down payment, a few more payments you settle on with your contractor during the construction time, and a final payment at the completion of the project. Talking with you contractor about your payment schedule lets you help determine what you can afford to pay first, later, and in the end. Remember, though, the first payment will likely be large so that the contractor can purchase the materials needed for your construction project.
• Cancellation Period: Typically, you have a short period of time that you’re allowed to cancel you’re contract before major construction begins. Often, the amount of time allowed is about 3 days.
• Payments: Make sure you and your contractor are aware of how payments will be received and by when, as stipulated in your schedule.
• Cancellation During Construction: If you cancel your contract during construction, remember, you will likely incur a fine, which is typical. That’s why it’s important to know what your cancellation grace period is and for how long.

 
Remember, the best way to ensure your contract is up to your standards is to educate yourself and discuss your payment schedule, material costs, and cancellation period in detail with your contractor. This way, there are no surprises or hidden fees.
 
Contracts can be scary but taking the time to hash out the details makes it easier for you and your contractor.
 
Now that you know a little more about contracts, cancellations, and payment schedules, feel free to contact us at American Awning & Blind Co. for more information by visiting us at http://www.americanawningabc.com. Or call us at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. ​