11 Easy & Cheap DIY Awning Ideas

Last updated on May 22, 2024

Here are some great tutorials for making your own awning. You’ll find step-by-step instructions for each project, as well as tips and tricks for getting the most out of it.

outdoor awning fabric

Building a DIY awning is a great way to add protection from the sun and rain to your home. It makes an excellent patio umbrella alternative.

The following tutorials will show you how to build an awning that is both effective and robust.

You will learn about the benefits of having an awning, the different types of awnings you can make, and what materials you will need. With this information, you will be able to build an awning that suits your needs and budget.

To prepare for the project:

  • Think about the awning material: tarp, repurposed tent, or other shade fabric.
  • Plan your budget: it can cost as little as $10 but might run you over $100 depending on the materials and the size of the awning.
  • Retracting mechanism makes the project much more complicated.

Overall, a simple awning is a beginner to intermediate level DIY project.

Let’s begin.

How to Build a DIY Awning

2/12
airtasker.com

Tutorial: airtasker.com

Expected cost: $50 – $100

Materials:

  • Tarp
  • Plywood
  • 2x4s
  • Screws
  • Drill
  • Saw

This tutorial will show you how to build a DIY awning that is both effective and robust. You will learn about the benefits of having an awning, the different types of awnings you can make, and what materials you will need.

With this information, you will be able to build an awning that suits your needs and budget.

3/12
diy solar awning project

Tutorial: annemiller.uk

Expected cost: $50-$100

Materials:

  • Tarp
  • Poles
  • Rope
  • S hooks
  • Tie downs

This tutorial provides step-by-step instructions for building a simple demountable awning that can be put up quickly and easily to stop the sun from streaming in. This can help keep your office cool on hot days.

4/12
unexpectedelegance.com

Tutorial: unexpectedelegance.com

Materials:

  • Tape measure
  • Plywood
  • Ruler or straight edge
  • Circular saw
  • Jigsaw
  • Drill
  • 1/8″ drill bit
  • 1″ hole saw
  • Paint or stain
  • Polyurethane
  • Exterior screws
  • Lag bolts
  • Washers
  • Toggle bolts
  • Awning fabric
  • Grommets
  • Rope or twine
  • Scissors

This tutorial can help you build an awning by providing clear instructions and photos to guide you through the process. It includes a list of supplies you will need, as well as tips on how to measure and install the awning.

5/12
plasticsheetsshop.co.uk

Tutorial: plasticsheetsshop.co.uk

Expected cost: $50-$100

Materials:

  • Acrylic or polycarbonate sheets
  • Timber for the frame
  • Mounting strips
  • Furniture corners

This tutorial provides step-by-step instructions on how to build a door awning using acrylic or polycarbonate sheets, timber for the frame, and mounting strips and furniture corners. It also includes tips on how to make sure your awning is sturdy and weatherproof.

How to Make a Canvas Awning

6/12
madebymarzipan.com

Tutorial: madebymarzipan.com

Materials:

  • Tape measure
  • Plywood
  • Ruler or straight edge
  • Circular saw
  • Jigsaw
  • Drill
  • 1/2″ drill bit
  • Paint or stain
  • Staples
  • Staple gun
  • Fabric
  • Scissors
  • Solar-powered lights
  • Cordless drill

This tutorial can help you build an awning by providing step-by-step instructions on how to construct one. It includes information on what materials you will need, as well as how to attach the awning to your deck or house.

Additionally, the tutorial provides tips on how to add privacy curtains and solar-powered lights to your awning.

7/12
prettyprudent.com

Tutorial: prettyprudent.com

Expected cost: $100

Materials:

  • Canvas
  • Support poles
  • Screws
  • Anchors
  • Drill
  • Tape measure

This tutorial can help you build a simple canvas awning. It includes instructions on how to prepare the canvas, install the support poles, and attach the awning to your home.

8/12
onthewaytonowhere.com

Tutorial: onthewaytonowhere.com

Materials:

  • Tape measure
  • Plywood
  • Ruler or straight edge
  • Circular saw
  • Jigsaw
  • Drill
  • 1 1/4″ hole saw
  • Paint or sealant
  • 4×4 posts
  • Post brackets
  • Screws
  • Lag bolts
  • Washers
  • Nuts
  • Pipe
  • Pipe clamps
  • Fabric

This tutorial can help you build an awning by providing detailed instructions on how to attach it to your roof and what materials you will need.

How to Make an Awning Frame

9/12
simplifiedbuilding.ie

Tutorial: simplifiedbuilding.ie

Materials:

  • 1×2 lumber
  • 1×4 lumber
  • 2×4 lumber
  • Plywood
  • Exterior grade screws
  • Exterior grade nails
  • Tarp
  • Rope
  • Eye hooks

This tutorial provides easy-to-follow instructions on how to build a DIY awning frame. The frame can be easily constructed and is simple to understand.

Additionally, the tutorial provides helpful tips and suggestions on how to make your awning more durable and weather-resistant.

DIY Decorative Awning

10/12
shanty-2-chic.com

Tutorial: shanty-2-chic.com

Materials:

  • Tape measure
  • Circular saw
  • Drill
  • 1/8″ drill bit
  • Countersink bit
  • Paint or stain
  • 1″x2″x8′ lumber
  • 1″x4″x8′ lumber
  • 1″x6″x8′ lumber
  • Metal awning kit

This tutorial can help you build an awning by teaching you how to cut the boards and drill the holes for attaching the metal. You will also learn how to add decorative cuts to the boards.

11/12
theshabbytree.com

Tutorial: theshabbytree.com

Materials:

  • Cardboard
  • Paper
  • Silver spray paint
  • Designer Finish (optional)

This tutorial can help you build an awning by teaching you how to create a paper awning and then turn it into a faux metal awning.

You will learn how to measure and cut the cardboard to fit under the paper awning, how to glue the cardboard and paper together, how to cover the awning with silver spray paint, and how to add the Designer Finish to create an old rusty metal look.

12/12
haydenscharrer.com

Tutorial: haydenscharrer.com

Materials:

  • Tape measure
  • Plywood
  • 2×4 lumber
  • Circular saw
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • Corrugated metal

This tutorial can help you build an awning by providing detailed instructions on how to build the frame and attach the corrugated metal.

FAQ

What is the best material for awnings?

Laminated or coated vinyl fabric is the go-to material for an awning.

Are aluminum awnings good?

Aluminum is the ideal frame for an awning. It’s sturdy but lightweight, and it lends itself to creating a retracting mechanism.

How much does it cost to build an awning?

It costs $10 to $100 to build an awning depending on its size, whether it’s folding, and the fabric material.

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