DIY Metal Sidewalk Awnings

Metal awnings are constructed in order to provide protection from sun, rain or snow. A sheet of fabric, like canvas, can be stretched across the top of the metal awning to act as a type of umbrella. However, metal will withstand weather better than fabric. Awnings are often constructed on sidewalks, particularly on storefronts. A “canopy” is an awning that stretches all the way down a sidewalk. Awnings are relatively simple to construct and are attached to the exterior of a building. The most reliable material to use when constructing an awning is corrugated metal.

Corrugated metal
1-by-4-by-8 ledger board
Hammer
16-penny nails
1.5-inch screws
8-foot, metal, L-shaped ledger
Heavy-gauge C-channel metal header
Screw gun
5/8-inch screws

Instructions

- 1
  Decide how large you want the awning and cut pieces of corrugated metal to size.
- 2
  Place two markers on the ground to show where the awning will extend to. Dig holes where the markers are and put two 8-foot square metal posts into the holes. Fill in the holes with concrete; the concrete will need approximately 24 hours to dry completely.
- 3
  Secure a 1-by-4-by-8 ledger board onto the exterior of the building by hammering in 16-penny nails.
- 4
  Use 1.5-inch screws to attach an 8-foot, metal L-shaped ledger to the exterior of the building.
- 5
  Secure a C-channel metal header (heavy-gauge) horizontally on the two posts, from one to the other, by screwing it in. The screws can be inserted with a screw gun into the holes that are pre-drilled in the header.
- 6
  Lay the pieces of cut corrugated metal on the post header to the wall ledger. Use 5/8-inch screws to attach the corrugated metal to the ends of the header.

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