Buying Guide for Canopies

Before you make a final decision on buying a canopy, take a look at our canopy buying guide. Here you'll find plenty of nformation to help you make an informed, confident buying decision.

Size We offer canopies in a wide range of sizes. To figure out the best size for you, consider the space you have available and how you plan to use your canopy. Our canopies range in size from 5 feet by 5 feet up to 18 feet by 40 feet. A good general rule for ensuring the right canopy size is to choose a canopy that is at least 5 feet larger than the area you plan to shade.

Usage

• Craft shows A good canopy for a craft show will be easy to set up and take down. Typically, our 8 by 8 canopies are a good choice. Most are easily transported and the size is just right for such occasions.
  
• Outdoor activities and special occasions -- These are also events that call for portable canopies. Family picnics and weddings vary in size, so we recommend anything between 10-by-12-foot canopies and our 10-by-20-footparty canopies.
  
Backyard or patio -- How often you plan to use a backyard or patio canopy should help you determine whether a portable or fixed canopy better suits your needs. You'll find a nice variety in our selection, ranging from quick pop-up canopies to more permanent canopies and gazebos.

• Carport canopies -- Carport canopies are generally much larger than backyard canopies in order to provide full protection for your vehicle. The right size canopy will depend on the size and/or number of vehicles that require shelter. We offer everything from small canopies for ATVs and small watercraft to canopies large enough for RVs and tour buses.

Material
Our selection of canopies includes options with three grades of material:

• Standard -- The typical material used for canopies is polyester, which is durable and water-resistant. Polyester fabrics often refer to denier, which indicates the thickness of the fabric. The greater the denier, the thicker and more durable the polyester.
• Better -- Polyethylene and polyethene canopy fabrics do a better job of screening out sunlight than polyester does. Both are flame-retardant, have effective UV stabilizers, and retain their strength and flexibility over time.
  
• Best -- Coolaroo is an example of one of our best canopy fabrics. This knitted, breathable outdoor fabric is crafted from high-density polyethylene, which is well-suited to outdoor conditions. Coolaroo fabric provides UV protection, temperature reduction of up to 32%, mold and mildew resistance, and a waterproof seal. It is attractive as well, and available in a variety of stylish colors.

Transportation
If you plan to set up and take down your canopy frequently and in various settings, you'll require one that transports well. This involves how compact the canopy is when not in use, how quickly it sets up, and if it comes with a case or bag to make transport even easier. Look for portable canopies with easy-open designs that set up and take down in minutes. Some fold down to sizes small enough to fit in the trunk of a car. Consider canopies with frames made of lightweight materials, such as aluminum. The lighter the load, the easier it is to transport, whether the trip is across town or across your backyard.