Things You'll Need
Tape measure
Thick pen
Marine fabric
2-inch-by-2-inch lumber
2-inch-by-4-inch lumber
Large sewing needle
Heavy-duty thread
Screwdriver
Wood screws
Wooden dowels or aluminum rods
Installing a new door awning protects your home's entrance from the weather. The shade produced by an awning can also reduce the heat in your home and save money on energy bills. After you have installed an awning on your doors, you may want to increase your energy savings even more by installing them on the windows of your home. Follow these easy steps to build your own custom-made door awning.
Step 1
Decide how big you want your door awning to be. It should be at least 6 inches wider than the door opening on each side. The length depends on how much shade and cover you want. Use a tape measure and thick pen to mark off those dimensions on two identical pieces of marine fabric. Add 6 inches to the length when measuring so you have enough fabric for a front overhang.
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Step 2
Cut the fabric along your markings. Turn one piece upside down and stack it on top of the other so that the two printed sides are facing each other. Use heavy-duty thread to sew the pieces together in the front, back and on one of the sides. You should now have a large pocket with an opening on the side.
Step 3
Turn the pocket inside out so that the seam is hidden on the inside. Mark a line across the front of the fabric, 6 inches in from the edge. Mark another line 2 1/2 inches in from the first line. Mark a line 2 1/2 inches in from each side. These marked-off edges will be where the wooden frame of the awning will be inserted.
Step 4
Measure and cut 2-inch-by-2-inch lumber in lengths that will fit inside the marked portions of your awning fabric. Lay out the pieces of wood and connect the front piece to the sides with wood screws. Apply wood glue where the corner pieces are joined, and slide the wooden frame inside the fabric pocket.
Step 5
Sew the open side of fabric together so the pocket is now closed. Use wood screws to attach a length of 2-inch-by-4-inch wood to the front of the house, approximately 6 inches over the door. Attach the awning to this board with wood screws.
Step 6
Use decorative dowels or aluminum rods to brace the outside end of the awning. Attach a dowel to the inside corner of the frame with a wood screw. Attach the other end to the front of the house using either screws or waterproof glue. Repeat to make the support on the other side.
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