How to Build Temporary Supports for a Patio Cover

Measure the length of the patio cover from the front edge, left to right, corner to corner, using a tape measure.

Cut two 2-by-10-inch boards to the length of the patio cover, the measurement you obtained in Step 1.

Place one of the 2-by-10-inch boards directly underneath the front edge of the patio cover, exactly where you measured it. The 2-by-10 will be flush with the ground or floor and directly parallel to the front edge.

Measure from the underside of the patio cover down to the 2-by-10-inch board on the ground. Subtract 2 inches from the measurement.

Cut 2-by-4-inch boards to the measurement obtained in Step 4, one board for every 8 feet of patio cover as determined by the length from Step 1 (divide the length by 8).

Measure 8 feet and 2 inches from one corner of the 2-by-10-inch board on the ground, and mark off every 8 feet and 2 inches down the entire length of the board with a chalk line.

Pre-drill holes at each chalk mark for your 90-degree braces.

Place one 2-by-4-inch board next to each set of holes, and drill the brace in place to secure each temporary wall stud.

Place the second 2-by-10-inch board on top of the temporary studs. If your measurements are correct, it should slide into place between the tops of the studs and the patio cover.

Drill braces into the top corner of each stud where it meets the 2-by-10-inch board.

Keep the temporary support wall in place while you work on your permanent patio cover project.