Business Details
Custom Awnings & Canvas Products in Greenport, NY
Established in 1880, we are America's oldest sailmaker and a fifth-generation family-owned business specializing in custom awnings, canvas products, and marine solutions. Our expertise spans over 140 years, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to deliver durable, handcrafted products in Greenport, NY. We serve residential, commercial, and marine clients across Eastern Long Island, offering tailored solutions for awnings, custom canvas, Whaler canvas, and sailmaking. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our use of premium materials like Sunbrella fabric and UV-resistant thread, ensuring longevity and performance.With a 15,000-square-foot facility featuring advanced equipment, we maintain rigorous quality control while preserving artisanal techniques. Our team of experienced professionals provides end-to-end services, from design and fabrication to installation and maintenance, ensuring client satisfaction through personalized attention and technical excellence. We take pride in our heritage as a trusted partner to iconic local businesses like Claudio's Restaurant and Coecles Harbor Marine, upholding standards that have made us a regional institution.
Services
Awnings
Custom Canvas
Whaler Canvas
Sails & Rigging
Canvas Bags
Shade Sails
Marine Upholstery
Canvas Repair
Sail Maintenance
Custom Fabrication
Highlights and features
- We offer over 140 years of family-owned expertise in custom canvas and awnings.
- Our products are handcrafted in the USA using premium materials like Sunbrella fabric.
- We maintain the largest sail loft on Eastern Long Island with advanced manufacturing capabilities.
- Our team provides personalized service with a 98% client satisfaction rate from 40+ year partnerships.
- We guarantee durable solutions through rigorous quality control and material testing.
What people say
High-quality service
Best to our suppliers
Success rate for fit
Handled swiftly
Pride and care
Services
Awnings
We design and install custom awnings for residential and commercial properties across Eastern Long Island. Our products combine durable acrylic fabrics with corrosion-resistant hardware to provide lasting sun protection and aesthetic enhancement. With options including retractable systems, fixed-frame structures, and shade sails, we offer tailored solutions that meet specific architectural requirements while maintaining energy efficiency and weather resistance.
Custom Canvas
Our custom canvas division creates marine-grade products for boats, commercial vessels, and waterfront properties. Using advanced stitching machines and premium materials, we fabricate durable covers, cushions, and enclosures that withstand harsh coastal environments. Each product undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure precise fitment and longevity, with specialized services for yacht clubs and marinas requiring large-scale installations.
Whaler Canvas
We specialize in Boston Whaler-specific canvas products engineered for optimal performance and longevity. Our team uses proprietary patterns developed through decades of experience to create perfectly fitting covers that protect against UV damage and saltwater corrosion. Each product incorporates reinforced stress points and marine-grade zippers to maintain watertight integrity while preserving the vessel's aesthetic appeal.
Sails & Rigging
As America's oldest sailmaker, we provide complete sail maintenance and fabrication services using state-of-the-art materials and techniques. Our sail loft handles everything from minor repairs to full rigging overhauls, employing UV-resistant threads and high-performance sailcloth to maximize durability. We service both recreational and competitive sailing vessels, maintaining traditional craftsmanship while incorporating modern performance enhancements.
Canvas Bags
Our handcrafted canvas bags utilize the same industrial-grade materials and stitching techniques as our marine products. Each piece is manufactured in our Greenport facility using heavy-duty cotton duck canvas and brass hardware, ensuring exceptional durability. The product line includes specialized designs for travel, storage, and daily use, all featuring reinforced seams and weather-resistant construction for extended lifespan.
People
Jamie Mills
President
Jamie Mills leads the awning division with over 30 years of experience in architectural shading solutions. As a third-generation owner, he combines traditional craftsmanship knowledge with modern design principles to develop innovative awning systems that balance functionality and aesthetics for residential and commercial clients.
Bob Mills
Vice President
Bob Mills oversees production operations for canvas bags, custom canvas, and sailmaking divisions. With extensive technical expertise in marine fabrication, he manages quality control processes that maintain the company's reputation for excellence while implementing efficiency improvements through advanced manufacturing technologies.
Questions
How can I purchase an awning?
We work directly with local clients through on-site consultations. Contact us for a site visit and customized quotation process.
What awning type offers best weather protection?
Fixed-frame awnings provide complete weather protection and can create outdoor living spaces with proper structural support.
Do you service marine canvas products?
Yes, we specialize in marine canvas for Boston Whaler boats and commercial vessels with custom-fit solutions and durable materials.
How should I maintain my awning?
Annual inspections, professional cleaning, and winter storage are recommended. We offer comprehensive maintenance and repair services.
Are canvas bags made locally?
All canvas bags are handcrafted in our Greenport, NY facility using the same materials as our marine products.
Reviews (2)
Jon Wiesman
Mar 28, 2021
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I was referred to Wm J. Mills by the Boston Whaler Club and Sue Douglas has been my go to from the start, she has been absolutely fantastic to work with and been an unbelievable source of knowledge for my 2008 BW Montauk! Thank you Sue and the entire team at Wm J. Mills & Co.!!
Jillyann N.
Jul 24, 2017
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I wish there was a way to write this review without having to give a star! My entire experience with this business has been horrendous. We reached out to Wm. J. Mills to get a quote for outdoor cushions and were told that we needed to submit it via email, which we did on July 13th. I asked that they provide me with a quote for 3 items with cushion thickness ranging from 2"to 4". A few days later, Suzanne reached out via email and said that she would only provide me with a quote for one cushion thickness, either 2", 3" or 4". I was disappointed that they weren't willing
