How to Build Awnings for a Home

If you are looking for a simple way to improve the curb appeal of your home while also blocking out harsh sunlight, consider building awnings for your home. Homemade awnings can be constructed out of simple, inexpensive materials such as PVC pipe. By building your own awnings you can save the cost of purchasing custom awnings or awning kits, and you can customize the awnings to suit your particular needs.

Measuring tape
1-inch PVC
PVC cutters
1-inch PVC tees (2)
1-inch PVC elbows (2)
Canvas
PVC snap clamps
1-inch conduit clamps (2)
1 1/2-inch wood screws

Instructions

- 1
  Use a measuring tape to measure the length of the window where you intend to install your awning. Awnings can also be installed over doors, balconies and porches. Extend the measuring tape out from the wall of your home to determine the appropriate width for your awning.
- 2
  Cut two pieces of 1-inch PVC to the length measurement you took in Step 1 using a pair of PVC cutters. Using the width measurement you determined for your awning, cut two more pieces of 1-inch PVC.
- 3
  Arrange the four pieces of PVC you cut in a square or rectangle shape on the floor. Position the pipes so the pipes of equal length are opposite each other. One pair of pipes should be placed perpendicular to the other pair.
- 4
  Connect the pipes at the corners using 1-inch PVC fittings. At the top corner, insert the ends of the PVC pipes into the vertical connection and one horizontal connection on a 1-inch PVC tee. In the bottom corners, connect the pipes using 1-inch PVC elbows.
- 5
  Lay the completed awning frame flat on the ground and measure its length and width. The thickness of the PVC pipes will have increased the original measurements you took.
- 6
  Cut a piece of canvas to the length and width dimensions of the awning frame. Hem all four corners of the canvas with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. This piece of canvas is the awning cover.
- 7
  Spread the finished awning cover over the awning frame. Adjust the awning cover so it overhangs the sides of the frame evenly on all sides. Use PVC snap clamps to secure the canvas to the awning frame.
- 8
  Hold the awning up against the wall of your home above the window or door where you intend to install it. Position the awning frame so the long side with the two PVC tees attached is flush with the wall. The open connection on each tee should be facing away from the window.
- 9
  Slip a 1-inch conduit clamp over the open connection on each of the PVC tees. Adjust the height and angle of the awning until you are satisfied, and have an assistant hold it firmly in place.
- 10
  Screw the conduit clamps to the side of your home or into the window frame using 1 1/2-inch wood screws.

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