Carefree of Colorado is one of the two major OEM awning hardware manufacturers, and unlike some competitors, its Premium Vinyl fabric line is a legitimately well-built product, not just a budget OEM option. We're not going to pretend otherwise. Here's an honest, spec-by-spec look at how we compare.
Carefree sells two vinyl lines. Their Standard Vinyl is a 13.5 oz, 4-ply laminated fabric and their Premium Vinyl is a 15 oz fabric, double-stitched with Gore Tenara thread. Our fabric is 18 oz, heavier than both, and every awning is made in the USA in our Washington State shop, custom-cut to your exact measurements, and shipped free in the lower 48, direct from us.
18 oz
Free shipping in the lower 48. We also ship to Alaska, Hawaii and Canada.
Us vs. Carefree at a Glance
| Feature | Tough Top | *Carefree Standard Vinyl | *Carefree Premium Vinyl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric weight | 18 oz heavy-duty vinyl | 13.5 oz | 15 oz (1000 denier) |
| Construction | Solid-color coated vinyl, same color top and bottom | 4-ply laminate: clear top layer, printed pattern layer, polyester scrim, vinyl bottom layer | Antimicrobial vinyl with an added UV protectant |
| Colors | 8 solid colors | Solids (3 colors), Dune Stripes, Quill, Shale Fades | Dune Stripes and Shale Fades, scaled to match across awnings |
| Warranty | 5 years, no questions asked | 1 year | 10 years on parts and freight; 1 year on labor |
| Stitching | Double-stitched with marine-grade thread | Standard fabric thread | Double-hemmed, double-stitched with Gore Tenara thread |
| Price: 66" slide topper | $169.95Free shipping | $281.91Including shipping (solid vinyl, no hemmed edge) | Premium isn't offered for slide toppers |
| Price: 14'6" patio awning | $309.95Free shipping | From $356.99At resellers (14' awning, before shipping) | $891.50No thread upgrade |
| Sizing | Custom-cut to your exact measurement, every order | Ordered by model/part number; some custom options available | |
| Hardware compatibility | We can make all Carefree slide topper models. Our fabric is too heavy for certain lightweight Carefree patio models, because their hardware isn't rated for 18 oz vinyl.Not compatible: Paramount, Mirage, Freedom, Apex, Freestyle, Latitude | Fabric engineered specifically for the weight rating of Carefree's own hardware across its full lineup | |
| Where it's made & sold | Made in the USA by us in Washington State, sold direct from our shop | Awnings assembled by Carefree in Colorado. Country of origin for replacement fabric isn't stated. Sold through Carefree direct, its dealer network, and resellers. | |
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All info on Carefree of Colorado comes from carefreeofcolorado.com
Made in the USA, Direct From the Manufacturer
We build every awning ourselves in Washington State and ship it straight from our shop to you. No middleman, no overseas factory. Because we make every awning here, we control the quality ourselves, from the first cut to the final stitch, and when you call, you're talking to the people who made your awning. Here's why that matters when you're shopping for replacement fabric:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Carefree of Colorado make vinyl awning fabric?
Yes, two lines. Standard Vinyl is a 13.5 oz, 4-ply laminated fabric and Premium Vinyl is a 15 oz (1000 denier) antimicrobial vinyl, double-stitched with Gore Tenara thread. Carefree also sells acrylic fabric, which on patio awnings requires one of its metal weatherguards.
Is Carefree's warranty longer than Tough Top's?
It depends on the line. Carefree's Standard Vinyl carries a 1-year warranty, so ours runs five times longer. Their Premium Vinyl carries a 10-year warranty on parts and freight, with labor covered for 1 year, which is longer than our 5-year, no-questions-asked warranty. We do a 5-year warranty because if there is going to be a manufacturing defect, it will happen within those first 5 years.
What's the difference between 18 oz and 15 oz vinyl on Carefree awnings?
18 oz vinyl, our standard, is heavier and more resistant to abrasion and wind stress. Carefree's Premium line uses 15 oz vinyl, which is lighter and compatible with a broader range of Carefree hardware, including several lightweight models our 18 oz fabric can't be used on.
How is Carefree's Standard Vinyl different from Tough Top's vinyl?
Carefree's Standard Vinyl is a 4-ply laminate: a clear top coat over a printed pattern layer, bonded to a polyester scrim and a vinyl backing. Ours is a single 18 oz solid-color coated vinyl laid over a clear scrim, and it's the same color on top and bottom. At 13.5 oz, Carefree's standard fabric is 25% lighter than ours.
How does Tough Top pricing compare to Carefree?
For a 66" slide topper, ours is $169.95 with free shipping, compared to $281.91 shipped for Carefree's solid vinyl. For a 14'6" patio awning, ours is $309.95 with free shipping, compared to $891.50 for Carefree Premium Vinyl.
Can Tough Top fabric replace any Carefree patio awning?
No. Our 18 oz vinyl is too heavy for certain lightweight Carefree models, including the Paramount, Mirage, Freedom, Apex, Freestyle, and Latitude, because their hardware isn't rated to support it. Contact us before ordering if you're unsure which model you have.
Can Tough Top replace Carefree slide toppers, window and door awnings?
Yes. We make replacements for all Carefree slide topper, window and over-the-door (OTD) awnings, including the Omega, which doubles as a window shade.
Do you ship outside the lower 48?
Yes. Shipping is free in the lower 48 states, and we also ship to Alaska, Hawaii and Canada.
Where are Tough Top awnings made?
In the USA. We manufacture every awning ourselves in Washington State, custom-cut to your measurements, and sell direct from our shop with free shipping in the lower 48.
Not sure if your Carefree awning can take 18 oz vinyl? Call us at 360.953.3299 before ordering. We'd rather help you get the right fabric the first time.
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