Retractable Awning Cost Long Island: 2026 Pricing Guide

One of the first questions every homeowner asks us — and reasonably so — is "how much does a retractable awning cost?" The answer is genuinely variable, because awning pricing depends on five or six distinct factors. This guide breaks down exactly what you will pay for a retractable awning installation on Long Island in 2026, what is included in that price, and where the costs come from so you can make an informed decision.

We are Long Island Shade Co., a certified SunSetter and Sunesta installer based in Copiague, serving Nassau and Suffolk Counties since 2006. These prices reflect our actual current pricing — not a national average diluted across markets where labor costs are half what they are on Long Island.

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The Short Answer: $1,800 to $5,500+ Installed

For a residential retractable awning on Long Island, expect to pay:

These are fully installed prices including the awning unit, all mounting hardware, labor, and (for motorized units) motor wiring. They do not include optional structural reinforcement, which is occasionally needed for older homes.

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What Drives Retractable Awning Cost

1. Width and Projection Size

The single biggest driver of awning cost is size. More width means more fabric, a longer roller tube, heavier arms, and more installation labor. More projection means longer, heavier arms.

Current price per linear foot of width (installed, mid-grade motorized awning):

• 8–12 ft wide: $275–$325/ft
• 13–18 ft wide: $250–$285/ft
• 19–24 ft wide: $235–$265/ft

Note the slight economy of scale as width increases — the fixed costs of installation (labor, hardware, motor) spread across more fabric.

Projection depth adds cost primarily through arm weight and complexity: a 10-foot-projection arm is more expensive than an 8-foot arm in both material and handling.

2. Manual vs. Motorized

A motorized awning costs $1,200–$1,800 more than an equivalent manual awning at equivalent size. The motor unit itself (a Somfy or Lutron motor) runs $400–$700 wholesale. The remainder is installation labor (running wire, programming) and the cost of the higher-spec arm assemblies that motorized units typically use.

Is motorization worth it on Long Island? In our opinion, yes for any primary patio awning. The wind sensor capability alone justifies the premium — Long Island's sudden afternoon thunderstorms regularly catch manual awning owners off guard.

3. Brand and Product Line

SunSetter is excellent value at the entry and mid tier. Sunesta justifies its premium with heavier-gauge arm construction, wider span capability, and a longer warranty. For most Long Island homeowners with a 12–16-foot patio, SunSetter Vista motorized is the sweet spot. For wider patios or waterfront properties, Sunesta is the right choice.

4. Add-Ons: Sensors, Smart Home, LED

The wind sensor is the add-on we recommend most strongly for Long Island. The sun sensor is useful for south-facing applications or homes occupied by elderly residents. Smart home integration is a low-cost add-on that adds real convenience.

5. Installation Complexity

Standard mounting to a flat wood or vinyl siding wall with a stud finder and lag bolt installation: minimal complexity, no premium. But several conditions add installation cost:

Stucco or EIFS (Dryvit) siding — Common in newer Nassau County colonials. Mounting into stucco/EIFS requires drilling through to the framing without damaging the finish layer. Add $100–$250.

Brick or masonry — Requires masonry anchors rather than wood lag bolts. Add $150–$300.

Second-floor mounting — Requires scaffolding or extension ladder work. Add $150–$300.

Fascia reinforcement — Occasionally the fascia board is not structurally adequate to hold the awning load. We add blocking behind the fascia. Add $200–$400.

Electrical wiring distance — If the nearest 110V outlet is more than 15 feet from the mounting location, we need to run additional wire. Add $100–$250.

6. Long Island Labor Rates

Nassau and Suffolk County labor rates are meaningfully higher than national averages. A professional awning installation on Long Island includes:

• Licensed, insured installation crew (not day laborers)
• Workers' compensation and liability insurance
• Union-equivalent wage rates in Nassau County particularly

Expect to pay approximately 20–30% more for the same awning installation here versus the national average. This is real — it reflects the actual cost of doing business on Long Island — and any quote you receive that is substantially below these benchmarks should prompt questions about who is doing the work and whether they are properly licensed and insured.

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What Is (and Is Not) Included

Typically Included in a Long Island Shade Co. Quote

• Awning unit (shipped to us or directly to your home)
• All mounting hardware appropriate for your wall type
• Motor installation and wiring to nearest appropriate power source (within 15 feet)
• Remote control programming and sensor calibration
• Full extension-and-retraction testing post-installation
• Walkthrough and care instructions
• 2-year labor warranty on installation

Typically NOT Included (Quoted Separately If Needed)

• Permit fees (rare for retractable awnings — usually not required)
• Structural reinforcement of inadequate mounting surface
• Electrical circuit addition if no nearby outlet exists
• Remote home-automation system enrollment (handled by your AV integrator)
• Seasonal takedown and storage service

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How Long Island Prices Compare to Big-Box Store DIY

SunSetter sells direct and through Costco. The awning unit cost is similar. Here is where the comparison breaks down:

For a motivated homeowner on a flat wall with an accessible outlet, DIY installation is genuinely feasible with SunSetter's instructions. For anything involving stucco, brick, EIFS, second-floor mounting, or a motorized unit, professional installation is the right call.

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2026 Price Reality Check: What Has Changed

Awning pricing in 2026 is approximately 12–18% higher than 2022 prices, driven by:

• Aluminum extrusion costs (up 20% from 2022 lows)
• Acrylic fabric pricing (stable, but transportation costs elevated)
• Long Island labor rates (up 10–15% since 2022)

SunSetter prices increased 8% in the 2025 model year. Sunesta prices were relatively stable due to their domestic manufacturing base. We expect 2026–2027 pricing to remain stable barring significant raw material disruptions.

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Getting an Accurate Quote

The only way to get an accurate price for your specific situation is a site visit. Long Island Shade Co. provides free in-home estimates throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. We measure the space, assess the mounting surface, discuss options, and provide a detailed written proposal — usually within 24 hours of the visit.

Call (234) 567-8900 or [request your free estimate online](/contact/).

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