How to make a decorative door or window awning
Using your basic welding skills, or asking a friend to do a small welding project for you, allows you to make your own door or window awnings. An awning not only provides welcome shade during the hottest part of the day, but also adds decorative appeal to any home.
This project shows how to make your own window or door awning and finish with fabric that adds a decorative touch to your home exterior. It's a reasonably easy DIY project and a great beginner project for a welding enthusiast looking for a small project to start with.
YOU WILL NEED:
Square steel tube
8mm x 65mm rawl bolts and wall plugs
Fabric to cover*
Sewing machine and accessories
TOOLS:
Welding machine - or have someone do the welding for you
Corded drill plus assorted bits
Stepladder
*Your local fabric store should stock a range of fabrics suitable for outdoor use. Look for durable fabrics that will not fade easily. This design allows that you can easily replace the fabric awning cover as and when necessary.
HERE'S HOW:
1. Measure up the window or door where the awning is to be fitted. Make sure to allow extra width for mounting at the sides of the door, normally about 20 to 30 centimetres should be sufficient unless you have to allow for framing or architectural detail around the door.
2. The frame for the awning consists of two cross pieces joined at the sides. You can have someone make up a triangular frame for the awning if you don't have basic welding skills or the equipment to do this yourself.
3. The awning frame is designed to that the top cross section and side frame are flush for mounting to the wall above and at the side of the door.
4. Use an 8mm HSS bit and a corded drill to drill 3 holes along the length of the top cross section (equally spaced at the sides and centre), and 2 holes down the side sections.
5. You will need a helping hand to hold the frame against the wall to mark drilling holes to mount 8mm x 65mm rawl bolts or wall plugs and heavy-duty screws.
6. Make a paper pattern for the awning by using the awning frame to draw out the shape. Allow for a 12mm seam allowance all round for hemming. Press the seams once complete for a professional finish.
GOOD TO KNOW
If you are using a
striped fabric or fabric with repeating pattern,
make sure to line up at the sides.
7. Attach the fabric cover to the awning frame by gluing velcro strips onto the steel frame to hold the fabric canopy securely in place. Velcro allows you to remove and clean, or replace, the fabric canopy when necessary.
