How to Attach Awning Fabric to Wood
You can attach awning fabric to wood to make a shady spot just about anywhere you want it. Awning fabric is usually canvas or specially-made shade cloth. Attach your awning fabric to a wooden frame in one of two ways. One way is by using grommets and screws and the other is by simply using staples. Each way works equally well; it just depends on where your awning is and if you plan on taking it down when you are not using it. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Grommet kit
- Screws
- Washers
- Drill/screwdriver
- Staple gun with staples
Instructions
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Using Grommets
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1
Use grommets to attach your fabric awning to the wooden frame if this is a temporary arrangement.
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2
Fold your fabric in half to find the middle of one of the sides. Use a marker to make an "X" on both edges of the folded side. Fold the fabric in half the opposite way to find the half way points on the other side of the fabric awning and mark with the marker.
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3
Place an "X" at each of the four corners as well.
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4
Attach the grommets using the tools that came with your grommet kit. Put a grommet at each "X."
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5
Use screws and metal washers to attach your shade cloth to a wooden frame. Make sure the washers are larger than the grommet holes.
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6
Place the screw through the washer and drill the screw directly into the wood frame.
Staples
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7
Use staples to attach your fabric awning if you plan on leaving it up for a while or for one-time use.
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8
Stretch your fabric awning over the frame and pull the fabric as tightly as possible.
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9
Start on one side of the wooden frame and insert a staple in the middle. Go to the opposite side of the awning and put in another staple in the middle. Repeat for the two remaining sides of the fabric.
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10
Work from the center of each side toward the ends, pulling the fabric tightly and placing staples every 10 inches.
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Tips & Warnings
Using the grommets instead of staples will help prolong the life of your fabric awning, especially if you plan on using it over a long period of time. By using grommets, you use the same holes, without tearing the fabric.
Hem your fabric awning if you want before you staple it to the wood frame. This will make your awning look a little nicer and give the stapled edges added strength.
