Building a DIY retractable awning is not as terrifying as it may sound. If you set aside a free afternoon, you grab some patience and the right tools, you can have it set up in no time.
With a basic frame, heavy fabric, and clever tools like cranks, you can roll out an awning that showcases your preferred shade and recoils when the sun is out. You can adorn your patios, windows, and camper vans with these awnings.
Best of all, take pride in knowing you built this for yourself. But how do you proceed? Let’s find out with a step-by-step guide on how to build a DIY retractable awning!
Tools You Need to DIY an Awning
- PVC Pipe Cutter – 1
- Drill & Screwdriver – For mounting
- Measuring Tape & Pencil – For marking cuts
- Canvas Needle & Thread or Tailor Help – To sew the loop
- Swagging Tool
Materials You Need to DIY an Awning
- PVC Pipe (½ inch, Schedule 40) – Approximately 30 ft (depends on your window width)
- Canvas Drop Fabric – One piece, 6 ft x 9ft
- PVC T-Joints (½ inch) – 6 pieces
- PVC Elbows (½ inch, 90°) – 4 pieces
- PVC Primer & Cement – 1 small set
- Small Stainless Screws – 20 or more
- ¾ inch Conduit Clamps – 4 to 6 pieces
- 6 Eye Screws
- 90′ 3/32″ Wire Cable Rope
- Turnbuckles With 1 Eye Screw And 1 Hook
- 3/32″ Cable Ferrules – 10 or more
- 8 Pan Head Screws (1 inch) – Approximately 12
- Spray Paint (optional) – To match your wall color
Choose the Right Retractable Awning According to Your Setup
There are many types of retractable awnings that you can build for your unique needs. Unless you know which type you need, it will be difficult for you to come up with a DIY solution. So, here are some of the common DIY retractable awning ideas for different needs:
DIY Retractable Awning For Deck
One problem many people experience when spending time on their decks is that it sometimes feels like a hot plate. By building a DIY retractable deck awning, you solve the problem of shade whenever needed.
The deck awning will allow you to look at the sky unobstructed when you do not need shade. You can use light metals or PVC pipes when constructing the awning’s frame.
You can attach it to the house, then build a support post at the far end. And the best part is that you can add your unique touch by matching the fabric to the colors of your deck.
DIY Retractable Patio Awning
There comes a moment when you may want to be outdoors on your patio, but the weather is either too hot or it starts raining. In such dire situations, a retractable patio awning proves invaluable.
This type can be affixed to the house, wooden, stuffed, or even a store-bought fence. The material attached to the top raised sail or outdoor canvas shade is stronger than regular cloth and can easily slide as it is connected to steel cables.
Smaller-sized bolts can turn this from a pondering task into an easy solution. With the correct string or lever, you can make turning easier, making it a good, adjustable solution. This kind of burst nip will be useful when the weather is changeable.
DIY Retractable Awning for Pergola
A retractable awning is an excellent addition to an existing pergola. If you like to enjoy the sun but also appreciate the comfort of shade, pergolas will do the trick easily.
Switching sliding devices onto the fabric is the only challenge left to tackle since the pergola frame is already built. It is fairly straightforward to simply sew large cloth panels and place pole sleeves on them.
With light poles placed, they can be hung with the use of cables suspended across running beams. Also, tension turnbuckles should be installed to smooth the lightweight poles. This awning is the best option as it does not feel cramped, yet breezy.
DIY Camper or RV Retractable Awning
Camping is great until the sun comes out and your location goes from pleasant to an absolute furnace. A DIY retractable awning for a camper or RV offers tailored convenience.
You can make the awning modular using lightweight materials like aluminum poles and waterproof fabrics such as sailcloth or ripstop nylon.
Fabricate a mounting bracket that can mechanically roll or fold out using a simple hand crank or hinges. Tent stakes or ropes function great, keeping the outer end in place and allowing for easy packing, providing comfort during the hot mornings or rainy afternoons.
DIY Side or Rain Awning
Occasionally, rain might approach unexpectedly, and sidelong wind can be even more stubborn. Welcome, the side awning! You can attach it to your porch, pergola, or even a fence.
Use a roller mechanism like your window shade to make it retractable. So simple! Use weather-resistant fabric, fasten the bottom with hooks, ties, or poles, and have the best of both worlds.
Although tiny, these awnings do a remarkable job of protecting you from wild weather and saving your space and furniture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building a DIY Retractable Awning
Taking on the project of building a DIY retractable awning may seem a bit overwhelming, but in reality, it is pretty simple. With a couple of PVC pipes, some fabric, and basic household tools, you can build a custom awning that looks marvelous and saves money. Ready to roll up your sleeves? Let’s go step by step so you can make it like a pro, even if you are a beginner.
Step 1: Planning and Measurements
Figure out the awning size using a tape measure to mark the area of interest, including the width and length. Ensure that the space where the awning retracts and extends is unobstructed.
Carefully outline the area with a tape measure and marker. Make a simple, labeled sketch to ensure you do not miss out on the key measurements. Identify the supportive posts and confirm the stability of the wall or frame. It may seem slow, but proper planning saves frustration later on.
Step 2: Constructing the Frame
The first skeleton that you need to focus on is the frame; the rest will be built upon it. We used ½ inch PVC pipes for the window awning frame because they are inexpensive and easy to cut.
Our window is 5 feet wide, so we made the frame 6 feet wide. That worked out perfectly because the drop cloth we used was also 6 feet wide. However, you need to measure according to your unique needs.
At this point, you need to dry-fit the T-joints and elbows before gluing anything. After testing that the size fits well, use a pencil to mark connection points. A wobbly frame will sag in the wind, so take your time during this part.
The eye screws that will hold the cables need to be pre-drilled in the designated holes. Ensure consistent spacing between holes on each eye.
Attach horizontal support boards to secure the frame designed to hold your canopy. Take your time since the complete setup needs to be level and aligned straight.
Step 3: Prepare the Canvas And Add Fabric
Now let’s move on to the canvas where the fabric will go. Spread it out with the plastic-coated side facing up. Fold it like an inside-out sleeve so that the outer side will be plastic when you flip it.
For shade and stylistic reasons, we wanted some overhang at the front. Getting this section’s overhang shape was the only hard part, so we went to a local tailor. If you can’t visit a tailor, you can sew by hand too. The stitches need to be robust as significant pressure will be placed on them.
After prepping the fabric, all that needs to be done is lift and mount it onto the cables; having an aide at this point is advisable.
Step 4: Installing the Retracting Mechanism
The next step is to add the cables that allow movement of the awning. You’ll require five long steel cables, each passing through the rod pockets and supporting the canopy. Attach eye screws both to your frame as well as to your wall or mounting surface.
Pass the cable through the eye screws and rods, and then secure their ends using ferrules and a swaging tool. To allow for tightening and loosening, connect the wires to turnbuckles. These will enable the proper tension adjustment for the smooth operation of the awning.
Step 5: Slide The Canvas Over The Frame
The next step is to carefully slide the canvas sleeve onto the PVC frame.
Aligning it correctly may require a twist and gentle pull here and there. Ensure the cloth is snugly stretched to prevent it from sagging later.
You need to adjust everything properly so the fit is right. Once everything is aligned and it looks good, use a pencil to mark the fittings, take off the canvas, and glue the joints with PVC primer and cement.
Wait for a few minutes for everything to dry. After it’s set, you can slide the canvas on again. The wall-mounting elbows should not be glued yet.
Step 6: Secure the Canvas and Mount the Frame
Carpet tacks work the best for this step. Stainless steel ones are better but harder to find and cost more. Use just a few tacks to fix the canvas at the back. Now, grab your T-joints on the top corners.
They’ll stick out a bit – this is where you’ll hang the whole awning. Get some ¾ inch conduit clamps from the electrical section.
These wrap around the pipe and screw into your wall. Use 1-inch pan head screws. We spray-painted the clamps to match the house. It helps.
Step 7: Add Side Support Braces
Now it’s time to add side support braces and make your awning stronger. Cut two additional pieces of PVC; these will serve as braces on each side.
Add elbows so the pieces angle backward toward the wall at about a 45-degree angle. We found that angle very useful because it provided good shade but still allowed me to see outside.
You can test the angle with someone inside the room holding the brace. Then mark and cut. Once both sides are added, the awning should feel stable.
The Final Step: That’s All!
So, you have done it, made your DIY awning all from scratch! One final thing to note: the canvas does have the potential to mildew if it gets damp and stays that way for too long. If your area is humid, consider using mildew-resistant fabric to avoid extra hassles.
Additionally, if you can find stainless or aluminum screws, use those. Even with cheap parts, this little awning was able to do its job well!
Safety Concerns During the Work
While building a DIY awning sounds like fun to do, you might face some trouble if you don’t take a safety-first approach. Here are some safety concerns while working on your awning:
Wear Proper Protective Gear
You may not use sharp tools or objects during this DIY work, but you should always keep your body protected cause any foreign object imposes a risk of cuts or injuries. In such a case, wear goggles, gloves, hearing protection, respirators, and sturdy footwear as your safety gear.
Work in a Well-Ventilated Area
As you will be working with a mess at first, you need a well-ventilated, spacious area to do the job. From laying down the frame and canvas to painting the awning, the space will protect you from tripping over the items.
Be Aware of Using Electrical Tools
If you need to make a hole in the frame or wall, you should use electrical tools. Thus, be extra cautious while operating those. Keep the power outlet turned off while you are not using the instrument.
Secure Heavy Objects
The awning frame and canvas can be heavy to lift while you set them up. So, make sure to ask for an extra hand if you struggle with it. Also, place them in such a way that you don’t fall. Use proper bending technique to prevent spinal injuries and muscle cramps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Building Your DIY Awning
Making your DIY awning is fun, but some mistakes can turn the experience into a nightmare. So, if you want to stay on the safe side, here are some common mistakes that you need to steer clear of:
Inaccurate Measurements
The first thing that you should take very seriously is the measurements. Damn, just think you got the wrong measurements at first and all the efforts you put into the work went in vain. That’s scary, right?
Improper awning measurement can result in a poor fit, which will look awful and compromise the functionality of your awning. To avoid this, always ensure that you measure the width, length, and height accurately and double-check to prevent any mistakes.
Building the Incorrect Awning
You need to ensure that the awning you are trying to build will actually serve your purposes. Now, if you are building a fixed awning, you can’t have the retractable function. While you are sure about what you need, you can be at peace knowing that what you are trying to build is worthwhile.
Cheap Fabric Choice
When you are thinking about saving some bucks through using a cheap fabric, it may cost you more later. So, carefully consider the fabric options, even if it is a bit costly. Additionally, if your area is humid, consider investing in waterproof fabric to save money in the long run.
Incorrect Mounting
Here comes another criminal, the mounting. When you can’t mount the awning properly, it will cause instability. Also, your structure will become loose or even detached due to improper mounting.
That’s why, when mounting an awning, you need to be patient and take proper measurements. Also, use appropriate tools and hardware that fit your type of awning for a hassle-free outcome.
No Adequate Support
When the wind is too harsh and the weather becomes rough, your awning needs to stand tall. But if you don’t ensure adequate support while installing it, the risks of its collapse stand tall.
That’s why you need to consider the awning’s weight, local wind conditions, and the building’s structural strength to make sure the awning has proper support to remain intact in harsh conditions.
Use of Improper Tools and Equipment
Trying to build a DIY awning but have no right tools? That’s a nightmare. You should always be aware of keeping the proper tools so you don’t mess up the installation process.
With the right tools in hand, there will be little room for mistakes, and you will automatically ensure a professional-grade installation.
Bottom Line
So, with the right process, building a DIY retractable awning is effortless. However, you should always ensure you don’t make the mistakes we mentioned so you can avoid costly repairs in the future.
Remember: the care you put in will make all the difference, ensuring your custom build is as strong as stylish all year round. However, if you don’t want to go through all the hassles, consider awnings from Awningsandiego!
