Folding Arm Awnings: Open vs Semi-Cassette vs Full Cassette — Complete Australian Guide

Quick answer: Folding arm awnings come in three hardware styles. Open (no cassette) awnings are the most affordable — from $2,200 in Australia — but leave the fabric roll exposed. Semi-cassette awnings (from around $3,800–$4,800) shield the fabric from above with a hood. Full-cassette awnings (from around $6,500) completely enclose the fabric and arms in an aluminium housing when retracted, giving the longest fabric life and the cleanest look. Choose open for protected positions such as under eaves, semi-cassette for most homes, and full cassette for exposed walls, premium facades and maximum longevity.

Open vs semi-cassette vs full-cassette at a glance

What is a full-cassette folding arm awning?

When a full-cassette awning retracts, the fabric roll and the folding arms disappear completely inside an extruded aluminium housing. Dirt, rain and UV cannot reach the fabric, which is why full-cassette awnings keep their colour and coating for decades rather than years. They are typically motorised as standard and suit smart-home integration — the Aluxor Stratos III in our range pairs German-engineered hardware with wind and sun sensor compatibility.

What is a semi-cassette awning?

A semi-cassette (or hooded) awning covers the rolled fabric from above and behind, leaving the underside open. It captures most of the protective benefit of a full cassette at a lower price, and the slimmer profile suits typical residential facades. This is the most popular choice for Australian family homes.

When is an open awning the right choice?

If your awning mounts under the eaves, under a balcony, or on a south-facing protected wall, the fabric is already shielded — paying for a cassette adds little. Open awnings such as the Sirocco Piccolo (up to 5m wide, from $2,200) are also the lightest option for balconies and small terraces. An optional aluminium pelmet can be added later for extra protection.

How wide can a folding arm awning go?

Single units in our range span up to 7–8 metres wide with projections up to 4 metres, depending on model. Wider openings are handled by coupling units side by side. Projection (how far the awning extends) is usually the dimension that determines arm hardware and price.

Should I motorise my folding arm awning?

For any awning wider than about 4 metres, yes — the fabric and arm weight make manual cranking a chore you will avoid, and an awning you retract promptly in wind lasts years longer. Motorised awnings can add wind sensors that retract the awning automatically. Premium models integrate with smart home systems via Alpha RTS or Somfy RTS motors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the fabric last?

Quality acrylic awning fabric typically gives 10–15 years of service; a cassette meaningfully extends this by protecting the roll when retracted. When fabric does fade, our recover service replaces it on your existing frame from a fraction of replacement cost.

Can folding arm awnings handle wind?

Folding arm awnings are sun-shading structures, not storm shelters — retract them in strong gusts. European-certified arms (such as the Dyneema®-taped Sirocco arms or TUV-certified Aluxor Secuflex arms in our range) tolerate everyday breezes; a wind sensor automates the judgement call.

What warranty applies?

The Sirocco range carries a 5-year warranty; Aluxor systems are backed by Aluxor Industries’ Australian after-sales support. Full details on each product page.

Prices last reviewed July 2026 — starting prices, custom made to measure, inc GST. Fabricated on the NSW Central Coast, shipped Australia-wide.