Thursday, September 12, 2013

diy awning tutorial...

Thanks for all the awning love everyone! :)
If you're not into DIY details, and just want pretty pictures check out the awning reveal.
It's rained for three days and it's working just like an awning should!
 I always hold my breath with diy projects like that, never knowing for certain how
they'll perform in the end. This is totally off subject, but that reminded me...remember last
 March when I painted my bathroom fixtures and shower surround - they are still holding
 up perfectly after six months. I'll let you know on the awning.


Step 1 - Frame
Find a student enrolled in a welding course to construct a frame for you, if they happen
 to be your awesome neighbor that's best! They're easy to find, check out this article from
 The Denver Post, 'Welding is the new hot course on campus.'  
I played around with cardboard and duct tape to construct a mock up to determine
 the right size. You'll want to consider the width, drop and projection.
Mine measured 64" W x 13" D x 18" P
Our trim above the door dictated our measurements, if given a choice I would
have chosen a longer drop. My 'awning prototype' post shows several examples of
different styles.


 We purchased Weldable Square Steel Tubing from Lowes here.
I went on vacation and left the rest to the pro and he constructed it to the specifications of the
 mock up and also painted it for me, a great idea, it's dirty, and you'll be handling it a lot.
Our size required 4 - 6' pieces @  $22 ea. = $88

Step 2 - Fabric Cover
I purchased 2 yards of a classic black and white stripe outdoor fabric.
Use the frame to make a pattern for the end pieces, add 1/2" seam allowance to all the edges
before cutting your fabric. Line your pattern up with the edge of the stripes, your seam
 allowance should extend past the edge of the stripe. Measure for the additional length of your
 awning that will fall below the frame. I chose 8", but it will vary depending on the size and
 scale you like. Cut two, one for each end. 




I'm sorry I didn't take a picture of measuring for the main piece of fabric, but it's super easy, 
 the width of your frame + 1" for seam allowance X the height of your frame + the 
amount of fabric you want to fall below the frame, again I chose 8" + 1" seam allowance.
Mine looked like this:
64" + 1" =  65 " Wide   X   22" + 8" + 1" = 31" Height  

Next we'll sew the end pieces onto the main piece of fabric, with right sides together
pin and sew. I didn't sew all the way down to the bottom edge, I wanted to make
sure I got a good fit with the corners first. I found it easiest to bring the frame in and 
put it on the counter, I put the cover over it and ended up  tweaking it a bit, I took it in
 about a 1/4 " at a time until I liked the fit. Then sewed down the entire length of it. 
After you have your fit finalized press all seams down on the front and back side of your 
fabric to insure professional looking seams.  



Step 3 - Mounting the Frame

 Before mounting the frame against our house I secured several pieces of 3/4" velcro along the
top edge, front edge and ends of the frame, as well as the fabric, measuring to be sure
 they match up.


We used three large bolts to secure the frame to our house, first drilling three holes into the
steel tubing frame and then aligning pilot holes on the house trim for the bolts. 



Step 4 - Tweak!
Secure the fabric to the velcro and tweak away, the velcro allows for some flexiblility as far as
adjusting, but unfortunately they'll all probably be a bit different at this point. I opted for a
looser more relaxed look in the end leaving a little slack in mine. It helped with the buckling
 you see at the corners. 



Hope you're inspired to find a teenager with some welding skills and give it a try!
Thanks, J ~ I couldn't have done it without you!  




20 comments:

Scrappy Pink Corner said...

It looks great and I love the black and white stripes. Perfect for your home. TFS the tutorial. Ana

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

As soon as the first magazine comes calling I want to be the first to know. Are you kidding me? First the nailhead dining room ceiling, then all the amazing furniture makeovers, now THIS? Unbelievable…..seriously. And reading your tutorial makes me want to take a welding class! Maybe I should start with a sewing class :)

Julia@Cuckoo4Design said...

Such a great tutorial. Pinning it!

Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies said...

Fabulous. So easy to follow your instructions. Glad your project in your bath with the painting of your shower fixture and surround have held up. I am amazed that our Annie Sloan paint in the baths and kitchen look as good today as they did last November!!

Unknown said...

This is great! We are looking to do something similar over our small back deck! This is going to be such a useful resource!
www.oomphlove.blogspot.ca

Unknown said...

I didn't think your house could be any more charming, but the awning is such a pretty addition. I don't know of anyone who has even attempted to make their own awning. Definitely BOTB!

Lori

Monica said...

The beginning with cardboard and duct tape and then to the finished design is wonderful. You are so talented.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

That turned out so good. I have a welder in the family now if I only sewed.

Amanda said...

ahhh! I love it!!! love the whole porch w/ all the greenery and the black door. Well done you!

Tiffany @ {Living Savvy} said...

Simply amazing! I love the added pop of graphic punch to your front porch! I want to do one for my house... pinning for later!

Merri Jo said...

Adorable and ingenious!!

Kim said...

The awning looks wonderful! And the whole entryway ... so cute and welcoming ... I'd like to come in for a visit ... isn't that what we all want? Just perfect Pam ... are you standing outside in your new shoes??? xo

Katie {Miss Dixie} said...

I still cant believe you pulled this off- I would never in a million years think to do an awning myself. Wonderful job- love the character it adds!

Andrea said...

I am so impressed! Your vision, your neighbor's welding skills and your sewing ability make this the perfect DIY project. It adds so much character to your home. Great job.

Vel Criste said...

Hahaha! finding somebody to weld at all would be a challenge where we are! Glad you had that cutee help and again, your awning looks fantastic Pam!

J Vacanti said...

Didn't know a welder so I made it out of PVC

DeLuccaSnover said...

Question; Love this idea and looking to do the same, however, just a small concerns with possible water seeping into the house with the drill holes. Did you use gorilla glue or caulk on the bolts used to attach the frame to your house? If so, what product was used?

Unknown said...

FYI, you should look in the Yellow Pages for a local steel supplier for the square tubing, not one of the big box stores. I've welded a lot of this stuff and am currently paying just under $10 + tax for a 20' piece of it and they cut it in half for free so it will fit in the bed of my truck.

pam {simple details} said...

Thanks for the great suggestion, Ric!

Rosie Matilda said...

Lovely good idea ! Thanks

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