Pros and Cons of Canvas Canopy

Total Canvas • May 26, 2025

Are you tired of the hot Aussie sun beating down on your patio or ute? Maybe you want a bit of shade for your outdoor area or need to protect your gear from the rain. Canvas canopies are a popular choice for many Aussies, but are they right for you? Before you decide, let’s look at the good and the not-so-good sides of canvas canopies so you can make the best choice for your needs.

Canvas canopy on a vehicle and a playground with red shade sails

What Is a Canvas Canopy? Key Features and Typical Uses

A canvas canopy is a cover made from strong fabric called canvas. It’s usually stretched over a frame made from metal or wood. You’ll see canvas canopies used for many things in Australia, such as:


  • Covering ute trays and trailers
  • Providing shade over patios, decks, or gardens
  • Giving shops and cafes a nice, welcoming look
  • Creating quick shelters at markets or events


Canvas canopies come in different colours and styles, so you can pick one that matches your home or business.

Advantages of Canvas Canopy

Canvas canopies have plenty of benefits that make them a top pick for many people:


  • Looks Great: Canvas canopies can make your space look stylish and inviting. There are lots of colours and patterns to choose from.
  • Shields from Sun and Rain: They give good protection from the sun and light rain, so you can enjoy the outdoors more often.
  • Helps Keep Things Cool: By blocking the sun, they can help keep your outdoor area or car cooler.
  • Easy to Move and Adjust: Canvas canopies are lighter than metal ones, so they’re easier to put up, take down, or move if you need.
  • Affordable: They usually cost less than metal or fibreglass canopies, making them a good choice if you’re on a budget.

Disadvantages of Canvas Canopy

While canvas canopies offer many great benefits, it’s helpful to be aware of a few considerations:


  • Requires Regular Maintenance: Canvas is a natural, breathable fabric that benefits from occasional cleaning and waterproofing treatments to maintain its appearance and durability over time.
  • Limited Protection in Extreme Weather: Canvas provides excellent shade and shelter from light rain, but in very heavy storms or harsh weather conditions, some water or dust may get through. With high-quality materials and professional installation—like the service we provide at Total Canvas—these effects can be minimized for reliable performance.
  • Less Suitable for Secure Storage: Because canvas is softer than metal or fiberglass, it’s not ideal for locking up valuables securely. However, it excels as a flexible and attractive shelter solution for many outdoor needs.

Material Comparisons and Alternatives

It’s worth comparing canvas to other canopy materials:


  • Canvas: Breathable, looks great, not too expensive, but needs care and isn’t as tough as metal.
  • Synthetic (like PVC): More waterproof and lasts longer, but can get hot and doesn’t always look as nice.
  • Metal (aluminium or steel): Very strong and secure, but heavy, hot in the sun, and usually costs more.


Canvas is a good all-rounder, but if you need something super tough or waterproof, you might want to look at other options.

Installation, Customisation, and Design

Most canvas canopies are easy to set up. You just attach the canvas to a frame using clips, straps, or ropes. You can also customise your canopy by choosing colours, adding windows, or even printing your business logo on it. Just make sure the frame is strong and the canvas fits well so it doesn’t flap around in the wind.

Upgrade Your Outdoor Space with a Custom Canvas Canopy in Perth

Looking to transform your patio, garden, or ute with a stylish and durable canvas canopy? Trust Total Canvas, Perth’s local experts in custom canvas canopy solutions. Get a free quote from Total Canvas and explore our canvas canopy services in Perth today!

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