Unfortunately, it can also be expensive to purchase and install.

That is unless you build a homemade awning.

Building a DIY awning allows you to customize the design features while constructing an awning to your desired specifications.

Outdoor kitchen with wood awning

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Always wear eye and hearing protection.

This project may also involve using a ladder, depending on how high your awning will be placed.

Again, you should only attempt this project if you could safely and effectively work from a ladder.

Consider recruiting a helper to stabilize the ladder while youre working.

You will also need assistance when erecting the awning frame.

All three of these pieces need to be anchored to a wall stud for sufficient structural support.

Verify the presence of a stud by drilling a small hole through the siding.

Otherwise, the holes can be patched by exterior-grade wood filler and painted over.

Measure from stud to stud.

This will be the size of your rafters.

If the sum isnt a whole number, round it up or down to the nearest whole number.

For example, a 66-inch board divided by 24 inches is 2.75, which rounds up to 3.

Combined with the two outside rafters, you end up with a total of 5 rafters.

For a 66-inch ledger board, the distance between your rafters is 22 inches (66 / 3).

That will be where the end of your rafters go.

Finally, transfer the measurements of your wall studs onto the center of the ledger board.

Cut the Rafters to Length

Cut the rafters to length with a miter saw.

Screw two 3-inch structural screws through the back of the ledger board into the end of the rafter.

Repeat on the other end of the ledger board.

Secure two 3-inch structural screws through the fascia into the end of each rafter.

Line up the stud marks on the ledger board to the stud marks on the wall.

Use an impact driver to drive a 4-inch lag bolt into the pilot hole.

Then, drive lag bolts into each of the remaining stud marks on the inside of the ledger board.

Hold the other end of the brace against the inside surface of the rafter.

Repeat this step on the other side for the second brace.

Use a miter saw to cut the brace at the marks you made.

Drive three 2 1/2-inch structural screws through the brace, into the rafter.

Use an impact driver to screw a 6-inch lag boltthrough the brace into the wall.

Repeat these steps on the other side.

The exact process will vary depending on the material you use.

The best materials for outdoorawningsare durable, water-resistant fabrics like acrylic and vinyl.

They are made to be fade and mildew resistant and breathable.