Retractable awnings are not only extremely functional, they also create a space in your outdoor area that draws people in. Think of it as a social area that brings people together to get away from either the sun or rain. Take for example a nicely landscaped stampcrete patio in your backyard. You may have a fire pit, a BBQ grill, some potted plants or patio tomato planters, and a nice set of patio furniture. Some people choose to have outdoor speakers near their patio so they can listen to music whenever they want, or even an outdoor bar area where they can mix drinks or serve food.

Now picture your friends there for a party on a nice, sunny afternoon. Everyone is hot and sticky because of the sun, and everyone is either wearing sunglasses or holding their hands up over their eyes to keep the sun out so they can see each other. People aren't using your patio furniture because it's too hot, and if you even think about lighting your grill you might have a rebellion on your hands.

Where does everyone go? The garage. Not because it's clean, not because there's nice furniture there, and not because there's a bar or BBQ grill there. They go to the garage to get out of the sun so they can rest their eyes, stop sweating, and enjoy talking to their friends and family. So there you are, with an immaculate backyard on a beautiful day and no one is enjoying it. They're in your filthy, messy, cramped garage because it's a few degrees cooler than your patio and it's much more comfortable.

The good news is there's an easy way to remedy this problem. Retractable awnings can cost less than a nice set of patio furniture, can mount to almost any surface, and are also fairly easy to install if you buy from the right manufacturer and have the right tools. Generally, if you can use a cordless drill, a level, and a socket set you're in business.

So let's go through the scenario again, except this time you have a shaded patio where your friends and family are mingling, enjoying drinks, food, and conversation. People are sitting in the $1000 patio set that you bought, your bar is stocked with drinks and ice, and your grill is positioned just from under your patio awning cooking some great burgers. People can go out and play horse shoes and then cool off under your awning in the incredible space that you've created. And best of all, your garage is being used for what it was intended - storing your junk.