How to Build a Shade Canopy

Shade canopies are tarps or plastic-covered structures that provide shade on sunny days. The canopies are used for sporting events, camping or picnicking. You can make this basic shade canopy and alter it to fit any size.

Things You'll Need

• 4 PVC end covers
• Drill
• 4 small screws and nuts
• 4 6- to 7-foot long PVC pipes
• Tarp or thick plastic sheeting
• 4 ropes
• 4 tent stakes
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Drill a hole through the middle of each end cover. The hole needs to be big enough to fit the screw tightly in the hole.

2. Secure the screw into the end cover with the head of the screw on the inside. Use super glue around the screw if you need to hold it in place.

3. Place the ends of the cover onto the PVC pipe.

4. Poke screws through the corners of the tarp or plastic. Tarps come with holes around the edges and so are easier to use. If a tarp is not available, thick plastic sheeting also works.

5. Tighten the nuts onto the end of the screws to secure the tarp in place.

6. Stand the PVC pipes up. Ask one or two people to hold the canopy up to make the job easier.

7. Tie a rope around the screws attached to the tarp. Pull the rope tight and diagonally to the ground. Attach a tent stake to the end of the rope. Hammer the stake into the ground. Repeat for all the poles.