One of the great ways to enjoy your garden to the fullest is to install an awning that extends from your house over your deck, patio or garden. In the most basic form, awnings are just a cover of material that protects you from the outdoor elements.
Awnings come in various shapes and sizes, and they make it much more comfortable to enjoy the outdoors, having an area to retreat to when the sun is blazing down or even pouring with rain.
Awning Installation
Installing an awning is a DIY project that one person can do, but having a second person around to help you lift it does make the process easier.
Some equipment that you’ll need to get started:
- Drill
- Step ladder
- Tape measure
- Pencil to make marking
- Screwdriver
- Level
Step 1
Before you begin any awning installation, it always helps to carefully review the owner’s manual to ensure you’re not skipping over any mandatory steps.
After you’ve gotten all of your equipment ready, the first step will be to figure out where the awning will be placed. A general rule of thumb is to have the awning anywhere between 8 to 11 feet off of the ground.
When you’re installing an awning, you’ll need to be aware that the lowest point of the garden awning will be the part that is further from the peak of the awning.
Step 2
After you’ve figured out where your awning will be positioned in the home, you’ll want to take some measurements. Get your pencil and make a mark on the exterior wall where you will be installing the garden awning brackets.
Step 3
Once you’ve made some indicators where your awning brackets will be positioned, you’ll proceed to get your drill and drill some holes for where the brackets will be mounted to the wall.
If you have a brick home, ensure that you’re drilling directly into the brick instead of the mortar. Brick is much stronger than mortar, so it won’t fall apart as easily. You’ll want to make sure you’re using a masonry drill bit for that.
If you have vinyl siding, you’ll want to start off with a small hole before proceeding to expand it.
If you’re drilling into stucco, you’ll want to make sure that you’re covering up holes with painter’s tape so that no dust gets scattered around.
The majority of garden awning products on the market will only require 4 holes on either side, but there are some larger ones that will need more holes.
Step 4
Secure the brackets in place. Once the brackets are all in place, you’ll want to get a level and double-check to make sure everything is aligned evenly.
After that, attach the awning to the brackets. While this step can be done alone, it’s advised to get a second person to help you out. Some garden awnings can span a fairly wide distance, and having two people to secure them in place saves time, effort, and the potential for an unnecessary accident.
Most garden awnings use a bolt or screw to secure the awning to the bracket. When you’re securing hardware, always ensure to tighten things properly. If you have someone to help you during this step, have them stand there and hold the awning while you attach the hardware.
If you end up running into issues with the awning not fitting into the brackets properly in this step, there is a good chance that the brackets aren’t aligned properly. Sometimes it helps to use your level to draw a straight line from bracket to bracket with a pencil.
Step 5
After the garden awning has been secured in place, make sure to test it out and extend it as far as it can go.
Final Thoughts
The benefits of installing an awning far outweigh the drawbacks – yes, they can be expensive, but they are relatively easy to install, saving money on hiring a window treatment company. Anyone who can read these basic directions and use some hand tools can install an awning, bringing a huge amount of enjoyment for you and the family for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are awnings hard to put up?
No, awnings are not hard to put up. With some basic tools and following the instructions above, most people can install an awning on their own.
Are awnings expensive?
They can be, depending on the size and style of the awning. However, the benefits of an awning – protection from the sun, rain, and snow – often outweigh the cost.
Can awnings be installed on any type of home?
Yes, awnings can be installed on any type of home, provided there is a solid surface to mount the brackets onto. This includes brick, stucco, siding, and even some types of windows.
Do awnings require maintenance?
Yes, all awnings require some amount of maintenance. This includes wiping down the fabric to remove dirt and debris, as well as checking the hardware to make sure everything is secure. Depending on the type of awning, you may also need to treat the fabric with a waterproofing solution every few years.
What is the great type of awning?
The excellent type of awning depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for something that is easy to install and doesn’t cost too much, then a fixed awning is a good option. If you want an awning that can be retracted when not in use, then a retractable awning is a better choice. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference.
Are retractable awnings worth it?
Retractable awnings are definitely worth it, as they provide the flexibility to extend or retract the awning depending on the weather. This allows you to enjoy your awning all year round, regardless of the season.
