Awnings

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St. Pete Fabrication

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Modern Metal Awnings and Cantilever Canopies in St. Petersburg, FL


Awnings and canopies have long been essential architectural features, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits to buildings. 


In commercial architecture, awnings create inviting entrances, protect outdoor spaces, and add character to storefronts, restaurants, and office buildings.


Unlike traditional cloth awnings, which feature fabric stretched over a frame, cantilever awnings are often made from durable metal and are designed to deliver a clean, modern look.

Why Metal Awnings are a Superior Choice


Known for their superior strength and resilience, metal awnings are an ideal choice for commercial applications, especially in areas prone to strong winds or heavy rains, like we get in the Gulf Coast. In addition to their strength, metal awnings require minimal maintenance and have an impressive lifespan, often lasting up to 30 years.


Here’s why they are the preferred choice for many developers and builders around St. Petersburg:

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Longevity and Low Maintenance

Metal awnings are built to withstand the test of time, offering exceptional resistance to weather, corrosion, and wear. Their durability means less upkeep and fewer repairs, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.

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Energy Efficiency

By providing shade and reducing solar heat gain, metal awnings help lower cooling costs during St. Pete’s hot summers. This energy-saving feature makes them a practical and eco-friendly addition to any retail building or townhome.

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Sustainability

Materials like aluminum and steel are fully recyclable, and their long lifespan minimizes waste over time. Choosing a fully metal awning is a step toward sustainable building practices that reduce environmental impact.

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Flexibility

Metal awnings come in a variety of customizable styles, from slat designs to sleek industrial looks, allowing them to fit seamlessly into modern or traditional architectural designs. Whether for an office, residential project, or store front, awnings deliver both functionality and aesthetic appeal. They can be made in nearly any size or color allowing easy coverings for windows, doorways or long runs over a sidewalk or entrance. For patio areas in which you don't want a complete covering, check out the custom pergola options we can build for you.

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The Aesthetic and Functional Benefits of Cantilever Awnings


Designed with both aesthetics and utility in mind, these awnings are an excellent way to elevate the appearance of a building while addressing practical needs such as shade and weather protection.

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Customization and Space Optimization

Cantilever awnings can be tailored with a variety of materials, finishes, colors, and custom metal designs to match the specific style and needs of any project. 


Unlike traditional awnings that sometimes require column support poles running to the ground which can obstruct space, the cantilever design offers a clean, unobstructed area that maximizes usability. Modern awnings appear to hang from the wall without any lower supports. Instead, support rods connect to the front of the awning and continue to the building where they are mounted using brackets. This process transfers the weight to the wall and keeps the area underneath the awning free of any additional support poles.

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Practicality and Robust Protection from the Elements

A metal canopy will shield outdoor spaces from harmful UV rays and provide shelter from Florida’s frequent rain showers, ensuring that walkways, entryways, and seating areas remain usable year-round. 


Additionally, their robust construction and secure attachment to any building facade is designed to endure strong winds, making them a long-term investment in maintaining the comfort and usability of your outdoor spaces.

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Enhanced Outdoor Comfort

One of the most significant advantages of installing cantilever awnings is the improvement in outdoor comfort. With a cantilever shade structure, you'll have a cool, protected space where you can relax or entertain. 


For homes in the Burg, a canopy offers the perfect retreat from direct sunlight, and for businesses, they ensure customers can enjoy al fresco dining or outdoor events in comfort. They're sturdy enough to hang or attach fans and misters too as well.

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Durability and Energy Efficiency

Constructed from strong materials like aluminum and powder-coated steel, cantilever awnings are built to withstand Florida’s challenging climate, resisting corrosion and requiring minimal maintenance. Beyond their durability, these awnings also contribute to energy efficiency by reducing heat gain.

Common Types of Metal Awnings We Offer


We offer a variety of high-quality metal awnings to suit a range of architectural styles and functional needs. Here’s an idea of some types of metal awnings that we can create for your project:

  • Aluminum Awnings

    Aluminum awnings are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective, making them ideal for modern commercial and residential applications with customizable colors and finishes. This is likely the most common material you will see used in the market today, mainly due to cost and material weight.

  • Steel Awnings

    Steel awnings are incredibly strong and durable, offering excellent protection against harsh weather and customizable in flat, curved, or dome-shaped designs.

  • Copper Awnings

    Copper awnings add a touch of elegance with their unique patina finish, making them a sophisticated, long-lasting choice for upscale properties. These can also be paired with glass panels for luxurious, unique looks on custom builds.

  • Galvanized Steel Awnings

    Galvanized steel awnings are coated with zinc to resist corrosion, ensuring they maintain their strength and beauty in humid or rainy climates.

  • Wrought Iron Awnings

    Wrought iron awnings feature ornate, timeless designs that are perfect for historical restorations or adding classic charm to any property. When the motif is of utmost importance, this material can deliver highly customized options.

Awning Styles to Consider


Choosing the right metal awning starts with identifying the style that perfectly aligns with your requirements. Metal awnings come exclusively in a fixed style. Although materials such as fabric offer more flexibility with options like retractable or motorized designs, they frequently compromise on durability and strength. 


Here are the popular styles of awnings: 

  • Fixed Awnings

    These are permanently installed and offer the most reliable protection against UV rays and rain. Metal awnings, in particular, excel in this category.

  • Retractable Awnings

    Commonly used with fabric, this style allows you to adjust the awning to maximize sunshine during colder months or retract it during storms.

  • Motorized Awnings

    A high-end option often paired with fabric, motorized awnings allow for effortless retraction and extension, though they lack the durability of metal.

  • Portable Awnings

    Lightweight and movable, portable awnings are more suitable for temporary use and outdoor events.

At St. Pete Fabrication, we focus on building and installing cantilever awnings as well as metal frames for typical cloth awnings that are mounted in place. As a local welding shop, we don’t offer fully retractable options you might see for home patios. If you are shopping for that style of awning, we suggest you look for a company that specializes in retractable awnings for homes.

Custom Design, Installation, and Applications for Cantilever Awnings in St. Pete


At our company, we take pride in delivering custom cantilever awnings that seamlessly combine style, functionality, and durability. Serving a wide range of applications across St. Petersburg, FL, we provide tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each project. We design, build, and install your awnings—all with one team—so you don’t have to find extra companies to help.

How We Design, Build, and Install Custom Awnings

  • End-to-End Service: We manage the entire process under one roof, eliminating the need for multiple contractors and saving you time and effort.
  • Custom Drainage Systems: Our cantilever awnings are equipped with integrated drainage and internal downspouts to handle Florida’s frequent rain storms effectively.
  • Tailored Metal Fabrication: Whether your project calls for aluminum, steel, or other metals, we create precise designs to meet your exact specifications.
  • Powder Coating Options: Choose from a wide selection of powder-coated finishes for enhanced aesthetics and long-lasting protection against the elements.
  • Attractive Brackets: Where the overhead supports mount to your building, we offer a variety of mounting plates for added control over the finished look.

Applications for Cantilever Awnings in St. Pete

  • Storefront Awnings: Improve visibility, protect entrances, and create a welcoming facade for retail stores.
  • Restaurant Canopies: Provide shade for outdoor dining areas and shelter for entryways, enhancing the customer experience.
  • Office Buildings: Add modern coverage to exterior walkways, entrances, or shared outdoor spaces.
  • Townhomes and Small Commercial Buildings: Create sleek, modern designs for sidewalks or parking lot entrances, adding style and functionality to multi-unit residential and small business properties. If you have an urban short  term rental, an awning can give a personal touch with added weather protection.
  • New Construction: For all types of clients, we're happy to quote as your metalwork subcontractor. If you have an array of needs on your new building, we can handle emergency stairs, DOT handrails, cantilever canopies over all walkways and much more.

Cantilever Awnings: A Great Alternative to Cloth Awnings


Traditional cloth awnings consist of fabric stretched over a metal frame, offering a classic look that complements many architectural styles. They are lightweight, versatile, and available in a variety of colors and patterns. However, cloth awnings are more prone to wear and tear, requiring regular cleaning and periodic replacements due to fading, mildew, and damage from wind or rain. While we make these frames and install them in strip malls or other locations, the overall market is trending towards the modern, flat look which compliments the design of any building, new or old.

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Why Upgrade to Cantilever Awnings


Cantilever awnings offer a significant upgrade over cloth options, particularly in terms of durability and modern aesthetics. Constructed from robust materials, cantilever awnings are designed to withstand Florida’s harsh weather conditions.


Take, for example, a restaurant owner in Gulfport who recently upgraded from fabric awnings to custom cantilever designs. After years of dealing with fading, tearing, and constant replacements due to the weather, they made the switch to cantilever awnings. 


Not only did the elegant, modern look improve the curb appearance of their restaurant, but the sturdy metal structure ensured year-round dependability, saving them time, money, and irritation. 


Additionally, cantilever awnings require minimal maintenance compared to fabric alternatives, as they resist corrosion, fading, and deterioration over time. For developers, builders, and property owners seeking a long-term investment that delivers both style and functionality, cantilever awnings are the clear choice.

Why Choose Us for Your Awning Installation in St. Pete


Developers, builders, and contractors in St. Petersburg, FL trust our awning installation services. We have unparalleled knowledge of the local area's architectural styles and climatic problems, including Downtown St. Pete, Gulfport, Treasure Island, and Madeira Beach. For substantial jobs, we can travel south to Bradenton or north to areas like Tarpon Springs or beyond.


We handle all your awning needs. From concept to manufacturing and installation, our team does everything in-house. This integrated method saves you time, effort, and the inconvenience of coordinating with various contractors, ensuring your project is done on time and to the highest standards.


We stand out for our business clients. We tailor solutions to commercial locations, including retail storefronts, office buildings, restaurants, and small businesses. We know how important it is to make awnings that protect and enhance your property.


After years of successful projects in Pinellas County, we are known for designing and constructing strong, beautiful, and long-lasting metal awnings and canopy styles. Developers and builders in St. Pete choose us for our quality and attention to detail. Give us a call to learn more or set up a free consultation.

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