How to Make an Awning for a Sliding Door

Measure the area above the sliding door where the awning will go. Add 6 to 10 inches to the measurement. Cut the outdoor canvas to fit this measurement.

Use a sewing machine and thick thread to create a hem around the entire edge of the fabric to prevent it from fraying. Place a grommet at each of the four corners of the fabric. Use a grommet setter to install the grommets in the fabric.

Spread the canvas out flat and measure the area from the center of one grommet to the center of the grommet at the opposite end. This measurement will determine where the pilot holes on the house siding go.

Create the pilot holes into the housing siding with a power drill according to the measurement in the previous step. Screw a screw hook into the pilot holes.

Attach a key ring to each grommet that will be against the house siding. Place the key ring on the grommet to the screw hook attached to the siding. Slip the second key ring on the corresponding screw hook.

Pull the canvas fabric outward and mark the locations where the support poles will go into the ground. Use a post hole digger to create the holes into the soil.

Place a large eye screw on the end of both fence poles and insert the poles into the hole keeping the eye screw upward. Move the support poles to the center of the hole and add gravel around it until the hole is completely filled. Use a shovel to pack the gravel in tight.

Cut two pieces of nylon rope with a pair of scissors to measure 2 feet each. Thread one piece of rope through both grommets that will be attached to the support poles. Place a ladder next to the support pole and climb up it to reach the top of the support pole.

Place the corresponding corner of the canvas on top of the support pole and thread the nylon rope through the eye screw. Tie the rope with a double knot.

Repeat the previous step for the other support hole.