When choosing an awning, you first have to assess the site. A cassette protects the fabric and arms when the awning is closed. That can help the awning stay clean and last longer, especially in British weather.
This guide explains the difference between full cassette and semi-cassette awnings. It also provides information on which type of awning tends to suit common sites, from patios to balconies and shopfronts.
Table of Contents
- What is a full cassette awning?
- What is a semi-cassette awning?
- What to check before you choose
- Choosing the best option for each site type
- Cost of semi cassette vs full cassette awnings
- Explore awnings from Base Direct
What is a full cassette awning?
A full cassette awning closes into a sealed housing. When retracted, the fabric and the arms sit inside the cassette. This provides the highest level of protection from rain, dust, leaves, and bird mess.
Full cassette awnings are often chosen when the awning sits in an exposed spot or will be closed for long periods.
Full cassette usually suits:
- Windy or coastal locations
- Busy streets with traffic film and grime
- Upper floors where access for cleaning is harder
- Homes where a neat finish matters
What is a semi-cassette awning?
A semi-cassette awning protects the fabric when retracted, but the arms stay partly visible. The fabric is still covered, which reduces fading and dirt build-up. The open arms can make the unit a little simpler, and offer strong value for many installs. However, because the arms remain more exposed, a semi-cassette typically offers less overall protection than a full cassette.
Semi-cassette awnings are often chosen for sheltered patios and general garden use. Where conditions are changeable, many people opt for full cassette to take advantage of the extra protection.
Semi-cassette is a great option for:
- Commercial sites with some shelter, such as under eaves
- Rear gardens of British homes
- Installations where budget is a key factor
- Projects where arm visibility is not a concern
What to check before you choose
Exposure to weather and dirt
If the wall tends to receive the brunt of heavy rain, wind, or debris, the extra enclosure of a full cassette is beneficial. If the area is sheltered, a semi-cassette awning can be enough. Think about the prevailing wind direction, whether there are trees overhead, if there are any roads nearby, and if the site is in a coastal area with salty air.
Height and access
On balconies and upper floors, it can be harder to carry out cleaning and checks. A full cassette awning can reduce how often you need to maintain the fabric and arms.
How often the awning will be used
A busy terrace that opens and closes the awning every day can benefit from a higher level of protection when not in use. A semi-cassette can still work well if the site is sheltered and the awning is cared for.
Visual finish
Some sites require a discreet look. Full cassette awnings hide more of the moving parts when closed. Semi-cassette awnings still look tidy, but the arms might be visible.
Mounting and structure
Both types need safe fixing into the right substrate. The best choice also depends on where the brackets can go and how the loads will be carried. Always follow manufacturer’s guidance and assess the wall properly.
Choosing the best option for each site type
A sheltered garden patio
A sheltered patio might sit beneath eaves, have a balcony above, or maybe a recessed wall. In these cases, a semi-cassette can protect the awning fabric well, but a full cassette offers more complete protection.
Choose a semi-cassette if the awning is not in a direct wind path, the wall stays fairly clean and trees and debris are limited. If you want to minimise cleaning and keep the mechanism more protected, choose a full cassette.
Exposed patio or coastal site
Open gardens, elevated plots, and coastal areas can be tough on an awning. A full cassette helps keep fabric and arms protected when closed. In the long run, that can reduce staining and wear.
Choose a full cassette when there are higher levels of wind, debris lands on the front edge, or the wall faces a wide, open area. A full cassette is also recommended for coastal areas where the air is salty.
Balcony and roof terrace
Balconies can collect dirt from above and around the building. Access for cleaning can also be awkward. A full cassette helps keep the awning tidy when not in use.
If the balcony is on an upper floor (making the unit hard to reach) choose a full cassette awning. The same applies if the building frontage requires a neat finish.
A semi-cassette can still work if the balcony is recessed and well sheltered. But if you want the neatest look when closed, full cassette is usually preferred.
Shopfronts and high street locations
Shopfront awnings face higher levels of dust and need to be robust enough for regular public use. A full cassette can keep the awning looking cleaner for longer. A semi-cassette suits sites with some shelter.
When the shop is located on a busy road with limited access for cleaning, choose a full cassette awning.
If the frontage is more sheltered, you may choose a semi-cassette awning; but full cassette is still often preferred for a cleaner closed look and better all-round protection.
Cafés, bars and restaurants
Hospitality terraces often open and close their awning many times per week. Appearance matters, and the awning may be on show all year.
Choose a full cassette awning if it’s going to get daily use, the terrace is exposed, and the finish needs to look smart when closed up.
You may also want motorised control for quick use, wind and sun sensors for safer operation, and integrated lighting for evening trade.
Large spans and big projections
Large awnings can be found in both full cassette and semi-cassette forms. The choice comes down to exposure, structure, and desired finish.
If you want maximum protection for your awning when it is closed as it is exposed to the elements, you need a full cassette awning.
For a more budget friendly option for sheltered sites, a semi-cassette awning can work – but as a large awning is a significant investment, we recommend full cassette to help protect it when retracted.
Always do your due diligence on the bracket positions, substrate, and loading for awnings with large spans.
Cost of semi cassette vs full cassette awnings
Full cassette awnings tend to cost more, because the cassette is larger and encloses more of the system. Semi-cassette awnings often cost less while still protecting the fabric. For many sites, the extra enclosure of a full cassette is worth it for longevity and reduced cleaning.
A simple way to decide:
- High exposure often favours full cassette awnings
- Sheltered sites sometimes suits semi-cassette awnings
- If you want the most complete protection and the neatest finish, full cassette is usually the stronger choice.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Picking a semi-cassette awning for a very exposed wall
- Ignoring how wind funnels around corners and between buildings
- Fitting the awning without checking the wall structure and fixings
- Setting the pitch too low, which can affect rain run-off
- Skipping automation on windy sites, where sensors can be a big help
Explore awnings from Base Direct
For most installations, a full cassette awning is the best all-round option. It encloses the fabric and arms when retracted, helps reduce exposure to dirt and weather, and delivers the cleanest finish when closed. To compare styles, sizes, and options, view our residential and commercial awnings and shortlist the models that best fit your site and specification.