How to Make Your Own Awning for an Entry Door

Measure the width of the door over which the awning will hang. Measure the length of the awning plus 6 inches for the front overhang.

Make the main body of the awning double thickness for better sun protection. If your door width is 5 feet wide and the awning will be 4 feet long, you need two pieces of this width, plus another 6 inches on the front side for an overhang.

Cut two identical pieces of marine fabric and place them right sides together. Sew three sides, leaving the last width side open.

Turn the fabric right side out and measure 6 inches from the front of the fabric. Draw two parallel lines 2 1/2 inches apart. This is where you will insert the front of your frame. Measure 2 1/2 inches from each side and draw another line. Where the frame piece will be inserted must be carefully opened to allow for insertion of frame pieces. These will be closed with glue and screws.

Have the lumber store cut the 2-by-2 pieces of wood to fit the length and width of the frame minus 3 inches in length at the open side where the material will attach over the door.

Insert the front width into the sewn pocket. Insert the side 2-by-2 pieces of wood and connect them with a wood screw. Run a bead of glue at the joining of the corners, making sure the raw edge of the fabric is tucked inside.

With wood screws, attach a 2-by-4 board to the front of the house 6 inches above the door. With the raw edges tucked in, tack the back end of the awning to the 2-by-4 at both the top and the bottom, and finish with wood screws through fabric and board.

Using a decorative dowel, screw the end into the inside corner of the awning frame. Use a wood screw plus beads of wood glue to attach the other end to the house, allowing the brace to hold the awning out over the entry door.

Finish the dowel with wood stain or paint to match the house.