Coniston Awning: A Customer Installation Story

Behind every Kingsmere awning is a story — a homeowner who finally decided to make the most of their outdoor space. This is one of those stories. We'll walk you through an installation from the initial enquiry right through to the finished product, with real photos taken by our team and our delighted customer.

The Brief: Shading a South-Facing Patio in Surrey

Our customer had a large south-facing patio that became unbearably hot by mid-morning in summer. They'd been considering an awning for years but weren't sure which model would suit the span of their bi-fold doors and the architectural style of their 1930s extended property.

They contacted Kingsmere after a recommendation from a neighbour whose Windermere awning we'd installed the previous year. After an initial call with our team, we booked a free home survey.

The Survey: Measuring for a Perfect Fit

Every Kingsmere installation begins with a thorough free survey. Our surveyor visited the property, assessed the wall structure, took precise measurements of the opening and the available projection, and walked through the full range of fabric options.

For this particular property, the Coniston was the ideal choice. The oval cassette design complemented the period character of the extension, and the available width — 5.5 metres — was well within the Coniston's range.

"The surveyor was brilliant. He explained everything clearly, helped us understand all the fabric choices and didn't try to upsell us on things we didn't need." — Customer, Surrey

The Coniston fully extended — providing shade across the full width of the bi-fold doors

Choosing the Fabric

Fabric selection is one of the most enjoyable parts of the process. With over 100 options available across the Kingsmere range, our surveyor brought a comprehensive swatch book. The customer settled on a warm beige-sand stripe — a classic choice that complements natural stonework beautifully and won't fade unevenly in the sun.

Key considerations when choosing a fabric:

• UV blocking: All Kingsmere fabrics have a minimum SPF 50+ UV block — essential if you have children or elderly family members spending time under the awning
• Colour fastness: Our acrylic fabrics are solution-dyed, meaning the colour goes all the way through the fibre and won't fade with prolonged exposure to sunlight
• Water resistance: While our awnings are designed for sun shading rather than rain cover, all fabrics have a degree of water resistance and will handle a light shower
• Maintenance: Light brushing with a soft brush and occasional cleaning with warm water and mild soap is all that's required

Installation Day

The installation was completed in a single morning by our two-man fitting team. The wall fixings were drilled into the brick lintel above the bi-fold doors, the awning bracket was levelled and secured, and the cassette unit was mounted and aligned. The motorised unit was wired into a dedicated switch in the kitchen.

The entire installation took under four hours. Our team completed a full demonstration with the homeowner, showing them how to operate the motorised controls, set the sun sensor, and care for the fabric. They also left a written care guide and warranty documentation.

Customer Installation Photos

Our customers often send in their own photos once they've had a chance to enjoy their new awning through a season. Here are some of the images we've received from recent Coniston installations:

The Customer's Verdict

"We've wanted an awning for years and I'm only annoyed we didn't do it sooner. The garden is transformed — we use it every single day in summer, and the fabric is still looking as good as the day it was installed. The whole process from enquiry to installation was seamless." — Customer, Surrey

Interested in Your Own Coniston Awning?

The Coniston is available across our full service area — Surrey, Hampshire, Kent and Sussex. Prices vary based on size, fabric choice and motorisation option. The best place to start is a free home survey, where our team will give you a precise price with no obligation.