Best Awning Fabrics
When you're investing in a custom awning, it's not just about the frame—it’s about the fabric. That’s why at Walker Awning, we only use materials from the most reputable names in the industry: Sunbrella®, Patio 500®, and Coastline Plus®. These aren’t just fabric brands—they’re benchmarks of quality, innovation, and long-term durability.
Sunbrella® – A Legacy of Innovation from Glen Raven
Sunbrella is arguably the most recognized name in outdoor fabric, and for good reason. It’s owned by Glen Raven, Inc., a North Carolina-based textile powerhouse that’s been operating since 1880. Originally a cotton mill, Glen Raven pivoted into performance fabrics in the mid-20th century and introduced Sunbrella in 1961 as a solution-dyed acrylic that offered superior fade resistance and weatherproofing. Over the decades, Sunbrella has become synonymous with high-end awning and marine applications, thanks to its unmatched durability, deep color saturation, and luxurious feel.
Today, Glen Raven operates world-class manufacturing facilities not just in the U.S., but also in France and China, maintaining strict quality controls across all locations. Their commitment to sustainability and innovation keeps Sunbrella at the forefront of the market, and it's one of the reasons we trust it for our high-end fabric installations.
Patio 500® – Built for Harsh Conditions
Patio 500® is a high-performance vinyl-coated polyester fabric made by Herculite®, Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer with over 60 years of experience in performance textiles. Designed specifically for commercial awnings and canopies, Patio 500 is engineered for maximum resistance to UV degradation, mildew, and abrasion. What sets it apart is its tight weave and embedded PVDF topcoat, making it incredibly easy to clean while offering long-term resistance to color fading and chalking.
Patio 500 is known throughout the awning industry as the go-to fabric for demanding commercial projects—from storefront signage to architectural canopies. If you’ve ever seen a vibrant awning that looks as crisp and clean on year five as it did on day one, there’s a good chance it was Patio 500.
Coastline Plus® – Coastal Durability with Visual Appeal
Another standout product from Herculite®, Coastline Plus® is a specialty fabric designed to handle the unique challenges of coastal environments. Salt air, high humidity, and intense sun can wreak havoc on standard materials—but Coastline Plus holds its own with exceptional UV stability and weather resistance.
This reinforced vinyl laminate fabric also features a proprietary topcoat for dirt and mildew resistance, making it ideal for residential and commercial clients in places like South Florida. The range of colors and finishes also offers greater flexibility for aesthetic projects—without compromising on performance.
Why We Trust These Brands—and So Should You
At Walker Awning, we don’t cut corners, especially not on the materials that take the brunt of the elements year after year. These fabrics may come at a premium, but they pay for themselves in longevity, reduced maintenance, and continued curb appeal.
Plenty of companies will offer cheaper alternatives. But when your investment is exposed to sun, wind, and rain 365 days a year, quality isn't a luxury—it's a necessity.
That’s why we only work with the best in the business. Because you deserve an awning that not only looks good on day one—but still performs beautifully ten years later.
Feeling a Little More International? Say Hello to Serge Ferrari®
If you're drawn to the elegant streets of southern France or the sun-drenched cafés of the Mediterranean, Serge Ferrari® is likely already on your radar. Known globally for their innovative composite fabrics, Serge Ferrari is a French manufacturer that has absolutely dominated the European awning and tensile structure market. Their materials are engineered for superior UV resistance, lightweight strength, and rich, dramatic colors that resist fading—even under the relentless Mediterranean sun.
No other manufacturer has seen more success in the European café and street awning scene than Serge Ferrari. Their flagship lines like Soltis 86 and 502 are staples in architectural design, renowned for both their performance and aesthetic punch.
When you want that elevated, Euro-inspired finish—we offer Serge Ferrari because it brings elite-level form and function together in a way no other brand can.
Why We Trust These Brands—and So Should You
At Walker Awning, we believe that materials matter. We don’t cut corners—and we certainly don’t chase the lowest price tag. Every fabric we offer has been hand-selected for its proven track record, manufacturer integrity, and performance in the field.
Cheap alternatives can fade, crack, stretch, or even mildew in just a few seasons. But when you choose from the best—Sunbrella, Herculite, and Serge Ferrari—you’re investing in fabric that stands the test of time, climate, and style.
Because a great awning doesn’t just cover you—it speaks for you.
