Steps To Building A Patio Awning
During a hot summer day, patios and decks tend to absorb a lot of heat. Sitting in these open outdoor spaces can definitely get uncomfortable as you sit there sweating and burning in the sun. Many people add awnings to solve this problem, but they can be a bit expensive. If you want to have the luxury of sitting in the shade on a beautiful summer day, there is a cost-effective way of doing this. By building your own awning, you’ll save a ton of money and you’ll be able to enjoy some shade as well! This article will guide you on how to build your own awning.
This project will require a short list of tools and materials. It will require the following; a tape measure, an electric drill, four sections of rope, four stakes, four grommets, two key rings, two screw hooks, a sewing machine (make sure you have a large needle), two supporting poles and a large piece of canvas. It may sound like a lot, but nothing is really expensive on this list.
Take the large canvas and measure the amount you’ll need by figuring out how large the awning will be. You should always purchase extra canvas, since you’ll hem it and cut it. Once you’ve measured it out, then sew the hems on the outside of the material. You don’t want the material to fray, so this is a must! Nylon threading is also recommended since it can handle the outdoor conditions better than other options available. Now proceed to install one grommet on each corner.
Take the tape measure and measure one side of the awning. You want to measure from grommet to grommet. Then proceed to drill two pilot holes in the wood siding where the awning will branch out from. Take the hooks and screw them into the pilot holes you’ve just created. If you try screwing the hooks in before the holes are drilled in, you may end up having issues. It’s a much simpler process by drilling the pilot holes.
Continue by installing a single key ring on each of the grommets. Start on the side that’s closer to the house. Place the key rings on the hooks. At this point you should have placed a total of two key rings on the two hooks. Now one side of your awning is complete!
You’re awning should be hanging off those two hooks and it will need support from the other side. You currently have support from the house, but the awning needs two poles to support the other side. Pull the canvas out in order to determine where the poles will stand and make sure the canvas has a tight and clean look. Once you’ve determined a place for the poles, either place them into the dirt of use a sturdy flat base stand to support the poles. The poles will then go through the grommets on the canvas awning.
Now it’s time to use the rope. The rope will play a major role as a support system. Take the rope and tie it to the grommets, on the side of the poles. Since you have four ropes, use two ropes on each side of the pole. You’ll want to stake the ropes into the ground for support. One rope should point directly straight out from the pole and the other should point directly to the side at a ninety degree angle for more support. Do this to both poles.
With these simple steps, you can build your own awning. It will only take a few hours and it won’t cost nearly as much as purchasing and having an awning professionally installed. However, it will accomplish your goal of keeping you cool on those hot summer days!
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