How to Make a Patio Canopy or Awning

When you decide to make a patio canopy or awning the first question you are going to ask is do I want it to be a permanent fixture or do I want to be able to take it down and put it up when the sun is hot? To make a portable patio cover or sun awning inexpensively, first you need to measure the area you want covered. Decide if you want a cover that attaches to your house or a free-standing cover.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• For a cover that is self-supporting, you need:
• Sun screen fabric - 75% sun block - 6' x 20' roll - about $30 at local home improvement store.
• 8 - PVC pipe - 1/2" x 10' - about $1.50 per piece.
• 4 - PVC Corners - 1/2" - 3 hole - about $0.50 each.
• Sewing Machine
• PVC pipe cutter
• For a cover that attaches to your house, you need:
• Sun screen fabric - 75% sun block - 6' x 20' - about $30.
• 3 - PVC Pipe - 1/2" x 10'
• 2 - PVC Elbows - 1/2" - about $0.25 each
• 2 - Flag pole holders
• Sewing Machine
• PVC pipe cutter

1. Sew the sunscreen material into a square the size of your desired sun awning, leaving an excess 1" on each side. Fold over the 1" excess and sew a straight seam leaving a pocket and the ends open so you can slip the PVC pipe through.

2. Slide the PVC pipe through the sleeve opening along 4 sides, if you are making a free standing cover. Add the corner connectors to close the frame. Place legs in bottom of corner connector.

3. For a cover that attaches to your house, you only need 3 pieces of PVC pipe and 2 flag pole holders. Slide the PVC pipe in the pockets, using the corner brackets to connect the 2 outside edges.

4. Attach flag pole brackets to the house and slide the side poles into the brackets.

Tips & Warnings

• With both covers, you can simply unscrew the legs / poles from the connectors and slide the cover off when you no longer need it or when it needs to be cleaned.
• If wind is an issue, the legs can be set into the ground for added stability or even set in weighted Christmas tree stands.