Peterson Canvas & Awning has long been a trusted name across the Front Range and beyond, helping customers transform their homes and businesses with high-quality shade solutions. As the oldest custom canvas company in Northern Colorado, their reputation is built on a foundation of reliability, craftsmanship, and a commitment to doing the right thing—every time. The company’s values—centered on communication, teamwork, and respect—are reflected in every interaction, from the first consultation to the final installation.
"For over 60 years, our awning company has proudly served the Boulder community, enhancing the charm and functionality of local storefronts,” says owner Natalia Crofut. “We've covered countless frames in front of retail businesses, providing both shade and style that invite customers in. Our work has become a familiar part of the streetscape."
While awnings remain the core focus, the company offers a surprisingly broad array of services, many of which go far beyond what customers might expect from a traditional shop. The in-house manufacturing capabilities allow Peterson Canvas & Awning to tackle truly diverse projects. Their portfolio showcases a versatility rooted in skill and creativity, from livestock covers for CSU Fort Collins to cab tops for snow blowers and even veterinary hammocks for cats and pigs. “We are deeply proud of that skill set and expertise,” says Natalia. “It’s fun and rewarding work.”
“The magic of having a sewing shop to complement our dealer activity is that we can tailor unique solutions for each client,” Natalia explains. Whether it’s a custom solar shade, a cover for an outdoor kitchen, or a recanvas of an existing awning, their expert seamstresses, some of whom have been with the company for decades, bring innovation and longevity to every project.
Their collaboration with Eclipse Shading Systems also sets them apart. “We teamed up with Eclipse, a manufacturer that actually backs their product and gives us top-notch customer care, so we have the capacity to turn around and give our customers the same level of quality care,” Natalia says. This partnership ensures that even when a project isn’t originally theirs, they may still be able to access the parts and support needed for repairs, offering a level of service that’s rare in the industry.
Peterson Canvas & Awning is also committed to using premium materials that are made to last. Brands like Sunbrella and SunTex offer UV protection and long-term durability, with warranties of up to more than a decade. “These products are meant to last a long time and not fritter away,” says Natalia, understanding that for many customers, their purchase is a meaningful investment in both comfort and quality of life.
Most of Peterson Canvas & Awning’s business comes from residential clients, and it shows in the passion and pride they take in creating outdoor spaces that people genuinely love. Whether it’s a shaded patio that offers relief from the summer sun or solar shades that cut chilly breezes in spring and fall, their installations are more than just functional—they enhance how people enjoy their homes.
The company takes a profoundly personal approach to each project. Initial assessments are conducted with a careful eye on the details: sun orientation, building structure, the customer’s lifestyle and daily habits. This allows the team to listen carefully to their customers’ needs and offer solutions that translate to long-term lifestyle improvements with a personal touch.
The installers, Rachael and James, have specifically earned glowing praise for their work. “One customer said to us, for their installation this past April, that for our crew, ‘It doesn't get better than that,’” Natalia shares. Their many five-star reviews echo the same sentiment: thoughtful service, skilled craftsmanship, and a dedication to doing right by every customer.
Peterson Canvas & Awning truly shines in how they treat their customers—with honesty, attentiveness, and a genuine desire to help. “I receive a lot of calls from folks who are frustrated—usually because the company that installed their awning won’t call them back,” Natalia says. “If we can fix it, we will—and if it’s something simple, our front office manager will walk you through it over the phone, so you don’t spend money on a service call…. We just think that’s the right way to treat people.”
In a world where fast fixes and impersonal service are all too common, Peterson Canvas & Awning stands out for all the right reasons. From custom craftsmanship to heartfelt customer care, they’ve been shading Colorado—beautifully and reliably—since 1957.
To learn more or request a consultation, visit PetersonCanvas.com.