Things You'll Need:
- Tape measure
- Chalk line
- 4 4-by-4 inch post anchors
- Concrete
- 4 4-by-4 inch post caps
- 12 1/2-inch bolts
- Drill motor
- 2 4-by-8-by-20 inch headers
- 12 2-by-6-by-20 inch rafter boards
- 1-by-8 inch TNG plywood
- 16-penny nails
- 8-penny nails
-
Step 1
Mark off the area for your large patio cover that's around 20 by 20 feet. Snap a line down each side of the patio. Measure each distance with a tape measure to ensure straight lines.
-
Step 2
Dig a hole at each corner of the patio cover, 18 inches deep and 8 inches wide. Place a 4-by-4 inch post anchor inside each hole. Fill each hole to the top with concrete, and allow the concrete to cure overnight.
-
Step 3
Attach a 4-by-4-by-8 inch post to each anchor. Pre-drill 5/8-inch holes in both sides of each post. Place 1/2-inch bolts through the post anchors into the posts. Use a drill motor to tighten the bolts.
-
Step 4
Drill two 5/8-inch holes in the tops of the posts, one on each side. Attach 4-by-4 inch post caps to the top of each post using 1/2-inch bolts.
-
Step 5
Lay a 4-by-8-by-20 inch header across both ends of the patio, each extending from one post cap to the other, running parallel to each other. Attach the headers to the post caps using 1/2-inch bolts. (Pre-drill 5/8-inch holes for easier insertion.)
-
Step 6
Layout 2-by-6-by-20 inch rafter boards, 16-inches on center, connected to the headers using two 16-penny nails. The rafters will lay perpendicular to the headers. Spread the nails apart to prevent the rafter boards from twisting.
-
Step 7
Finish the large patio cover by covering the rafter boards with 1-by-8 inch TNG plywood. Nail the plywood to the rafters using galvanized 8-penny nails.
