How to Build Backyard Awnings

Drill pilot holes in the top of the four poles about 8 inches from their tops. Screw a 3-inch eye screw into each hole. These poles hold up the awning. Set them aside for later use.

Cut a 3-inch-wide strip from the side of the fabric, set aside. Cut the remaining piece of fabric into two 6-foot-long pieces. Sew the two pieces together in a sewing machine with two rows of stitching on an overlapped seam. The double seam makes the fabric stronger. Use your fingers to fray the edges of the fabric to give it a soft look.

Cut four 3-inch-wide squares from the fabric piece set aside in Step 2. Attach each square to the corners of the main fabric using fusible web and a hot iron. Use the fabric scissors to cut a center slit in each corner of the small squares. Pound a grommet into each slit with a hammer.

Stretch the fabric out on the ground. Paint the fabric with water sealant. Allow the sealer to dry, flip the fabric over and repeat on the other side. Allow both sides to dry before handling.

Select a location to install the awning. Measure out a 4-by-10 foot rectangle on the ground. Dig a 10-inch deep, by 7-inch wide hole in each corner. Stick a piece of PVC pipe in each hole. Fill the space around the pipe with gravel.

Place each of the rustic poles inside the pipes with the eye bolts on top. Twist the poles around until the eye bolts are facing the center of the rectangle.

Attach the canopy to the poles by hooking a bottle screw to each grommet and then to each eye bolt. A ladder may be necessary to reach the bolts. The awning should droop a little bit to add to the rustic look.