BASE Plus Awnings
BASE Plus
Awnings.
Made for You.
Our most versatile awning — available in manual or fully motorised operation. Four sizes, three finishes, optional LED lighting, and a stainless steel arm system built to last. Fitted by our own team, no middlemen.
available
How it works
A retractable canopy on articulated arms
The BASE Plus is a cassette-style arm awning. The fabric and mechanism are neatly housed in a wall-mounted aluminium cassette when retracted, protecting them from the weather. When you extend the awning, two articulated stainless steel arms push the canopy out and hold it at a fixed pitch. The fabric stretches taut across the frame, giving you a solid, stable shaded area below.
Unlike a freestanding parasol or gazebo, there are no poles in your outdoor space — the structure projects out from the wall entirely, keeping the area underneath clear. It can be operated by hand crank or, with the motorised option, by remote control or smart home system.
Deploys in seconds
The articulated arms extend and lock the fabric into position quickly. With motorisation, a single button press opens or closes the full canopy.
Stainless steel arm system
The chain link arm mechanism is manufactured in stainless steel for corrosion resistance — important for anything that lives outdoors year-round in the North of England.
Cassette housing protects when retracted
When you close the awning, the fabric rolls back into its aluminium cassette. This keeps the fabric clean and UV-protected during periods of non-use or bad weather.
Built for British outdoors
Six reasons the BASE Plus remains our best-selling awning across residential and commercial installations.
- Stainless steel chain link arms
Most arm awnings use painted mild steel or aluminium arms that corrode over time. The BASE Plus uses a stainless steel chain link system throughout — significantly more durable and resistant to rust in exposed outdoor conditions.
- Manual or fully motorised
Available as a hand-crank manual system or with full motorisation. The motorised version can be operated by remote control, wall switch, or integrated into an existing smart home setup — no need to go outside to extend or retract it.
- Optional integrated LED ambient lighting
An adjustable ambient LED strip can be fitted along the front bar, lighting the space below after dark. This is built into the front bar profile rather than retrofitted, so it looks clean rather than like an afterthought.
- Four size configurations
The BASE Plus is available in four fixed size configurations, with widths from 1,910mm up to 5,500mm. A wider span than most domestic arm awnings, making it suitable for larger patio openings or commercial terrace areas.
- Domestic and commercial rated
The BASE Plus is specified for both home and commercial use. Whether it's a residential garden room, a café terrace, or a hotel outdoor seating area, the structure and fabric are rated to handle commercial levels of use.
- Cassette protects the mechanism
Unlike open-roll awnings where the fabric and motor are exposed to the elements when retracted, the BASE Plus cassette fully encloses the fabric and drive system — reducing wear and extending the service life of both.
Choose how you control it
The BASE Plus is available as a straightforward manual awning or with full motorisation. The LED lighting option is independent — it can be added to either.
- StandardManual Operation
A side-mounted hand crank extends and retracts the awning. The crank mechanism engages a worm drive that moves the arms smoothly and locks the canopy in position. Reliable, zero running costs, and no electrical installation required.
- OptionalMotorised Operation
A tubular motor replaces the hand crank and is controlled via a handheld remote or wall-mounted switch. Optional smart home integration means you can open and close the awning from a phone app, or set schedules and sun sensors to automate it entirely.
- Add-onAdjustable LED Lighting
An ambient LED strip fitted along the front bar of the awning. The lighting is adjustable for brightness and colour temperature so you can dial in the right atmosphere for evening use. Works on both manual and motorised models.
The BASE Plus also offers an LED Arms option — lighting built directly into the arm profiles rather than just the front bar. This creates a more architectural lighting effect and is particularly popular for commercial hospitality settings.
Three standard frame colours
The BASE Plus frame — cassette, arms, and front bar — is available in three RAL powder coat finishes. All three are standard, not special order.
- RAL 9010Pure White
The most popular finish for domestic properties. Clean and unobtrusive against rendered or brick elevations, and the standard choice if you want the awning to disappear into the building rather than stand out.
- RAL 7016Anthracite Grey
A popular contemporary choice that works well with dark window frames, aluminium bi-fold doors, and modern extensions. Also the most commonly specified finish for commercial installations.
- RAL 9005Jet Black
The boldest finish — works particularly well on light-coloured buildings where you want the awning to make a visual statement. More common in commercial settings such as bars and restaurants than in domestic use.
Note: canopy fabric colours and patterns are specified separately and vary by fabric collection. Your surveyor will bring fabric samples to your home or premises.
- 1,910mmMinimum width
- 4Size configs
- 5,500mmMaximum width
- 3Frame colours
Four configurations, from 1.9m to 5.5m wide
Your surveyor will confirm which size configuration fits your opening and wall space at the free home visit.
Domestic and commercial applications
The BASE Plus is specified across a wide range of settings. Here are the six most common.
- 01Residential patio & decking
The most common domestic application. Creates a defined outdoor room that can be used regardless of light drizzle or strong sun, extending the practical use of patio areas significantly across a British summer.
- 02Bi-fold and sliding door openings
Fitted directly above large glazed openings, the BASE Plus shades the glazing as well as the outdoor area — reducing solar heat gain inside the room and protecting flooring and furnishings from UV bleaching.
- 03Café, bar & restaurant terraces
The commercial rating and 5.5m maximum width make the BASE Plus a practical choice for hospitality businesses looking to add or extend outdoor seating capacity. The LED arm option is particularly popular here for evening service.
- 04Garden rooms and orangeries
Fitted to the wall of a garden room or single-storey extension, the awning shades the glazed roof panels that tend to cause overheating in summer — a common complaint with these structures.
- 05Office and retail outdoor areas
Commercial premises with outdoor seating, smoking areas, or client-facing outdoor spaces benefit from the BASE Plus's durability and smart appearance. Available in anthracite or black for a professional look.
- 06Hotels and leisure facilities
Pool terraces, courtyard areas, and external dining at hotels and leisure venues. The motorised option with sun-sensor automation is popular here, allowing the awning to respond to conditions automatically without staff intervention.
Other awnings we fit
Best-selling cassette arm awning. Manual or motorised, four sizes, optional LED lighting.
Compact entry-level arm awning for smaller openings and tighter budget requirements.
Fully automated awnings with remote, app, and smart home integration across all our models.
See every awning, canopy, and sun shading product we measure, supply, and fit.
From people who've had one fitted
"The motorised BASE Plus has completely changed how we use our patio. We had it fitted above the bi-fold doors and I use it every day in summer — press the remote and it's open in about ten seconds. The surveyor was thorough and the fitting team was tidy and fast. No hesitation recommending Homefair."
"We had the BASE Plus fitted with the LED front bar for our café terrace in anthracite. It looks brilliant in the evening and has made a real difference to covers — customers will sit outside until much later now. The commercial rating was important for us and the team understood what we needed straight away."
"We went with the manual version and it's absolutely fine — the crank is smooth and it locks solid when open. The stainless arms were the selling point for us, we've had cheaper awnings before that rusted within a couple of years. This feels like a proper bit of kit. Fitted quickly and the price quoted was the price we paid."
Common questions about the BASE Plus
If your question isn't here, call us or book a survey — your surveyor will answer everything at the home visit with no sales pressure.
What is the difference between the manual and motorised BASE Plus?
The main practical difference is how you open and close it — manual uses a side-mounted hand crank, motorised uses a remote control or wall switch. Mechanically they use the same cassette, arms, and fabric system. The motorised version also supports optional sun sensor automation and smart home integration, which the manual version cannot. Both use the same stainless steel arm system and are available in the same four size configurations.
Does the awning need planning permission?
In most cases, no. Awnings fitted to dwellings typically fall within permitted development rights, meaning no planning application is required. However, listed buildings, properties in conservation areas, and some developments with restrictive covenants may require consent. We'll flag anything relevant at the survey, but it's worth checking with your local planning authority if you have any doubt.
Can the BASE Plus be left out in the rain?
The fabric and frame can handle light rain, but the awning is not designed to be left extended in heavy rain, strong wind, or storms. Most manufacturers — including BASE — recommend retracting the awning when you are not using it or when weather conditions deteriorate. The motorised option can be fitted with a wind and rain sensor to automate this. When retracted, the cassette fully protects the fabric.
What does the LED option actually look like — is it subtle or obvious?
The LED strip is integrated into the front bar profile rather than clipped on externally, so when it is off it is not visible at all. When lit, it provides a warm ambient downlight across the area underneath the canopy. It is adjustable for brightness and colour temperature. The LED Arms add-on — which lights the arm profiles as well — is more visible and is generally chosen for commercial applications or where the awning is intended to be a focal point.
What are the minimum and maximum sizes?
The BASE Plus is available in four fixed size configurations with a minimum width of 1,910mm and a maximum of 5,500mm. It is not manufactured to fully bespoke dimensions in the way that some blinds are — the four configurations cover the majority of residential and commercial openings. Your surveyor will confirm at the home visit which configuration suits your space.
Can I add motorisation or LED lighting later?
It is possible to retrofit motorisation to a manual BASE Plus, but it involves disassembling the cassette and replacing the drive mechanism — it is not a simple add-on. We recommend deciding upfront if you think you might want it. The LED front bar is generally easier to add later as it fits into the bar profile. Speak to your surveyor about future-proofing your installation.
How long does installation take?
A single BASE Plus installation typically takes two to four hours for our fitting team. Larger or motorised installations may take slightly longer, particularly if cable runs are needed for the motor or LED lighting. We aim to leave the site clean and tidy on the same day. Lead times from survey to installation vary, but your surveyor will give you an accurate estimate at the time of survey.
Do you cover our area?
We cover North East and North West England — including Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Middlesbrough, Darlington, Manchester, Salford, Bolton, Warrington, Chester, and the surrounding areas. If you are unsure whether we cover your postcode, give us a call and we will tell you straight away.
Ready to extend your outdoor space?
We'll visit your home or premises, take accurate measurements, show you fabric samples and frame colours, and give you a fixed price on the day. No obligation, no follow-up sales calls.
Free in-home survey · No obligation · Fixed price quoted on the day · North East & North West England