Outsunny 13' x 8' Retractable Awning, Patio Awnings, Sunshade Shelter w/Manual Crank Handle, UV & Water-Resistant Fabric and Aluminum Frame for Deck, Balcony, Yard, Beige

Overall, I am so far satisfied. With the understanding this is a sub $200 retractable awning, you get your money’s worth. The directions are precise and accurate (one exception, more details later in review). No problem following installation directions. Other buyers seem to have struggled with the installation instructions; It’s possible the company has updated the instruction manual since the other reviews were written. Works as advertised. Installation was easier than anticipated, only some minor, self-inflicted glitches. While the sturdiness of the arms seem questionable, I’ve had no issues with operation or any type of failures. I’ve only had it up a few weeks, and have only open and closed it maybe 20-30 times. Can’t attest to durability at this time.As for the instruction manual. As stated, it is precise and accurate. It does explain clearly how to assemble and install. I can understand why some may have trouble with the instructions, as they do lack detailed explanations. Proceed slowly, follow the directions step by step, study the diagrams closely, read ahead and understand what is going to be required and why, and it will make installation go smoothly and trouble free. There are 2 or 3 places where the wording is not clear, but common sense should overcome the few grammatical errors. Some suggestions on the areas which caused me confusion. Direction to roll canvas onto roller. Directions are accurate, but some of the close up images are reversed. Just follow the directions. There is a second picture showing direction of canvas onto roller in the ‘adjusting the awning’ [pitch angle]. If something about the directions don’t make sense, study it until it does. Again, the directions are highly accurate. Only one important step seemed to be missing from the instructions, and that was distance apart to mount brackets. When figuring this out for yourself, measure from center of actual canvas part of the awning, as the awning roller itself is offset onto the awning arms. You only have about an inch to play with when it comes to horizontal positioning of the awning into the right bracket. If you are trying to center the awning over an opening, line up center of canvas over center of the opening (unless you want to offset the canvas). Hint to help make sure roller and canvas is positioned correctly, if you are unsure. Roller has one end with square central nub (goes on left side of awning arms, if facing awning as shown in instructions) and round end (right side). Canvas should roll over the top, or counterclockwise if facing roller from the left (square nub) side.Minor issues. The manual states “Each awning comes with pre-set pitch/angle that is considered ideal”. Don’t believe them. I imagine those who had issues with damage to the extension arms or material roller issues might have not taken into account the awning pitch. Instructions stated make sure arms are installed level on the wall, which mine were. Upon first use, awning was not straight. One side was 2-3 inches lower than the other. I needed to adjust pitch on just one arm to correct this factory error. I had to open and close the awning a few times, loosening and retightening adjusting bolts, to make slight pitch adjustments after each operation, before finding the correct setting. The instructions did not show correct diagram explaining how to adjust pitch, but it is easy to figure out. Slightly loosen the appropriate bolt (the top one of the two) and adjust ‘Jack Bolt’ accordingly. If you can’t visualize how this is done, I’d suggest not playing around unless you understand the simple mechanics of the adjustment process. Adjusting incorrectly could probably cause problems and premature failure of the extension arm.Overall, I am happy with this product and plan on purchasing a second awning to install over my other sliding glass door.

If I were a betting person . . . . I'd say I've looked at more retractable patio awnings that most people could imagine existed! Having NO experience with them, I didn't want to spend a fortune on an awning and find we didn't like it after all. The Outsunny offered the perfect size for our needs, and we thought we'd like the multicolor stripes rather than a dull beige. We are NOT disappointed! Installed, the awning IS the perfect size for our area. Installed, the stripes look AMAZING! And . . . let's face it . . . the price is kinda' unbelievably low! Installation would have been a simple process, had the instructions been clearer. I hope the company will re-think their instruction manual. You are told to assemble the 3 long metal sections, then attach the roller arms to the main body. Much later in the manual, you are instructed to do the very same thing! Should that assembly step be accomplished when first instructed, or when next instructed? Parts and their relationship are very poorly labeled - the illustrations are not nearly as clear as they could/should be. When we were finished with the assembly, prior to putting up the mounting brackets, we had parts left in one of the boxes we had no idea where they went or their purpose. It took a LOT of looking, by 3 guys, before we could figure out where they went and what their purpose was. (And believe me, we 3 guys have assembled a LOT of stuff through the years!) Would I recommend this awning? ABSOLUTELY! Just make sure you have a wanna-be mechanical engineer around who can make sense of a very un-sensical instruction book! (Did I say we LOVE the look of the awning, as well as the ease of operation?) We live in a condo complex where all the decks face into the central grounds. We had just finished installation when neighbors started coming over admiring the awning! We may have several more going up before the summer is over!