Kakadu Aluminum

This retractable awning covers patio, terrace, balcony, storefront and motorhome openings with a folding arm structure. The aluminum alloy frame carries stainless steel folding arms, and the full cassette encloses the fabric when retracted so dust, rain and UV stay off the roller. Acrylic, solution dyed and PVC coated polyester fabrics are waterproof and fade resistant under strong sun. Motorized remote and smart app control with wind sensor auto retract, adjustable pitch angle, LED lighting and manual crank versions are available for hospitality and residential buyers.

Retractable Awning Systems

Retractable Awnings
Engineered for Every Space

Also known as: Folding Arm Awning | Cassette Awning | Patio Awning | Terrace Awning | Motorized Sunshade

Three systems — folding arm (cassette), retractable roof (terrace), and freestanding canopy — covering every shading need from compact balconies to large commercial terraces. Motorized, wind-rated, and custom-built for 60+ countries.

Width up to 7 mWind Rated Bft 6–76063-T5 AluminumMotorized + Remote

00One Product, Many Names

Depending on where you are in the world, you might call them retractable awnings, folding arm awnings, cassette awnings, patio awnings, or motorized sunshades. They are all the same category of product — retractable exterior shading systems that protect your outdoor space from sun and light rain. KAKADU engineers and manufactures all of these under one roof.

USA · Canada

Retractable Awning, Folding Arm Awning, Motorized Awning

'Retractable Awning' is the dominant search term. 'Folding Arm Awning' describes the articulated arm mechanism. 'Motorized Awning' is popular for smart home integrations.

UK · Europe

Cassette Awning, Terrace Awning, Balcony Awning

'Cassette Awning' refers to the full-box housing design. 'Terrace Awning' is common in Mediterranean and Southern European markets. 'Balcony Awning' is popular for residential applications.

Australia · New Zealand

Patio Awning, Sunshade, Outdoor Blind Awning

'Patio Awning' is widely searched. 'Sunshade' and 'Outdoor Blind Awning' are common in Aussie outdoor living contexts.

Middle East · Asia

Motorized Sunshade, Commercial Awning, Smart Awning

Gulf markets prefer 'motorized/smart' terminology. 'Commercial Awning' is widely searched for hospitality and retail projects.

KAKADU ShadeFlex™ · Wall-Mounted Cassette

ShadeFlex™ Folding Arm

The KAKADU ShadeFlex™ is our signature wall-mounted folding arm awning, featuring a full-cassette housing that completely encloses the fabric roller and articulated arms when retracted. The 6063-T5 aluminum frame with marine-grade powder coating supports projections up to 4 metres. Available in manual crank or motorized operation with optional wind sensors and integrated LED lighting. Widths from 2 m to 6 m.

KAKADU ShadeFlex™ Folding Arm Awning - KAKADU Folding Arm awning

KAKADU ShadeFlex™ Folding Arm Awning

The KAKADU ShadeFlex™ is our signature wall-mounted folding arm awning, designed for patios, balconies, windows and commercial storefronts. Featuring a full-cassette housing that completely encloses the fabric roller and articulated arms when retracted, the ShadeFlex™ protects the mechanism from weather and debris for extended service life. The 6063-T5 aluminum frame with marine-grade powder coating supports projections up to 4 metres. Available in manual crank or motorized operation with optional wind sensors and integrated LED lighting. Premium solution-dyed acrylic fabrics from leading European manufacturers ensure lasting colour and UV protection.

Key Features

  • ● Wall-Mounted
  • ● Space-Saving
  • ● Motorized Option
  • ● Wind Sensor Ready

Specifications

TypeWall-Mounted Folding Arm
OperationManual Crank / Electric
Projection1.5–4 m
WidthUp to 6 m
FabricSolution-Dyed Acrylic
FramePowder-Coated Aluminum
Technical Comparison

Awning System Comparison

SpecificationShadeFlex™ Folding ArmSkySlide™ Retractable RoofOasis™ Retractable Canopy
TypeWall-Mounted Folding ArmOverhead Rail-GuidedFreestanding Four-Post
InstallationWall / Ceiling / SoffitWall / Ceiling / Freestanding FrameFreestanding (Y-Post or Square Post)
OperationManual Crank / Electric MotorElectric Motor + RemoteElectric Motor + Remote
Max WidthUp to 6 mUp to 7 m3 – 6 m
Max Projection1.5 – 4 m2 – 6 mUp to 7 m
FabricSolution-Dyed Acrylic (Sauleda / Recasens / Para)Acrylic / PVC / PVDF MembraneAcrylic / PVC Mesh
Frame Material6063-T5 Powder-Coated Aluminum6063-T5 Powder-Coated Aluminum6063-T5 Powder-Coated Aluminum
Wind RatingBft 6 (39–49 km/h)Bft 7 (50–61 km/h)Bft 7 (50–61 km/h)
WaterproofWater-resistant (acrylic)Waterproof (PVC/PVDF models)Water-resistant (acrylic) / Waterproof (PVC)
LED LightingOptional integrated LED stripOptional integrated LED stripOptional
Best ForPatios, windows, balconies, storefrontsLarge terraces, restaurants, commercialPools, driveways, courtyards, events
Why KAKADU

Engineered for Durability

6063-T5 Aluminum Frame

All structural components use premium 6063-T5 aluminum alloy with powder-coat finish. Corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and designed to last 15–20+ years with minimal maintenance.

Premium European Fabrics

Solution-dyed acrylic fabrics from Sauleda, Recasens, and Para — leaders in outdoor textile innovation. UV protection, water resistance, and colorfastness rated to 2,000+ hours.

Motorized + Smart Control

Electric motor operation with remote control, wall switch, or smartphone app. Optional wind sensors automatically retract the awning when wind exceeds safe levels.

Full Cassette Protection

Folding arm models feature full-cassette housing that fully encloses fabric and arms when retracted, protecting from weather, dust, and debris for extended fabric life.

Integrated LED Lighting

Optional LED light strips integrated into the front bar or cassette housing. Warm white (3000K) or cool white (6000K) options for ambient evening lighting.

OEM/ODM & Custom Colors

Custom RAL powder-coating for aluminum frames. Over 200 fabric colors and patterns. OEM branding and custom specifications available for distributor and project orders.

Applications

Where KAKADU Awnings Are Installed

Residential PatiosBalconies & TerracesWindows & DoorsCommercial StorefrontsRestaurant TerracesHotel & Resort FacilitiesCafe & Bar Outdoor SeatingPool EnclosuresDriveways & CarportsCourtyards & GardensOutdoor Event SpacesOffice BuildingsRetail Shopping CentersHospitality VenuesCoastal & High-Wind Zones
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a retractable awning?+
A retractable awning (also called a folding arm awning, patio awning, cassette awning, or motorized sunshade) is an exterior shading system that extends fabric over a patio, terrace, window, or commercial storefront using articulated aluminum arms or an overhead rail system, and retracts when not needed. KAKADU manufactures three awning series: the ShadeFlex™ folding arm awning (wall-mounted cassette), the SkySlide™ retractable roof awning (overhead rail-guided), and the Oasis™ retractable canopy (freestanding four-post).
What is the difference between a folding arm awning and a retractable roof awning?+
A folding arm awning (also called a cassette awning or balcony awning) is wall-mounted with articulated arms that extend outward 1.5–4 m — ideal for patios, windows, balconies, and storefronts. A retractable roof awning (also called a terrace awning or commercial awning) has an overhead aluminum frame with fabric that slides along guide rails, providing larger coverage up to 7 m wide with superior wind stability. Choose folding arm for compact residential spaces, retractable roof for larger terraces and commercial areas.
What is a retractable canopy and how does it differ from an awning?+
A retractable canopy (also called a freestanding awning, sliding canopy, or shade canopy) is a four-post standalone structure with a fabric roof that slides horizontally along tracks. Unlike wall-mounted awnings, it requires no wall attachment and can be installed anywhere — over pools, driveways, courtyards, and outdoor event spaces. KAKADU canopy systems span 3–6 m wide with projection up to 7 m.
What is a cassette awning?+
A cassette awning is a type of folding arm awning where the fabric and arms are fully enclosed in an aluminum cassette (box) when retracted, protecting the fabric and mechanism from weather, dust, and debris. The KAKADU ShadeFlex™ is a full-cassette folding arm awning available in widths from 2 m to 6 m. The cassette housing is powder-coated 6063-T5 aluminum, available in standard RAL colors.
Can retractable awnings be motorized?+
Yes. Every KAKADU awning is available with electric motor operation. Motorized awnings (also called electric awnings or smart awnings) are controlled by remote control, wall switch, or smartphone app. Optional wind sensors automatically retract the awning when wind exceeds safe levels. Manual crank operation is also available for folding arm awnings.
Are retractable awnings waterproof?+
Solution-dyed acrylic fabrics used on folding arm awnings are water-resistant and shed light rain but are not fully waterproof. For full rain protection, the KAKADU SkySlide™ retractable roof system uses PVC or PVDF membrane fabrics with integrated drainage channels, providing complete waterproof coverage for terraces and commercial spaces. The KAKADU Oasis™ canopy is also available with waterproof PVC fabric options.
What wind rating do KAKADU awnings have?+
KAKADU folding arm awnings are rated for Beaufort 6 (39–49 km/h) when fully extended. Retractable roof and canopy systems are rated Beaufort 7 (50–61 km/h). Wind sensors are recommended to automatically retract awnings during gusts exceeding safe levels. All systems are tested to European wind-load standards.
What fabric options are available for awnings?+
KAKADU folding arm awnings use premium solution-dyed acrylic fabrics from leading European manufacturers such as Sauleda, Recasens, and Para. These fabrics offer UV protection, water resistance, and colorfastness rated to 2,000+ hours. Retractable roof and canopy systems can also use PVC or PVDF membrane fabrics for waterproof applications. Over 200 standard colors and patterns are available.
What is the maximum size for a retractable awning?+
The KAKADU ShadeFlex™ folding arm awning spans up to 6 m wide with 4 m projection. The KAKADU SkySlide™ retractable roof system spans up to 7 m wide with projection up to 6 m. The KAKADU Oasis™ retractable canopy spans 3–6 m wide with projection up to 7 m. Custom sizes are available for large commercial projects — contact our engineering team for structural calculations.
How long do aluminum awnings last?+
KAKADU aluminum frames are manufactured from 6063-T5 alloy with powder-coat finish and carry a 10-year structural warranty. They are designed to last 15–20+ years with minimal maintenance. Solution-dyed acrylic fabrics typically last 8–12 years before noticeable fading, while PVC/PVDF membranes last 10–15 years.
Does KAKADU ship awnings internationally?+
Yes. KAKADU has shipped outdoor shading products to 60+ countries since 2016. We provide detailed installation drawings, hardware packs, and container pricing for distributors and project clients. OEM/ODM services are available with custom branding, colors, and specifications.
What is a patio awning and where is it commonly used?+
A patio awning (also called a terrace awning, balcony awning, or outdoor sunshade) is a retractable shading system installed over outdoor living spaces. In North America, 'patio awning' is the most common search term. In Europe, 'cassette awning' or 'terrace awning' is preferred. In Australia, 'retractable awning' or 'folding arm awning' is standard. All refer to the same category of product that KAKADU manufactures.
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