DIY Retractable Shade

Find a suitable location for the shade to be installed. Measure the area where the equipment will be fitted and select the closest-sized application. Remember to add 6 inches allowance for the frame, when taking measurements, and ensure the desired shade projection has a clear run for full extension. At the budget end of the market (less than $500), shade sizes are generally between 11 to 18-foot widths with 1-foot increments and shade projections of 8 or 10 feet. Premium retractable shades can be custom made to requirement with prices starting at $3,000.

Decide whether you want to include a motor accessory when selecting your retractable shade, rather than settle for the less expensive hand-crank operated system. It will make life less physically demanding and make it much more likely that the shade will be retracted more of the time, thus keeping it more protected and less costly to maintain. Motorized awnings generally come with a with a wireless receiver and can be operated at the touch of a button.

Check the packaging and spare parts as soon as you receive the equipment. Most manufacturers include all of the essential hardware, such as brackets, nuts, bolts, and screws.

Take the awning out and attach it to the three brackets, one at each end and one in the middle. Most square bars have red mark indicators to help you position the brackets in the right place. The brackets should be centered on these guiding marks. Use a spirit level to fit them all level and vertical.

Measure the distance from the outside of the brackets at opposite ends and also find the midway point. Once all the appropriate measurements have been taken remove the square bar from the brackets.

Use the measurements to mark out the bracket attachment points on the chosen installation site. You can place the brackets against the wall and outline their position and attachment hole with a piece of chalk. Double check the markings are level with the spirit level and indeed positioned correctly.

Use the drill to make appropriate sized holes in the wall and secure the brackets by banging in the steel support struts with the wooden hammer.

Place the square bar into the brackets ensuring the red marks are placed in the center of the brackets and secure.

Affiix the receiver close to the square bar and power up the remote control unit to test the motorized system.

Adjust the slope of the shade so that it is level. You can do this by using a specially designed crank that usually comes with the fittings, allowing easy adjustment.

Open and retract awning to test performance until you are satisfied.