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Understanding Cassette Awnings: A buyer’s guide

Posted on January 16, 2025 by Emily Ha

When you are looking for a retractable awning, you may frequently see the term ‘’cassette’’. It is essential to understand what it means. A cassette is the protective cover that surrounds the fabric and motors of an awning when it is not used. 

It can be considered as a shelter to keep your awning clean, protecting it from weather conditions and prolong its longevity.

There are three common types of cassette awnings: full cassette, semi-cassette, and open cassette. Each type of awning provides different levels of safety and utility. In this article, our expert team from Samson Outdoor Living team will go over these types in details and showcase their features and advantages so you can make a smart choice which option best matches your requirements.

Full Cassettes

The full cassette awning is designed to fully enclose the awning fabric, arms, and roller motor from all weathers. When the awning is completely closed, the fabric rolls inside the cassette, and the arms fold inward. This design offers the best protection from the elements, prevents sun damage to the fabric, and increases its lifespan.

In terms of aesthetical speaking, it has the tidiest look out of all the cassettes as there is no sign of the internal workings of the awnings themselves. Therefore, full cassette awnings are more expensive than other models.

Therefore, the full cassettes are ideal for areas with extreme weather conditions. if you are living in coastal towns with climate unique to their environment or in the North of England where heavy snow happens in the winter regularly, the full cassette is the ideal option for you.

See our most popular full cassette awnings: Markilux 6000 or Weinor Cassista II

Semi Cassettes

Semi Cassettes means semi enclosed, covering the upper section of the fabric and mechanism when retracted while the motor is exposed. This design offers a decent balance between protection and aesthetic, providing enough shelter for the fabric while retaining a sleek design.

As a result, the semi-cassette are best suited for sheltered gardens, patios or locations that experience only mild seasonal weather changes. We recommend this style of awning for customers in the lower midlands, where there is an appropriate distance from the sea and mild temperature and humidity rises and drops.

Check out the most popular semi cassette awnings: Markilux 1600 Stretch or Weinor Semina.

Open Cassettes

Open cassette awnings offer a sleek and minimalist design, making them an attractive choice for those seeking a budget-friendly shading solution. Unlike full-cassette models, these awnings do not feature a protective housing to enclose the fabric when retracted, making them ideal for installations where existing structural elements provide some level of protection. For instance, they pair perfectly with overhanging balconies or roof eaves that shield the awning from direct exposure to rain, wind, and debris. This practical option delivers both functionality and style, ensuring comfortable outdoor spaces without compromising on affordability.

See our most popular open cassette awnings: Markilux 1300 or Weinor Topas Awnings

With some outlines, we hope you can make your choice more easily.  Discover our all-season collections at Samson Outdoor Living including our premium awnings that provide ample shade and shelter outdoors here or contact us today if you have any questions:

TEL: 01933 448 844

Email: enquiries@samsonawnings.co.uk

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