Answer: The SunSetter Motorized Awning, the Motorized XL, and the VISTA awning are all lateral-arm awnings. They do not have vertical support arms. The SunSetter Motorized and Motorized XL are electric-powered awnings that open and closes with the touch of a remote control (included). They are our most popular models. You just plug the 18 ft. cord into a grounded electrical outlet. The motor is hidden in the roller bar itself. The VISTA Awning is manually-operated using a hand-cranked gear mechanism. The hand crank is included.

Motorized Awning (Electric powered lateral arm awning) In Woven Acrylic Fabric: Widths: 8 ft., and 10 ft.-20 ft. In Traditional Laminated Fabric: Widths 8 ft., and 10 ft.-18 ft. Projection: See chart to right.

Motorized XL Awning (A larger version of our motorized model) In Woven Acrylic Fabric only: Widths: 14 ft.-20 ft. Projection: 11 ft. 8 in.

VISTA Awning (Manually-operated lateral arm awning) In Woven Acrylic Fabric: Widths: 8 ft., and 10 ft.-18 ft. In Traditional Laminated Fabric: Widths 8 ft., and 10 ft.-18 ft. Projection: See chart.

The Model 1000XT is manually-operated. The awning opens easily in less than a minute using a hand-cranked gear mechanism - no electricity needed. One person can operate it with ease. The awning has vertical support arms, which gives it added strength and rigidity, especially in breezy locations.

Many of our owners prefer the Model 1000XT which extends out from your house 10 ft. 2 in. This model gives you more coverage and more shade - at a lower cost. This is more than enough to protect a large table and chairs, several chaise lounges, a deck full of guests, or just about anything you want to cover. (Remember, a 10 x 12 foot wide awning is over 120 square feet - the size of a small room in a house!) The Model 1000XT comes in even widths from 8 to 20 ft. These model is only available in our Traditional Laminated Fabric, in 12 color choices.

Model 1000XT (Manually-operated vertical support awning) Traditional Laminated Fabric only: Even widths from 8 ft. to 20 ft. Projection: 10 ft. 2 in.

The SunSetter Oasis model is a freestanding awning that can be placed on any stable, level surface, such as on your lawn or poolside, as well as on a deck or patio. The Motorized version has an 18 ft. electric plug-in cord. The manual version Oasis operates like our XT and VISTA models, using a hand crank (included.) SunSetter Oasis (Freestanding model in motorized and manual versions) Sizes: 12 ft. x 10 ft. and 16 ft. x 10 ft. Woven Acrylic Fabric only.

For model comparison click here.

If you want the absolute ease, elegance, and simplicity of one-touch operation and an awning that has no vertical supports, the Motorized SunSetter or the larger Motorized XL is the obvious choice. (Our motorized awnings are designed to be retracted when not in use.) They not designed to be used with a Screen Room or Rainaway Arches. Our Motorized model costs more than the manual models - because of their superb quality Somfy motor and "lateral arm" system. But they are still hundreds of dollars less than the competition - without sacrificing any features or quality.

If you prefer the lateral-arm design over the XT models, but do not need motorization, the manually-operated VISTA should be your choice.

If you live where wind is a factor; if you plan to leave your awning open much of the time; if you want to take advantage of accessories such as our Rainaway Arches; if you have low eaves; or if you want the most awning for the least cost, the Model 1000XT is your best choice. You can also adjust the pitch of the 1000XT simply by raising or lowering the support arms.

If you want to put shade and protection anywhere, near your pool or just further away from your house, our freestanding SunSetter Oasis in either the motorized or manual version is the model you want. The manual version can be placed anywhere there is a level surface. The motorized version comes with a 24 ft. power cord. (SunSetter recommends using a Ground Fault Interupter electrical outlet.)

We want to emphasize that no matter which model you select, you can't make a bad choice when it comes to a SunSetter. You'll always be getting a superbly built, easy-to-operate, beautiful awning at an exceptional price. We guarantee your satisfaction or we'll give you your money back

The Somfy motor we use for our motorized models is the absolute best in the industry. The SunSetter Motorized and Motorized XL awnings, the VISTA awning and the freestanding SunSetter Oasis use state-of-the-art lateral arm technology found only in the best "lateral arm" awnings.

Our popular water-repellant Woven Acrylic Fabric gives you 99% of UVA and UVB protection. It is solution-dyed, which means the color goes all the way through the fabric, so its rich color stays beautiful for years. Our 14-oz. Traditional Laminated Fabric is 5 layers. It's coated on both sides and has no seams or stitches to wear or leak over time. It's guaranteed not to fade or crack for 5 years, it's mildew resistant and gives you 99% protection against harmful UV rays.

Your SunSetter comes with a 5-Year Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. These quality awnings are made for years and years of hassle-free operation.

If you'd like to keep your Model 1000XT open most of the time, even in breezy locales, we recommend that you order our optional Rainaway Arches, or our Add-a-Room Accessories Package. These accessories make the awning more rigid and keep the awning fabric at maximum tautness, preventing the fabric from "flapping" in the wind. With these accessories in place, you can make your XT awning like a semi-permanent structure on your home, leaving it open most of the time, (except during severe storms or in winter, when we recommend you roll up the awning when snow might collect on the fabric.

Accessories that work for all model awnings (including the Motorized, Motorized XL and VISTA) are: Front and Side SunSetter Weatherbreaker Panels designed to block sun, rain and wind from coming in under the awning; Patio Lights that let you enjoy your awning in the evening, our Awning Cover, and our Awning Cleaning Kit.

We have a great protective Aluminum Hood for permanent protection of your Motorized, Motorized XL, or VISTA model.

Enjoy your Motorized, Motorized XL, VISTA, or Oasis Awning evenings and nights with our Dimming LED Lights. They attach permanently to the support arms of your awning and provide many levels of light, from bright to a soft glow, for just the right illumination. They stay on your awning all year long, and make your SunSetter even more versatile.

We also offer a Wireless Wind Sensor for the Motorized Awning, Motorized XL, and Motorized Oasis that closes your awning automatically on very windy days. And for the freestanding SunSetter Oasis we offer the Patio Lights for a great evening ambiance and the Oasis Awning Cover for extra protection during the off season.

Best of all, we now offer accessories in different money-saving packages that let you purchase our most popular accessory combinations for far less than what you would have to pay for them individually. All SunSetter accessories are warranted for 5 years.

If you need help, call our Toll Free Installation Hotline: 1-800-876-2340. We have experts on hand who have helped homeowners on all skill levels put up their own awnings. Our staff can have you enjoying your self-installed SunSetter in no time. We're always there if you need us. Your awning comes complete with all the mounting hardware you need. (if you need special brackets for eave mounting or other special situation, tell us when ordering.)

The SunSetter Oasis freestanding model doesn't require installation -- just some simple assembly.

Our Traditional Laminated Fabric is a strong, flame-resistant, commercial grade, 100% waterproof re-enforced vinyl. The fabric is 5 layers, mildew and fade resistant with a clear protective coating on each side, and 1000 denier scrim. Easy to clean so your awning fabric will look beautiful for years to come.

Both fabrics give you 99% protection against UVA and UVB rays, with an equivalent SPF of over 50! The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends this product as an effective UV protectant.

All SunSetter fabrics are sealed not stitched, giving them 7.5 times more strength than stitched as tested by an independent laboratory.

With proper maintenance and care, and basic common sense, both fabrics will provide you 8 to 10 years of trouble free, dependable service