Canopy Design Guide: Selection to Solution.
A comprehensive guide to metal canopy designs — exploring types, materials and answering the questions we hear most.
What is a canopy?
The term canopy can be used to refer to a range of similar structures, including an al fresco dining canopy, entrance canopy, cantilevered canopy, walkway canopy, carport canopy and door canopy.
Explore the options
Freestanding Canopy
A freestanding canopy is a structure designed to provide shelter or shade, typically outdoors, that is not attached to any other structure such as a building or a wall. It usually consists of a framework supporting a covering material like glass panels.
The freestanding canopy for The Rabbit hotel in Ireland was designed with an additional glazed vertical screen to provide guests with a sheltered, inviting and space to unwind and indulge in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The project has not only enhanced the hotel's physical environment but also contributed to its reputation as a premier destination for travellers seeking a truly exceptional getaway experience throughout the year. As well as being glazed with 10mm thick safety glass a barrier guard rail was also incorporated due to the drop below.
Al fresco Dining Canopy
Outdoor dining canopies instantly create a wow factor, while enabling venues to make more money within the outdoor space all year round.
The Boot and Slipper pub canopy pictured can cater up to 36 additional covers, increasing outdoor dining space and generating additional revenue.
As these designs are completely bespoke we can build a canopy to accommodate as many number of additional customers you want - all you need is the outdoor space, though we've even created freestanding canopies for restaurants indoors - see Beckworth's Restaurant in the Glasshouse.
Entrance Canopy
Entrance canopies, are situated around the (you guessed it) way into a building and make an instant impact and welcome statement to all guests and visitors. At the same they serve a practical function - they keep your doorman dry and smiling for longer and your guests happier if they're waiting for a cab in the rain!
All designs undergo our full service including site-specific calculation meaning our canopies are built for your purpose and built to last.
Veranda / Lean-to Canopy
As the name suggests, lean to canopies must be built alongside a wall. This Lean-to canopy installed in a private residence really enhances the building, giving it an impressive appearance. And on a practical note, the terrace can now be used in all weather as our structures are watertight.
This 90-foot-long structure is made from popular Victorian colonnade components. Eight structural steel columns incorporate decorative cast capitals and fluted bases which have been combined with intricately cast aluminium spandrel brackets to add more than a touch of elegance to the large canopy to create a classically styled veranda look.
Door Canopy
A door canopy is a type of entrance canopy, but smaller, often specified when street space is at a premium. These wall-mounted designs are sleek and eye-catching guaranteed to grab guest visitors’ attention.
These canopies shelter your entrance and create plenty of obstruction-free space for people to come and go.
The Smith & Wollensky door canopy pictured is a sloping cantilevered door canopy three metre wide by two metre deep with an elegant circle frieze to the perimeter of the frame, supported on two curved spandrels with load-bearing tie bars above. The structure is glazed in 10mm thick toughened safety glass, retained in our two-part patent glazing system. It also incorporates a structural gutter to the abutment of the building.
Cantilevered Canopy
The advantage of these canopy types is extremely popular now as you can maximise your floor space as there is no need for any column supports, creating an obstruction-free space.
This type of canopy can be used in many ways, the doorway canopy for Smith & Wollensky is fixed via a cantilever design as is the alfresco dining canopy for Manzi's restaurant which is our longest canopy constructed to date.
More photos of Manzi's restaurant coming soon.
Walkway Canopy
These canopies are perfect for providing protection for your staff, clients and customers while commuting building to building.
The Port Erin Railway Walkway canopy shelters people who are walking dry seating for those who are waiting, whilst also encouraging the flow of footfall around the building.
This walkway canopy is also a lean-to canopy, as it rests against the station house, wrapping itself around the building.
Smoking Shelter Canopy
These canopies suit most areas (large or small), and our bespoke designs will accommodate them all. The benefit of this kind of canopy is it prevents smokers from congregating around main entrances, along with being ideal communal break areas.
This L-shaped canopy also has glazed privacy screens between the columns at the end of the structure. Made from 10 mm toughened glass, these offer an extra level of security and windbreak for guests. We also offer promotional branding by the application of vinyl signage.
Carport
This canopy design is to prohibit you from getting drenched in the rain, while also protecting you from the all-weather types. Plus, these are incredibly stylish and look great paired with a walkway canopy to protect you from the harsh British weather.
SPECIFICATION
Key considerations when choosing a metalwork company
Durability and Craftsmanship:Designs should not only serve a functional purpose but also have an aesthetic appeal. Have a longstanding metalwork company design your canopy for long-lasting results.
Customisation:Each structure should be customisable to suit your specific requirements.
Expertise in Sourcing:Genuine expertise means the right materials are sourced for the job at hand.
Design and Technical Support:Key practical assistance is help bring your vision to life.
Detailed Products:It's beneficial if the company conducts a site survey and provides a detailed technical drawing.
Manufacturing Standards:The manufacturing facility and processes matter, so ask questions before committing.
Costing and Finish Options:The metalwork company should provide clear costings, quality materials, and a range of finishes.
Installation Expertise:The installation process is as crucial as the product itself, so ensure it's carried out safely and efficiently.
Considering a canopy?
The following questions will help you decide what design is right for you and how to go about commissioning a contractor to build the appropriate structure for long-term use.
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Does a canopy need planning permission?
This would be dependent on your local government authority, however, most of the authorities state that planning would be required. -
Is a canopy considered a building?
Our canopies are classed as a permanent structure. -
What are the canopy design guidelines?
Guidelines to follow are: - we require 2100mm from the FFL to the underside of our structure, a canopy pitch must not be below 5 degrees and we require a suitable media to secure to. -
What are the canopy design sizes?
There is no canopy too big or too small, we can manufacture them to suit all your needs. -
What are the canopy styles/ideas?
Our generic styles are the following: circular, gothic and Victorian colonnade systems, however, we can manufacture any bespoke design that you are after. -
What are the canopy design details?
We only require an approximate length, width and the style you want. From this, we can generate an aesthetically pleasing design to suit you. -
Do you offer UV Protection?
All our structures have been polyester powder coated to accommodate a UV resistance. -
Do you take into consideration wind loadings?
All our structures have site-specific structural calculations that consider wind loadings and all other relevant forces applicable. -
Do you install?
Yes, we install all our project, if required. -
How long does an install take?
Generally, 3-5 working days however this is completely job specific. -
How long will paint work last?
We estimate the polyester paintwork to last at least ten years in the harshest of environments on the assumption you follow our care and maintenance plan. -
What materials do you use?
Our materials consist of, mild steel, aluminium, 6mm thick clear float toughened (safety) glass or polycarbonate.
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How does the drainage work?
We have an Ogee gutter following along the pitch of the canopy which will then drain via one of our columns, this then enables a local builder to feed this into the existing drainage system local to yourselves. -
Do I need a builder?
This would depend on the canopy design option you have selected, however, the general work they carry out is foundation pads and any load work required. -
Do you offer safety glass?
This is a mandatory requirement we offer in every canopy. -
What colour can I pick?
Our large colour selection is from the standard RAL colour range. -
How do I pay?
The payments are to be done on contract stages (standard terms are 15% with order, 35% on approval of drawings and 50% prior to delivery) all of which are negotiable during the quotation process. -
Can I install my own canopy?
Yes, we are more than happy to provide a supply-only option and aid you at any time during your installation. Installation drawings will also be supplied upon request. -
How long will it take to manufacture?
Generally, it takes 8 weeks once the drawings have been signed off. -
Do you offer infills between the columns?
Yes, we offer a range of balustrading or infill panels but if you have an alternative design in mind let us know and we will see how we can help. -
Do you offer tinted glass panels?
Yes, we offer all types of glass panels. -
Can I have anything else other than glass?
Yes, we offer a slatted roof, cedar shingles and more. -
Do the canopies come with a warranty?
Yes, we offer all different types of warranties for more information please ask.
