Do It Yourself: Shade Cloth Awnings
Shade cloth awnings are classic and attractive covers that are usually fixed above windows on patios, decks, and terraces, and can often be found restaurants or in the backyards of homes. Shade awnings help people keep cool in hot weather, and also provide a cover for rain. Shade cloth awnings can be built at home with some wood, shade cloth, bolts, screws and an electric drill.
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Shade cloth
- Staple gun
- Staples
- Box cutter
- Electric drill
- Drill bit
- Bolts
- Screws
- 1-by-4 wood boards
- saw
Instructions
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1
Measure the area around the window where the awning will be built using a tape measure.
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2
Cut the shade cloth to fit the window measurements using the box cutter. To ensure that the shade cloth fits on the window, make sure it is somewhat larger than the window measurement.
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3
Create the shade cloth awning frame. Cut four boards to fit the dimensions of the window. The width of the frame should be slightly larger than the window and the length should be 1/2 the width. Set the boards in a rectangular shape. Cut a board for the inside of the frame that runs across its length to reinforce the frame. Screw the wood pieces together using the electric drill and bolts.
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4
Measure and cut two support beams that will run diagonally from the wall to the outside corners of the frame. Screw the supporting beams to the outside corners of the frame.
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5
Pull the shade cloth across the frame, being careful so as not to tear the cloth. Nail or staple one side of the cloth at a time. Be sure to get out the wrinkles while attaching the cloth. Leave excess cloth on all sides of the frame.
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6
Trim the excess shade cloth using a box cutter.
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7
Drill one hole on each side of the board that will attach to the house above the window. Then drill two holes on the wall where the frame will attach above the window. Then drill a hole in each supporting beam where it will attach to the wall. Drill two holes in the wall where the supporting beams will attach.
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8
Center the clothed frame above the window. Bolt the frame to the wall.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit The Blue Door and Awning image by Jorge Moro from Fotolia.com
