How to choose an awning?
Choosing an awning comes down to three decisions that determine satisfaction for years: the right cassette type for the Estonian climate, the right size for your terrace, and the right model for your use. This guide walks through each step and gives a clear recommendation — for most terraces, Scandipro Economy offers the best value. See also: How to install an awning?
Why choose an awning?
Terrace awning is a permanent shade structure mounted to a wall, ceiling or roof beam. It does not get in the way on the terrace and takes no floor space. Unlike a parasol, an awning covers a larger area evenly and works as a design element — part of the building exterior.
All Tentest awnings are motorized with remote control: when closed, the cassette hides the fabric; when open, they provide shade from sun and light rain. If you are deciding between an awning and a terrace parasol, see our separate comparison: Terrace parasol vs awning →
Full cassette vs semi-cassette — millist valida?
This is the most important choice in the Estonian climate.
Full cassette awning
A powder-coated aluminium cassette fully covers the fabric when closed, protecting it from moisture, dirt, UV radiation and cold. In a Nordic climate where the awning stays closed much of the year, we recommend a full cassette to extend product life.
Semi-cassette
The fabric is partly covered and remains visible underneath. Lighter construction but more exposed to weather. Suitable under a wind box where there is extra protection from moisture.
Expert recommendation
In the Estonian climate, choose a full cassette. In the Tentest range, Economy, Premium and Ultra are all full cassette awnings. If you specifically want a semi-cassette, we offer it on the Standard model (full or semi-cassette).
Choosing the right size
An awning has two dimensions: width (the wall length you cover) and projection (how far the awning extends over the terrace).
- Width — measure the wall length to be covered and leave a small margin on each side. For larger areas, install multiple awnings side by side.
- Projection — kui sügavale soovid varju. Arvesta, et markiis jääb avatult kaldega (esiserv allpool), seega tegelik kaetud ala on veidi väiksem kui väljaulatuvus. Markiisi ei pea täies ulatuses avama — saab kasutada ka osaliselt avatult. Projectiont saab puldist reguleerida vastavalt vajadusele.
- Height and pitch — recommended height difference between cassette and front bar is 30–50 cm so rain drains off the fabric.
Stock sizes
Economy is available in fixed sizes (3×2.5 / 3.5×3 / 4×3 / 4.5×3 / 5×3 / 5.5×3 m) — standard colours in stock for fast delivery.
Custom size
Standard, Premium, Ultra ja Ultra + Screen can be ordered to the centimetre when the terrace needs an exact fit.
Which model to choose?
Scandipro Economy — most popular choice
Scandipro Economy on Tentesti enimmüüdud terrassimarkiis — õige valik enamik kodudele ja terrassidele. Full cassette awning on varustatud mootori, LED lightinge, raputusanduri ja puldiga — parim hinna-kvaliteedi suhe valikus.
- Powder-coated all-aluminium cassette and joints — available in grey, white and black
- Waterproof PU-coated, UV-resistant acrylic fabric (280 g/m²)
- Included: wall brackets, LED lighting, vibration sensor, remote control and crank (for manual closing if the motor fails or power is lost)
- Pitch adjustable 5–35° (drop up to 50 cm per 3 m)
- Wall, ceiling or roof beam mounting — ceiling and beam brackets available separately
- Standard fabric colours: light beige, dark beige, grey, striped, black or burgundy. Custom fabric colours available — view options here
- Available sizes: 3×2.5 / 3.5×3 / 4×3 / 4.5×3 / 5×3 / 5.5×3 m
Vibration sensor reacts to awning movement in wind and retracts it automatically — it is not the same as a separate wind sensor, but provides basic wind protection. Close the awning in strong wind.
Best for: home terrace, balcony, summer house — when you want a quality full cassette awning in standard sizes with fast delivery.
Scandipro Standard
Classic motorized awning: available as full or semi-cassette (width 300–550 cm, projection 195–295 cm). For those who want a semi-cassette.
View product
Scandipro Premium
Professional model for wall or ceiling mounting. Custom sizes to the centimetre up to 500×300 cm — for private homes and HoReCa terraces needing exact dimensions or ceiling installation.
View product
Scandipro Ultra
Largest coverage in the range, up to 600×400 cm when open, elegant modern design. Optional LED lighting and weather sensor. Professional solution for large terraces, restaurants and institutions.
View product
Scandipro Ultra + EXTRA screen
Two-in-one: motorized awning with vertical screen roller protecting from low sun and wind — what a classic awning cannot cover. Custom up to 600×350 cm.
View productFabric, colour and pitch
- Fabric — all Tentest awnings use water- and UV-resistant acrylic fabric. Light rain does not pass through.
- Colour — darker tones (black, dark beige, grey) give more shade and hide dust better; light and striped fabrics look lighter. Match your facade. Custom covers available: Scandipro awning fabrics (PDF) →
- Pitch — steeper pitch drains rain faster. Below 14° pitch, close the awning during heavier rain.
Motor, LED and wind sensor
Motor and remote are included. Economy also includes a crank for manual closing if needed.
- LED lighting — standard on Economy or optional. Makes the terrace usable after dark.
- Vibration sensor vs tuuleandur — Economy has a vibration sensor that reacts to movement in wind and retracts automatically. This is not the same as a separate wind sensor (weather sensor) available on Ultra models that measures wind strength directly. Both extend awning life, but close the awning in windy weather.
- Wind class — awnings are designed for wind class I (moderate wind, 5.5–7.5 m/s). Retract in strong wind.
Model comparison
| Model | Cassette | Max size | LED | Wind/vibration sensor | Installation | Kellele |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Full cassette | 5,5×3 m | ✔ included | Vibration sensor komplektis | Wall / ceiling / beam | Home, balcony, summer house — recommended |
| Standard | Full / semi | 5,5×2,95 m | — | Optional | Wall | Home use, semi-cassette |
| Premium | Full cassette | 5×3 m | Optional | Optional | Wall + ceiling | Private home, HoReCa, custom size |
| Ultra | Full cassette | 6×4 m | Optional | Wind sensor optional | Wall | Large terrace, restaurant |
| Ultra + Screen | Full cassette | 6×3,5 m | Optional | Wind sensor optional | Wall | Low sun / wind protection |
Note: Standard / Premium / Ultra / Ultra + Screen models can be ordered with cassette colours based on RAL codes.
Expert recommendation
For most terraces the right choice is Scandipro Economy. Everything included — best value for money. In stock now.
- Economy → most homes and terraces; best value, in stock
- Standard → if you want a semi-cassette
- Premium → if you need ceiling mounting or cm-precise size
- Ultra → large terraces, restaurants and institutions
- Ultra + Screen → when low evening sun or wind is an issue
Correct installation is as important as choosing the right model.
Frequently asked questions
Which awning is best for a home terrace?
Scandipro Economy suits most homes — full cassette awning with motor, LED and vibration sensor, best value and in stock. Tentest installs this model over 100 times a year.
What is the difference between full and semi-cassette awnings?
A full cassette fully covers the fabric when closed and protects it from weather — recommended in the Estonian climate. A semi-cassette leaves the fabric partly exposed underneath.
What size awning do I need?
Measure the wall width to cover and desired projection. Economy covers up to 5.5 m width; for larger areas install several side by side or choose Ultra (up to 6 m).
Are awnings waterproof?
The fabric has a water- and UV-resistant coating — light rain does not pass through. Retract the awning during heavy or prolonged rain.
Can I install an awning myself?
You can install an awning yourself — we provide the materials. For worry-free use and to avoid issues we still recommend professional installation. See the installation guide or book installation.
Does the Economy awning have a wind sensor?
Economy has a vibration sensor that reacts to movement in wind and retracts automatically. This is not the same as a separate wind sensor (weather sensor) — the latter can be added to Ultra models. Close the awning in strong wind.
How do I maintain an awning?
Retract only when the fabric is dry to prevent mould. After rain, open fully and let dry before closing. Clean with a soft brush and neutral soap — not a pressure washer. Check bolts and joints once a year.
How much does an awning cost?
Price depends on model, size, fabric and extras (LED, sensor). Many models are custom size, so we quote exactly — request a quote here or call +372 669 1828. You can also buy on instalments: 0% interest, €0 down payment, first payment after one month.
How long does an awning last?
With proper care a quality full cassette awning lasts for years. Three things extend life: full cassette (protects fabric when closed), retracting dry fabric, and annual inspection. Avoid pressure washers and harsh chemicals to keep the fabric coating intact.
Do I need to remove the awning for winter?
No. You do not need to remove a full cassette awning for winter — the powder-coated aluminium cassette fully covers the fabric and protects it from moisture, dirt and cold. Retract the awning dry before winter and leave it closed. Do not open the awning in winter to avoid snow and ice load.
Need help?
Our experts will help you find the right solution