I wasted years using a garden parasol – we swapped it for a crank awning, and it's doubled our usable shade during sunny days on our patio

As part of the work we've been doing on our house, we also gave our patio a much-needed makeover. Once the new space was finished, I wanted to make sure we could enjoy it as much as possible, especially on hot, sunny days. That's what prompted me to swap our parasol aesthetic for a crank awning from 247 Blinds, and it's easily been one of the best decisions we have made so far.

If you'd asked me a few summers ago what the best way to add shade to a patio was, I'd have said a good parasol. It's a classic choice for a reason. It's easily moveable, there are lots of variations in design, and there's one that suits every space. And for years ours did the job well enough.

But after one too many sunny afternoons constantly repositioning it to chase the shade, while the heavy base got in the way of chairs and took up valuable patio space, I started looking at other solutions. And a crank awning is by far the best choice.

The biggest surprise wasn't just that there was more shade, but how much more patio became usable. With a parasol, you're always working around the central pole. The shade shifts throughout the day, meaning someone inevitably ends up sitting in full sun, while the bulky base takes up precious floor space and limits where furniture can go.

In contrast, the awning extends directly from the house, covering our seating area evenly without anything interrupting the space underneath. Our coffee table, chairs and outdoor seating area could all sit comfortably beneath it.

It also shades the paving itself, which makes a noticeable difference to little feet on the hot days we've been having this summer. Rather than the patio absorbing heat and radiating it back up, the whole space feels way more pleasant to sit in.

I chose a manual crank awning because I wanted something simple and reliable, as I'd heard that some electric mechanisms could be temperamental and let's face it, the manual was more budget-friendly.

While fitting it definitely isn't a one-person job because you'll need at least two people to safely lift and secure the awning onto the wall brackets. However, it's completely worth the effort and not at all unattainable to do yourself if you've got a good drill, as it comes complete with all the screws and fixings.

Once installed, the awning looks incredibly sleek against the house and feels much more like a permanent feature than a freestanding parasol ever did.

Using it is really simple too. A few turns of the crank handle and the awning smoothly extends across the patio. If the weather changes or we want more sunshine late in the day, it rolls in just as quickly.

I also like that you can choose how far to extend it depending on the weather, which is a little different to something like a shade sail, which isn't as adjustable. On a warm day, I wind it out partway, while during heatwaves and strong sun I extend it fully to maximise shade.

Shop crank awning alternatives

One thing I hadn't expected was its many cooling benefits. By preventing direct sunlight from reaching both the patio and the back of the house, our awning creates a much more comfortable, cooler outdoor space.

And as a bonus, it's helped keep our house cooler too. Because it shades our patio doors during the hottest part of the day, far less direct sunlight streams inside, which is very welcome, as our well-glazed space can become sweltering. I've definitely noticed it doesn't heat up as quickly, so it's much more comfortable to sit in.

Another big advantage is that the awning is easily put away. When it's retracted, it sits neatly against the house, so it doesn't dominate the space like a pergola or parasol would. Our patio looks way more considered now too with this built-in patio cover, and it really complements the rest of our renovation.

Don't get me wrong, a parasol still has its place for smaller patios, balconies and if you're renting, but if your seating area is against your house, an awning offers far more consistent coverage. Plus, it'll make the space feel more like an outdoor living room, and because the fabric is waterproof, it's also a great place to shelter from the rain and stay outside, especially if you're hosting.

So, if you've done something similar to us and you've invested in your patio and want to make the most of it, I'd wholeheartedly recommend considering an awning. Aside from it being a genius shade idea, it's also a sure-fire way to make your patio look more expensive to boot.