Do-It-Yourself Event Canopy
Canopies provide a decorative covering and act as a shield against the sun and rain. Creating a canopy starts with building a solid base and ends with adding some durable fabric as a covering. The project can be accomplished in a few days, and will be well worth your time when you see the dramatic statement canopies can add to an event.
Things You'll Need
- 3 bags quickset concrete
- 3 large plastic planters
- 3 8-foot PVC Pipes with a 1-inch in diameter
- 1 8-foot PVC Pipe with a 1.25 inches in diameter (cut into three equal pieces)
- Shade sail canopy
- Large eyelet screw
- Drill
- Wrench
- Drill bit slightly smaller than diameter of large eyelet screw
- 3 Large hooks in "S" shapes
- Electric tape
- Sheet moss
Instructions
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1
Cut the 8-foot PVC pipe into three equal pieces using a saw.
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2
Stand each of the three small PVC pipe pieces that you had cut in Step one into the center of each of the three planters. Tape the PVC pipe pieces to the bottom of the planters to hold in place.
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3
Follow the instructions on the quickset concrete package for preparation. Instructions may vary based on the brand you purchased. Once prepared, pour the quickset concrete into one of the planters around the PVC pipe until the concrete is about two to three inches from the top of the planter. Do not get any concrete in the center of the PVC pipe. Repeat the process for the two additional planters. Let the concrete dry for 72 hours.
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4
Cover the concrete when dry with sheet moss to add a decorative touch. Leave the center of the PVC pipes that are in the planters uncovered.
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5
Gather your three 8-foot PVC pipes with 1-inch diameters. Measure 4-inches down from the top of each of the pipes. Drill a hole just a bit smaller than the diameter of the large eyelet. Screw the eyelets in the holes using your hands or a wrench if necessary.
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6
Place the bottom of the 8-foot PVC pipes from Step five into the center of the pipe pieces that you already secured in the middle of the planters in step two.
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7
Arrange the planters into a triangular shape on the ground.
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8
Attach the corners of the shade sail canopy to the eyelet hooks at the top of the pipes using large "S" shaped hooks.
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1
Tips & Warnings
For very windy locations, you may need to secure the planters to the ground. (See References 3)
