How to Make Your Own Rain Awning

Use your tape measure to determine the dimensions of your rain awning. The rule of thumb is to add 6 inches to the width and length of the doorway to create maximum coverage and allow for the awning's hems.

Buy the appropriate amount of acrylic canvas for your awning. Although acrylic canvas is more expensive than standard canvas, it is especially important to use for rain awnings. Ordinary cotton canvas is not waterproof and is prone to mildew, rendering it ineffective for rain awnings. Acrylic canvas comes in a variety of colors and is made of tight-weave fabric that is waterproof.

Use your sewing machine to create a 3-inch hem around the perimeter of the fabric. Only use a weather-resistant nylon thread.

Place a grommet in each corner of your canvas, 2 inches from the corner.

Measure the distance between the grommets along the length of the canvas. Using this measurement, drill two pilot holes in the building where your awning will hang. Screw two hooks into the pilot holes.

Lay out your canvas by the building. Orient the fabric in the position you wish to hang the canvas.

Hang the awning to the building by hooking the two grommets on the building side of the awning. This side of your awning is finished.

Use the grommets at the street side of your awning to mark where your aluminum support poles will stand. Although some awnings have PVC support poles, aluminum is a better choice because it is more durable. Your hardware store can cut the aluminum poles to your height specifications.

Drive the poles firmly into the ground so they are stable, or attach them to a weighted base. Slip the street-side grommets through the poles.

Tie two pieces of nylon rope through both grommets on the street side. Tie one piece of rope so that it directly attaches the awning to the support pole. Reinforce the awning by tying a second piece of rope and knotting it securely. Your rain awning is complete.