Marygrove vs. Sunesta
The Smarter Alternative to Sunesta
The perfect getaway doesn’t have to be so hard to get to. With life moving so fast, a Marygrove can give you the serenity you’ve been looking for - just a few steps away!
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Over 1,600 5 Star Reviews
A Full Service Experience At A Fraction of the Cost
Sunesta has been a familiar name in retractable awnings since 1981, and they make a solid product. But when you look under the hood, there’s a key difference: Sunesta relies on a network of independent dealers for sales, installation, and service. That means your experience depends entirely on which dealer you happen to work with — and if that dealer closes, you’re left navigating warranty claims on your own.
Marygrove handles everything in-house — from manufacturing to installation and post-install service. That means no third-party installers, no disconnected support, and no surprises. One company. One point of contact. One standard of quality from start to finish.
We got our new awning installed in August, beautiful job and plenty of time to enjoy it before the season is over. The installers were great, very nice and did a great job! We can’t say enough good things about MaryGrove.
Compare Feature* |  |  |
|---|---|---|
Full Cassette Protection | ||
LED Lights Integrated | ||
Adjustable Pitch | ||
Smart Awning (App + Voice) | ||
10 Year Fabric Warranty | ||
Installation Included | ||
Serviced Directly From Manufacturer | ||
200+ Fabric Options | ||
In-House Installation Team |
Don't Just Take Our Word For It
Feature Comparison
Warranty and Durability
Marygrove Awnings stands out with an industry-leading warranty ensuring your investment is protected over the long term. Marygrove offers:
10 Years of Coverage on Fabric
10 Year Warranty on Motors
1 Year Warranty on Accessories
In contrast, competitors often provide a more general “all-weather” warranty, which may lack specific guarantees on essential components, leaving you with uncertainties regarding long-term reliability and satisfaction.
Sunesta is not BBB accredited. The BBB questioned their “Proudly made in USA” claim and Sunesta did not provide substantiation. Their warranty covers parts but not labor — homeowners report $300 to $500 service fees just for a dealer to show up and swap a “warrantied” component (ConsumerAffairs, 2025). One customer paid $900 for a replacement motor with zero warranty.
Feature Comparison
Installation and Service
Our direct, professional installation by Marygrove’s award-winning service team guarantees a high-quality, efficient setup, recognized nationally for the fastest installation times. This approach contrasts sharply with many competitors, who may rely on third-party dealers or less experienced teams, potentially leading to variable service quality and longer wait times.
Choosing Marygrove ensures a seamless and expedient installation process from start to finish.
Sunesta relies entirely on independent dealers for installation. When issues arise, corporate points you back to the dealer — even when the dealer is the problem. One reviewer warned: “The company itself will not help you at all” (Retractable Awning Review, July 2024). If a dealer goes out of business, customers report calling Sunesta many times and never receiving a callback.
Feature Comparison
Technology and Innovation
Marygrove Awnings leads the market in technological advancements, offering features such as a full cassette for ultimate protection, a proprietary retractable pitch for optimal shade and rain shielding, and a reinforced lateral arm system using durable cables over the more common chains found in competitor products.
Our smart awnings are designed to intuitively adapt to your lifestyle. Equipped with an Advanced Weather Alert System, they respond to real-time weather changes, automatically adjusting to protect against sudden shifts. This means whether the sun’s out or the wind picks up, you can relax knowing your awning is looking out for you.
Paired with integrated wind sensors and ambient LED lighting, Marygrove Awnings enhance every aspect of outdoor living, making each moment under our awnings safe, bright, and utterly enjoyable.
Sunesta has known fabric and mechanical issues. One BBB complaint describes fabric that catches on the top plates during retraction, causing rips. Customers in windy areas report the wind sensor retracting the awning every 25 minutes. A motor malfunctioned after only 4 uses (ConsumerAffairs, July 2025).
What You Should Know Before Buying a Sunesta Awning
We believe in letting the facts speak for themselves. Before making a decision, here is what third-party review sites, Reddit discussions, and real customers have to say about the Sunesta buying experience.
Not BBB Accredited — and a “Made in USA” Claim the BBB Questioned
Sunesta is not BBB accredited. When the BBB contacted Sunesta about their “Proudly made in USA” advertising claim, Sunesta did not provide substantiation.
For a company charging premium prices — a 17×10 retractable awning was quoted at $13,800 on Reddit (r/Awnings, Jan 2025) — buyers expect a level of transparency and accountability that BBB accreditation helps verify.
Marygrove has over 2,079 verified reviews with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Birdeye. We manufacture in-house and have done so for over 90 years.
Your Experience Depends Entirely on Your Local Dealer
Sunesta does not sell, install, or service awnings directly. Everything goes through independent local dealers — and the quality of your experience depends entirely on which one you get. One reviewer on Retractable Awning Review warned: “The company itself will not help you at all. They say you have to go through the local installer — but my installer won’t return my calls” (July 2024).
Other customers describe dealers who hang up on them after getting paid and never return calls. When customers contacted Sunesta corporate about dealer issues, they were told someone would call back — and no one ever did (Retractable Awning Review, 2024). If your dealer goes out of business, you are on your own.
Marygrove handles every step in-house. Our own sales team, our own installation crew, and our own service department. There is no middleman to go through and no finger-pointing when you need help.
A Warranty That Covers the Part but Not the $500 Labor Bill
Sunesta’s warranty covers parts but not the labor required to install them. Homeowners on Consumer Affairs report being shocked by $300 to $500 service fees just for a dealer to show up and swap a component that is technically “under warranty” (ConsumerAffairs, 2025). One customer asked: “Why is the service call for a ‘warrantied’ motor $300+? I paid $5,000 for the awning initially” (ConsumerAffairs, July 2025).
Another BBB complaint describes paying $900 for a replacement motor with zero warranty on the replacement part. The “Lifetime Warranty” on arms becomes meaningless when every swap costs hundreds in labor.
Marygrove offers up to 10 years of motor coverage. Our Mint Program extends that even further and adds priority service. When something is covered, it is covered — parts and service.
Premium Prices with No Guarantee of Premium Service
Sunesta awnings carry premium price tags. On Reddit (r/Awnings), one buyer received a quote of $6,400 for an installed 12×12 motorized awning and asked: “Seems high — is this a little much?” (April 2025). Another was quoted $13,800 for a 17×10 — nearly $5,000 more than a Sunsetter for a comparable size (Reddit, Jan 2025).
The premium does not always come with premium follow-through. Customers report paying $800 just to have a dealer remove and reinstall the awning during a roof replacement (Google Reviews, Aug 2025). At these prices, buyers expect consistency — but with a dealer-dependent model, the level of service is a lottery based on your zip code.
Marygrove provides a complete package at a transparent price — manufacturing, installation, and service all handled by the same company. No surprise labor bills and no third-party markups.
Customer Service That Points You Back to the Dealer
A recurring theme across BBB and Consumer Affairs is that Sunesta corporate will not step in when a dealer drops the ball. One customer purchased two awnings for $17,685 — when the shade developed rips, “Sunesta did nothing.”
Others describe calling Sunesta many times and submitting website requests, only to never receive a callback. When one customer complained about their dealer’s behavior, Sunesta said they would call back — and never did (Retractable Awning Review, 2024). The pattern is consistent: if something goes wrong, you are sent back to the same dealer who caused the problem.
Marygrove has a dedicated US-based support team you can reach at 800-442-9646. A real person picks up the phone, and our team follows up after every installation.
Fabric Tears, Screen Failures, and Squirrels in the Cassette
One BBB complaint describes a Sunesta awning where the fabric catches on the top plates during retraction, causing rips. A Consumer Affairs reviewer reported screens that started coming apart after about 6 months. Another described screen tracks that were not aligned — the screens came out of the railing and were “fixed” with a patch that left the customer afraid to use them (ConsumerAffairs, 2024).
Even the cassette housing, marketed as protecting the awning from the elements, has not been immune to issues. One customer on Retractable Awning Review reported finding squirrels nesting inside the encapsulation (2024).
Marygrove uses premium solution-dyed acrylic fabric with a 10-year warranty. Our seamless aluminum housing is engineered to protect the fabric when retracted and keep debris and pests out.
Wind Sensors That Trigger Too Often and Motors That Quit Too Soon
Customers in windy areas report Sunesta’s wind sensor retracting the awning every 25 minutes, making it essentially unusable on breezy days. One buyer on a windy ridge said “the salesman said it would be fine” — but the sensor had other plans (ConsumerAffairs, 2024). Others report persistent squeaking and creaking during extension, raising questions about whether the unit was mounted correctly or is simply showing wear.
Motor reliability is another concern. Multiple customers on Consumer Affairs report motor failures within the first few years. One motor malfunctioned after only 4 uses — the homeowner had just demonstrated it to 30 people at a family reunion (ConsumerAffairs, July 2025). Another spent $12,000 on an awning that “squeaks and creaks when extended and knocks when retracted” and “never stayed out for over 25 minutes.”
Every Marygrove awning includes our Advanced Weather Alert System, which uses a calibrated wind sensor with adjustable sensitivity. Combined with reinforced cable-driven lateral arms and up to 10 years of motor coverage, Marygrove is built to work reliably in real-world conditions.
What Real Customers Say
Do not just take our word for it. Here is what verified customers have to say about their experience with each company.
Marygrove Awnings Reviews
“From an inquiry response callback at 8pm to an install just two days later, I could not be happier with the Marygrove service or product.”
Brandon Williams, Verified Customer
“This is my second Marygrove awning. The first one lasted over 10 years. When it was time for a new one, there was no question who I was calling.”
Nancy Koulder, Verified Customer
“The installation was quick and easy. The crew was very knowledgeable of the product and kept us informed every step of the way.”
Mike and Debra L., BBB Review
“The installation team worked through extreme heat and still finished ahead of schedule. They were professional from start to finish.”
Diana von Glahn, Verified Customer
“Marygrove provides the awnings and installs them through the same company, giving it complete control over product quality.”
Sunesta Customer Reviews
“The motor went bad in less than 2 years. It took two months to ship, was lost, and cost over $300 despite having a five year guarantee.”
Customer Review, Consumer Affairs
“Two awnings for $17,685. The largest shade does not roll up properly and has rips in the material. Sunesta did nothing.”
Customer Review, BBB
“It took almost a year from the time we ordered 4 screens before the job was completed. The dealer blamed Sunesta and Sunesta blamed the dealer.”
Customer Review, Consumer Affairs
“Spent over $12,000. It squeaks and creaks when extended and knocks when retracted. Never stayed out for over 25 minutes.”
Customer Review, Consumer Affairs
“Replaced a motor at $900. Sunesta offered zero warranty on the replacement.”
Customer Review, BBB
“The company itself will not help you at all. They say you have to go through the local installer — but my installer won’t return my calls.”
Customer Review, Retractable Awning Review, July 2024
“Why is the service call for a ‘warrantied’ motor $300+? I paid $5,000 for the awning initially.”
Customer Review, Consumer Affairs, July 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Was your question not answered? You can reach our team directly at 800-442-9646
Both offer strong frame warranties. However, Sunesta’s fabric warranty is tiered — full coverage years 1-8, then drops sharply to 30% coverage in year 9 and just 15% in year 10. Marygrove’s coverage is straightforward and comprehensive. Motor warranty: Sunesta offers 10 years (controls only 5 years), Marygrove offers 10 years on the full system.
Sunesta’s installation depends entirely on your local dealer. Quality, pricing, and timeline vary by location. Marygrove includes professional installation with every purchase, performed by their own certified technicians — never subcontracted.
Sunesta does not offer native app control or voice assistant integration. Some dealers may configure Somfy-based control, but it’s not a Sunesta-branded experience. Marygrove offers integrated smart control with app, Alexa, Google Home, and weather-responsive automation standard.
No. Sunesta is not BBB accredited. The BBB has also questioned their “Proudly made in USA” advertising claim, and Sunesta did not provide substantiation. Marygrove is a single company with consistent service and transparent customer feedback.
Sunesta relies on independent dealers for installation. Quality, pricing, and availability vary entirely by your local dealer. If your dealer goes out of business or provides poor service, Sunesta corporate typically will not intervene. Marygrove includes professional installation by our own certified technicians with every purchase at no extra charge.
Sunesta offers a lifetime limited warranty on the frame, 10 years on fabric, and 10 years on motors (some components only 5 years). However, the warranty does not cover labor. Homeowners report $300 to $500 service fees for a dealer to install a “warrantied” part (ConsumerAffairs, 2025). Marygrove offers a lifetime frame warranty, 10 years on fabric, and up to 10 years on motors — with service included.
Sunesta awnings carry premium prices. Recent quotes shared on Reddit include $6,400 for a 12×12 motorized awning (April 2025) and $13,800 for a 17×10 (Jan 2025). Prices can vary significantly between dealers since Sunesta does not sell direct. Marygrove provides transparent, direct-to-consumer pricing with professional installation included.
If your local Sunesta dealer goes out of business, you are responsible for finding a replacement. Customers on the BBB report calling Sunesta many times and submitting website requests after their dealer closed, but never receiving a callback. Marygrove is a single company — we are always here because there is no middleman to lose.
Customers in windy areas report issues with Sunesta wind sensors retracting the awning too frequently — in some cases every 25 minutes — making it unusable on breezy days (ConsumerAffairs, 2024). Every Marygrove awning includes our Advanced Weather Alert System with calibrated sensitivity designed for real-world wind conditions.
Both manufacture in the USA, which is great. The difference is the service model. Sunesta sells through dealers — your relationship is with a middleman. Marygrove is a direct-to-consumer manufacturer. You deal with the people who built your awning from day one through year ten and beyond.
Sunesta’s standard models use a semi-cassette (hood) design. Their “Smartcase” full cassette is an expensive add-on. Marygrove includes full cassette protection as a standard feature on every awning.
We are comparing our standard model awnings versus Sunesta’s standard retractable awning line. Both represent what each brand offers to the average homeowner looking for a quality retractable awning solution.
Retractable awnings can weigh over 100 pounds and must be anchored into load-bearing structure. Improper mounting can cause wall damage, bracket failure in storms, and water pooling from incorrect pitch. Many manufacturers also void warranty coverage if the awning was not professionally installed. Marygrove handles installation with our own trained crew so your warranty stays intact and the awning performs the way it should.
Look for warranties that cover each component separately: frame, motor, and fabric. Watch out for pro-rated coverage that reduces your protection over time. Also check whether the warranty covers labor for service calls or just replacement parts. Marygrove offers a lifetime frame warranty, 10 years on fabric with full coverage, and up to 10 years on motors.
Yes, especially for larger awnings. Industry research shows homeowners use a motorized awning up to 10 times more often than a manual crank model. Motorized systems also allow you to add smart features like wind sensors and remote control operation. Every Marygrove awning is motorized and includes our Advanced Weather Alert System that automatically retracts the awning in high winds.
Cable-driven arms use reinforced steel cables inside the arm mechanism. Chain-driven arms use linked metal chains. Over time, chains can stretch, develop slack, and cause uneven extension. Cables hold their tension longer and require less maintenance. All Marygrove awnings use a reinforced cable system for smoother operation and a longer lifespan.
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