How to Build Wood Awnings

You can build wood awnings with basic handyman skills.

You can build a wood awning onto your home to add a shady area over a deck or patio. It requires building, carpentry and roofing tools and skills. You can borrow or rent some of the tools you need. Check your local building codes, as they might have regulations regarding whether the awning can be attached to the building or not.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• 3/4-inch plywood
• Felt paper
• Marking pen
• Jackhammer
• Metal posts
• Concrete
• Water
• Wheelbarrow
• Shovel
• Metal brackets
• Assistant
• 4 by 6 and 2 by 4 wood posts
• Wrench
• Bolts and nuts
• Ladder
• Drill
• Screws
• Scissors
• Shingles

Instructions

1. Measure the length of the edge of your home where you want to install a wood awning, using a tape measure. Buy 3/4-inch plywood in the length and width you need. Multiply the length and width of your awning and buy enough felt paper to cover that surface.

2. Mark the location on the concrete where you want the posts, using a marking pen. Plug in a jackhammer to an electrical outlet and dig two-foot deep holes for the posts.

3. Insert metal posts in the holes under the awning location. Mix concrete in a wheelbarrow and fill the holes around the posts. Leave the top metal brackets of the posts sticking up.

4. Install the wood posts which will support the frame. Ask an assistant to hold each post vertically inside the metal brackets left exposed in Step 3. Secure posts to the brackets using a wrench and heavy bolts and nuts.

5. Use a ladder to attach 4-by-6 wood posts horizontally across the posts installed in Step 4. Secure each post with metal brackets, bolts and screws on each side where horizontal and vertical posts meet.

6. Install studs to support the awning. Secure each stud with metal brackets and nails on each side where stud and frame meet.

7. Lay plywood across the studs. Attach with hammer and nails. Cut felt paper to size with scissors and lay onthe plywood.

8. Install shingles on top of the felt paper. Lay the first row of shingles along the bottom edge. Lay each row overlapping the previous row. Work your way toward the side next to the house.

Tips & Warnings

• Install a covering on the wood posts of your awning to give a unique, finished look.

• Be careful to keep your balance when working on a ladder.

References

• YouTube: Patio Wood Awning
• Shade Builder: How to Build Wood Awnings