How to Make Your Own Patio Sun Shade Awning

Position planters on the four corners of your patio or deck, 8 feet apart. Check the measurements by measuring on each diagonal and side to side.

Pour half a bag of concrete into a wheelbarrow. Add water to the concrete a little at a time until it is the consistency of peanut butter.

Ask an assistant to hold a 9-foot 4-by-4-inch corner post steady inside a planter box while you pour 10 inches of concrete into the box. Check to be sure the post is level. Repeat this process to install the three other corner posts. Let the concrete dry thoroughly.

Measure the distance from an outside post to an opposite outside post. Cut four sidebar pieces out of 2-by-4-inch lumber this measurement.

Install each sidebar flush with the top of the post and on the outside. Use exterior wood screws at each corner to secure the sidebar in place.

Place an 8-by-8-foot shade cloth on a flat surface.

Make a mark every 12 inches, 1/2 inch from hemmed edge, around the fabric using a fabric pen. This will be the guide for grommet installation.

Place a scrap wood block under the shade cloth and place a hole cutter on top of the fabric mark. Pound the hole cutter firmly with a hammer until it creates a hole.

Position the grommet and the washer around the hole and hammer in place.

Attach a 12-inch piece of nylon cord to each grommet hole.

Install eight eye bolts 12 inches apart on the outside of each sidebar 1/2 inch from the top. Make a hole with a drill for easier installation.

Ask an assistant to help you place the shade fabric over the frame. Tie the nylon cord to the eye bolts.

Fill each planter box with 1 inch of crushed gravel. Place potting soil on top of the gravel. Plant colorful annual flowers in each box.