Building a DIY awning is a great project for homeowners. If you are handy with tools and construction projects, you will enjoy this DIY project. This is a great outdoor awning project that your family will enjoy for years to come. Enjoying the great outdoors is something continues to be an on-going pastime for many American families. You need to make some preparations before purchasing any materials so that your awning project will be a positive experience and turn out the way you are planning.
Simple Awning Design
The cost of a DIY project can be considerably less than having a carpenter come in and do it for you. If you have any doubts about any part of the construction, you can find details books on how to start building your awning from scratch. There are some simple rules to know that should help you out and point out the main steps to concentrate on.
Measuring Your Space
As with any project you will need to measure the area accurately. You should design your awning in a way that it will blend in with the architecture of your home. It should be in proportion to the are you are places it and should not be too large.
Consider the lengths of the wood that you are going to use since this plays a big part in the construction process. You don’t want to have too many joints, are joints in the wrong places that might compromise the stability of the structure. If possible put your ideas on paper and see if it will work on paper with the dimensions you have.
Choosing Supports
The posts that you use to support your structure is very important. Don’t skimp on getting good heavy duty posts since this is the support for the entire structure. The roof and wood will add weight to the structure as will wind and snow if you live in the northern states.
It is recommended to get posts 8 x 8 inches square, but this will depend on the size of your awning. You should also use metal angle iron to connectthe bottom of a metal or wooden support post to your floor decking or concrete. Each post must be secured into a permanent position so that your awning does not fall down.
Awning fitted perfectly in place
Put Your Design on Paper
Decide before you begin your project how long each piece should be and write it down. Mentally go through the steps and pieces that you will put in place. It is better to use nuts and bolts, rather than rely on nails as they are prone to come out and not be as sturdy as bolts. Wood Screws is the next best option for some portions of your project, such as put in the decking materials if you are doing a floor also.
Roof and Coverings
This is the part that will allow you an array of options to choose from. The type of awning cover that you choose will depend a lot on where you live and the weather conditions in your area, and what activities will be going on under your awning. You may choose from a roof made of simple outdoor fabrics that will coordinate with other furniture or colors that you are using. You may choose a traditional trellis type covering, or a solid wood or shingled roof, or some type of metal. You may also choose to install a DIY retractable awning canopy that can be rolled in and out as the weather changes.
Finishing Touches
Once your framework and roof are in place, you are ready to add any finishing touches to your awning. Many homeowners like to install some type of lighting. There are many different types of lights and accessories available that can be placed on a deck or patio area under your awning. Place some outdoor furniture and some colorful cushions out and you will have created a great outdoor addition to your home for you and your family to enjoy.