How to Build an Awning

A secondary covering or a canopy, that is attached to the exterior part of the house and is a nice enclosure to relax and spend leisure time, is called as an awning. Awnings also provide us protection from rain and wind. Nowadays, different types of awnings are available in the market. The cloths commonly used for awnings, are polyester yarn, cotton or cloth prepared from acrylic. The poles on which the awning cloth is placed, are made from various materials such as iron, aluminum, steel or wood. The awnings are available in two types, namely the automated overhangs and those which are manually operated. Owing to the simplicity and ease with which they are installed, the manually operated awnings are the preferred ones.

How to Build an Awning

Building an awning ourselves, is easy if the necessary instructions are followed properly. One has to follow some simple instructions in order to build a nice and strong awning.

Materials
It is necessary to prepare a plan and collect the materials required before building the awning. The basic things needed for the construction of an awning are nylon threads, screw hooks, measuring tapes, cloth, stakes, etc. Accessories or minor items needed for building an awning are grommets, key rings, ropes and electric drills.

Procedure
The area where an awning has to be installed, is measured with the help of a tape. The edges of the cloth should be covered by a plastic or canvas and stitched together. Grommets need to be attached to the corners of the cloth. Pilot holes should be created in the cloth, at the positions where one needs to place the overhang or awning. Screw hooks should be attached to the holes. The place where hooks are attached, is the point from which the awning starts to roll. The cable used to pull the awning is fastened at this point. The next step in the process, is to insert key rings in grommets. The grommets that are present on the part of the canvas opposite to the wall and not adjacent to it, should be fixed with these rings. After the above mentioned activity is completed, stakes or poles that support the awnings should be installed. The grommets need to be hooked to the cloth from above the poles. The grommets that are nearest to the poles should be tied with ropes. The rope should be pulled to see whether the poles are firm enough.

Wooden Awnings
Wooden awnings are built using specially treated wooden poles or stakes that don't rot during the rainy season. These awnings thus, protect us from sun rays as well as rains.

Retractable Awnings
These awnings are used to cover patios, balconies and even carts. The retractable awnings are easy to use and also quite affordable. One can skip the cumbersome procedure of setting up an awning by using retractable ones. Most of these awnings are made of vinyl; however, those made from aluminum are also available. Nowadays, the use of mobile home awnings has become popular. These awnings enhance the look of the house to a great extent.

If the above instructions to build an awning, are implemented properly, one should be able to build a strong and decorative awning.