Friday, March 22, 2024
HomeBuildHow To Make A Patio Cover With A Tarp

How To Make A Patio Cover With A Tarp

Create A Patio Awning

What it is: An awning is essentially a roof cover which can be made of fabric, wood,aluminum, or vinyl. We recommend using tear-resistant, waterproof and flame-retardant vinyl for fabric awnings since its the most durable fabric up for the job. Vinyl laminated fabrics are recommended for awningsbecause they cover these properties. If youre looking for all that, plus stain resistance, opt for vinyl coated fabrics instead.

Why use it: Creates full shade for your deck, patio furniture, etc., plus its easy to clean.

Ideal for: Complete shade, plus additional privacy.


How To Build A Diy Patio Cover

There’s no reason the end of summer has to mean the end of open-air gatheringsthis DIY temporary outdoor covering gives you a dry space to safely social distance into the rainy months ahead. 

Through a summer of social distancing, outdoor gatherings and backyard hangs have become the go-to method for getting together with others safely. Sunny weather has drawn to a close and our Pacific Northwest rains have returnedand that’s going to make six-foot socializing outside a lot more difficult. 


That’s why we wanted to share this DIY temporary outdoor covering. The project is simpleit’s basically just a tarp strung between sturdy anchor pointsbut it’ll keep you out of the drizzle. You can also hang it so that fits a propane or wood-burning fire pit underneath to keep you warm into the cooler months. 

This is one of those projects where no two situations are the same, so weve tried to show you a variety of hardware you can choose from to fit your space. Whether you’re hanging your shelter between your house and some trees or placing temporary posts, you can design this covering to work in your outdoor area. 

As always, safety first! This project is intended to provide shelter from light rainnot to stay up all the time. If the weather turns particularly blustery, you can quickly disassemble the covering to prevent your temporary “ceiling” from becoming a sail. 

Now lets get to building!


#1 Build A Quick And Easy Window Or Door Awning

Get a section of tarp that expands a few inches beyond both edges of your door or window. Measure how far you want the awning to extend from the door or window. Youll be adding a length of PVC pipe to the front. Allow an extra three or four inches to create an open hem youll slide the PVC pipe into.

Connect the tarp awning to the house above the door or window using the grommets and hooks. Slide the front PVC pipe into the open hem. For extra support, create hems on both the front and back edge of the tarp and use a PVC pipe against the homes siding, too. Conduit clamps will help hold the back PVC pipe against the house.

Next, you need two PVC pipes that will connect to the front PVC pipe. Get rubberized feet for it that will press against the side of the house without leaving scratches. If youd rather screw a PVC table cap to the wall on the side of your house, that works too.

When you want to put the awning up, you extend the tarp awning and add pipe connectors to both sides of the front PVC pipe. Take your side PVC pipes and connect them to the front pipe. To hold the awning in place, youll push the other end of the side PVC pipes into the PVC table cap or use the rubberized feet to hold it to the wall.


If youd rather keep the side pipes from touching the houses siding, use vertical posts that are secured to your deck, patio, or ground using rubberized feet and PVC pipes that match the size you need.

Palram Feria 10 Ft X 14 Ft Polycarbonate Top Patio Cover In White

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Gazebo Penguin Florence Add-A-Room 10 Ft. x 16 Ft. in Slate

Extend the enjoyment of your outdoor space with our solarium. This unit can be left up year round, saving yourself the trouble of assembling and disassembling at the end of the season. The solarium is constructed of extruded aluminum and features a reinforced polycarbonate roof, two sliding doors that you can set to open to right or left in the position of your choice, and 5-position wind panels. This unit has been carefully designed to withstand exposure to rain, snow and harsh UV rays. This item is not insulated but you can still enjoy the extra lounge space to accommodate friends and family during various social festivities and relaxing spa days when the weather allow it.

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TOJA GRID 10 ft. x 10 ft. Pergola Kit With Graphite Shade Sail for 4×4 Wood Posts

60 Minute build TOJA GRID PERGOLA KIT, is an easy pergola system to build. The modern corners and bases , connect easily to the standard 4 inch x 4 inch posts available wherever you buy lumber. Each kit comes with the shade size posted above. All necessary hardware to connect parts to wood posts is included.


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Palram Palram Ledro 4300 14 ft. x 10 ft. Enclosed Gazebo and Spa Enclosure

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TOJA GRID 10 ft. x 12 ft. Pergola Kit with Shade Sail for 6×6 Wood

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Can I Use A Garage Floor Mat For My Epoxy Coated Floors

Build Your Own Patio Cover Get Minimalist Impression

 Â·Products like G-Floor from Better Life Technology, as well as containment mats like the TruContain ® and Park Smart Clean Park and the Oil Absorbent Garage mat provides a great option for protecting the epoxy floor. Generally, the mats protect the epoxy from road contaminants and tire wear/lifting.


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Step 5: Hanging The Center Rope

To get the center rope 10 – 12 feet in the tree I usually throw a stick with a rope attached over a branch then tie the rope around the trunk at 4 feet above the ground. When I don’t have branches I lasso the rope around the tree and use the handle of my paddle to inch it up. It’s helpful to have a second person to keep a little tension on the rope so it doesn’t slide back down while moving it up the tree. A paddle with a T handle can be used as a hook to pull the lasso when the rope needs to come down. Stay Dry!

How To Make A New Patio Swing Canopy Cover

A patio swing canopy provides protection from the elements and helps increase the life and usefulness of your patio swing. If you are in need of a patio swing canopy for you patio swing, you can purchase a custom made cover from a home improvement or garden center. If you feel adventurous, you can make a new patio swing canopy cover by hand.

Step 8: Enjoy Your New Space

Now youre ready to set up your outdoor gathering space and enjoy open air with a temporary roof. Since our tarp was more than 8 feet off the ground, we were able to fit a propane fire pit safely underneath and position chairs around it. If using a wood-burning fire pit, youll want to angle your roof so as not to collect smoke and hang it well above the flames.

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: Outdoor Patio Floor Covering

Covers & Tarps – Reef Industries, Inc. Reef Industries, Inc. manufactures cover systems and tarps for a wide range of industrial Barricade Tape · Concrete Curing Covers · Covers & Tarps · Containment and excellent outdoor life expectancy so your cover system or tarp can handle floor covers to agriculture colors to shipping covers, Reef’s got …

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Pros And Cons Of Tarps On Pergolas

While wooden pergolas provide some protection from the elements, the open latticework will still let the sunrays and rain go through. And here is where tarps step in to save the situation and allow you to enjoy the outdoors, heat or rain. But then again, not all tarps are the same. The climate is not the same everywhere either, while not all homes get the same exposure to the rainfall and sun.

Simply put, what you choose to cover your wood pergola depends on many factors from your location to your budget and personal needs and habits.

Tarps are often used as pergola covers. And although this is a great choice one that can untie your hands without much hassle, there are also some downsides to it. And so, today we are going to break down the pros and cons of tarps on pergolas. Lets get started.

Build A Garden Pergola

What it is: A pergola is an outdoor roof structure thats supported by columns. They can be wooden, vinyl or even aluminum.

Why use it:Garden pergolas often feature vines and flowers growing on the top and sides, which not only makes them a beautiful addition to any patio but can also help provide more shade.

Ideal for: Some shade over small seating areas in the garden or yard.

Tutorial:How to Build a Wood Pergola

Diy Pergola Shade Ideas

This post may contain affiliate links. We make a small commission if you buy the products from these links . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. But we only recommend products we would use ourselves. For more information, .

These first few pergola cover ideas provide a lot of shade and some protection from rain but arent totally waterproof.

Get A Patio Enclosure

Build Patio Cover Attached House Awesome

The best patio cover solution is probably an all-out patio enclosure. You can choose from patio enclosures with removable glass panels, retractable roofs, no walls or one, two or three walls/panels. Alternatively, you can get a fully enclosed four season room for the height of summer and winter and install a new custom patio to enjoy when the weather is temperate. Patio enclosures are a great excuse to look into the latest trends in outdoor furniture and garden design.

Step 4: Cutting The Post

I used a 80/20 aluminium profile. The actual type I used was a 20x20mm Bosch Profile Type B. However there are many manufacturers that all make the same product. The nice thing about these is that it is easy to cut a thread into the end. You can cut aluminium fine with any wood cutting tool.

The profile I used is shaped so you can cut an M6 thread into the end.

Step 2: Installing The Anchors

I was able to screw my anchors into a brick wall and into a wooden beam behind the copper siding. Those are two very secure methods to mount a bolt. I used very big anchors that can also double as hammock supports. Try to position them as steep as you can! That will alow better drainage and less strain on the tarp.

The Surprising Benefits Of Using Tarps To Protect Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture are an expensive investment that should be protected by all means. Some of the common destructive elements you need to watch out for include UV rays, rain, snow and dirt. Investing in a vinyl cover will not only protect your furniture from fading but will also increase its lifespan significantly. That means youll get to enjoy both short term and long term benefits as well. 

Here are some of the major implications of covering your outdoor furniture with tarps: 

1. UV Protection 

Long exposure of your patio, garden and/or deck furniture to UV rays can greatly harm their fabrics and coatings. However, covering the furniture with heavy-duty vinyl tarps can help keep them looking new for the longest time possible. That means you will maintain the beauty of the furniture while preserving their value as well. 

2. Clean and Dry Seating 

Vinyl tarps not only provide protection against UV rays but also ensure the outdoor furniture is clean and dry. With that, you can comfortably leave your furniture on the lawn or patio all-year-round, even through winter. Moreover, you wont have to worry about destructive elements like dust, rain and/or snow. 

3. Mold and Mildew Resistance 

Ask Us today to learn more if our tarps at Tarp Hire Australia suits your needs.

Step 1: Pick A Tarp Size

Tarpaulins come in a variety of rectangular sizessix-by-eight-foot and up. They also come in different weights and colors, so youre not limited to the common, light-weight blue tarp. For our temporary shelter, we chose a heavy duty, twelve-by-sixteen-foot white tarpaulin, which has reinforced grommets about every 18 inches along all four sides.  We special-ordered this all-white tarp from Dunn Lumber.  It reflects a lot of light and keeps things brighter under the tarp.

Floor Coverings For Concrete

 Â·Carpeting is the most basic form of concrete floor covering. Carpets are considered an affordable floor-covering option. Carpets can be cut and sewn across demanding corners and edges to render a uniform appearance to the floor. If you have well-finished concrete floors, a carpet-cover can be easily installed by using an adhesive.

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How To Cool Off The Backyard

Outdoor areas don’t have to be all about soaking in the sun. Sometimes it’s nice to relax in a shady spot, shielded from the harsh rays. There are many ways to bring shade to an outdoor space. You can build a new freestanding structure or enhance an existing patio or pergola through the addition of a shade screen. Many such screens are made from fabric or canvas, but even materials like lattice and bamboo are popular options that cast delicately dappled light onto the outdoor living space beneath or behind. Best of all, there’s no need to call in a contractor; most of these projects are simple enough for the average homeowner to complete easily and quickly, often within the space of a single weekend. So check out our gallery to see a selection of yard improvements that will have you made in the shade.

How To Make Your Own Outdoor Furniture Covers

What You’ll Need

Outdoor furniturecovers are usually made from water resistant or weatherproof PVC vinyl material. Some have tie around cords to keep them from coming off and others have elasticized seams which serve the same purpose. Finding the right kind of material to make your own outdoor furniture covers can be tricky. You need to find material which is weatherproof, but not so much so that it actually traps moisture underneath the covers and makes your furniture grow moldy. It still needs to have a certain amount of air circulating so that the furniture can breathe.

Step 1 Measurements

Obtain correct measurements for your furniture. Measure the length from the top or back of the chair to the furthest point on both arms. Measure the length of the top to the bottom at the highest and lowest points.

Step 2 Material

Step 3 Cutting

Cut the material leaving enough edging to create seams. Place all the pieces together and tack them with tacking pins or safety pins. Once the piece has been assembled, test it over the furniture and gauge how well it fits. You can make minor adjustments if you need to and tack up and other left over pieces.

Step 4 Sewing

Take the vinyl material cover to the sewing machine and sew the seams together. Use nylon fishing line or strong nylon thread because it is not only water proof but very hard to tear or destroy. It will mean the seams of your material will hold for longer and withstand higher usage.

Step 5 Piping

Step 6 Seams

The Two Best Tarps For Awnings

Build DIY Plans for building a patio cover PDF Plans ...

For an awning at your home or business, two types of tarps work best and both are similar in price. Both are waterproof, keep mildew from forming, and resist the suns UVA and UVB rays. That keeps them from fading in the sun or stretching out. Here are the two options and reasons you might choose one over the other.

Step 5: Hang Up The Tarp

The brackets I built have a built in locking function for the paracord. You need qute a lot of rope for this construction. Not only to hang up the tarp, but also 8 long lengths to support the aluminium plates. The exact positioning depends on your geometry. Make sure to leave enough extra material. You can cut it off later. It stretches a lot anyway for the first week. I added trampolin springs to my mounting points and blocks and pulleys to stretch it. That way I can exert twice the force that I could do normally. The springs are stiff enough to absorb some shock when there is a strong wind.

How To Make A Shade Canopy With A Tarp

  • Additional Pointers
  • Canopy tents make a great addition to your outdoor space as it can serve so many purposes. It makes a great shade for camping or when youre having a backyard party. It also allows you to host so many fun activities that will encourage your kids to play outside, far from their gadgets. A shade canopy can also be used to protect your car or other valuables from rain or too much sunlight.

    While you can readily buy a canopy at your local store, theres nothing more satisfying than building your own. Canopies made from tarpaulin are sturdy, lightweight , and are way cheaper covers than commercially built canopies. With a few materials, you can make your own canopy in no time!

    Moose Supply 12 Mil Heavy Duty Waterproof Poly Tarp Covers

    These Moose Supply Outdoor Waterproof Tarp Covers Heavy Duty Tarps with Grommets are designed to be used for shielding and protecting your possessions from weather or even as a simple ground cover to protect against damage from hard pavement and concrete. Moose Supply heavy duty poly tarps â¦

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    Step 3: Secure Tarp To House

    For our space, were going to attach two corners of the tarp to the house. We used brackets similar to a tarp hook and screwed them securely to the house. We used several snap rings in this project; they’re like a carabiner and snap closed around a loop, grommet, or other hardware. Here we used a snap ring on one corner and a snap ring plus a turnbuckle on the other.  The turnbuckle gave us a little more length and allows for adjustments later since it provides a way to take up slack or loosen as desired.  

    How To Build Your Awning

    You can order an awning from an awning installer if you want. It gets costly though. Home Advisor puts the national average in 2021 at just over $2,650. Save money and build your awning. Its easier than you might think.

    You can purchase an aluminum or polycarbonate frame online or make your own from PVC pipes or wood. Wood is heavier and best for permanent structures. Attach the tarp to the top of the frame and allow enough for overhang. The size of your awning determines what you need.

    Step 3: Cutting The Plates

    You can downloa the Fusion 360 files for the Plates here: “Sail Spider”I cut the plates on my CNC. That is just much faster and less stressfull for me. However, you can also cut them very easily with a jigsaw. I rounded up the corners with my homemade parts tumbler. A file or some 80 grit sandpaper will do the same.

    Step 5: Secure Tarp To Temporary Post

    Maybe you dont have a tree or structure to tie one of your corners to. We decided wed tackle that problem with a temporary post. Near the top of a four-by-four post, we installed three sturdy screw eyes. One will be for the rope that leads to the tarp and two will be for the straps that keep the post upright when tension is on it . To keep the bottom of the post firmly on the ground and avoid it kicking out, we drilled a 6-inch-deep, ½-inch- wide hole in the bottom of the post and stuck a short piece of rebar in it. This is essentially a spikeso be careful with it once its sticking out.  

    To keep our temporary post upright, we will use ratcheting straps that run from the top of the post down to stakes driven into the ground. Mounting a screw eye near the top of the stake will allow the hook of the ratchet strap to attach easily to the stake. Find a spot for your stakes and drive them in place. Using two people, we strung the fourth corner of the tarp to the top of the post. Then, with one of us holding the post upright, the other person ran the ratchet straps from the top of the post to the stakes and tightened them.  

    How Effective Is An Awning In The Rain

    How to build a patio cover. pt 2 (Must see edition)

    If you hang them up right, rain will run right off of them and land on the ground, so they can be very effective. As long as the tarp on top is taut, you can expect heavy rain to just bounce right off of it .

    Its a good idea to revisit your tarp and ensure its still waterproofed and holding up well from time to time. Youll be able to notice wear and on the top of the awning if theres a problem. With proper maintenance, this should help to repel rain for years to come.

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    The Canvas and Canopy team consists of shipping directors, product managers, and line techs that work together to design, produce, inspect, and deliver the highest quality tarps straight to you. With unmatched attention to detail, friendly customer service, and one of the widest selections of tarp sizes and materials on the planet, youre bound to find exactly what you need right here. Welcome to the Canvas and Canopy family.

    How Winter Weather Damages Patio Furniture

    The excessive moisture from rain, ice, and mounds of snow can cause outdoor furniture to warp, rot, and rust. And some furniture, like plastic, will become brittle and more prone to cracking in the freezing temperatures.

    There are protective measures you can take to secure the longevity of your investment, big or small.

    Thinking About A Retractable Awning

    Typical retractable awnings are bulky and require expensive, heavy hardware to roll and unroll the fabric. The weight and cost of these awnings make it prohibitive to purchase something wide enough to shade your entire deck or patio. You need large bolts to support the weight of these monstrosities when you fasten them to your house. Often the striped material used in standard awnings is hideous looking.

    Why not design your own support system out of wood so that it exactly matches the area you want to shade? Our 90% shade mesh is perfect for making a cost-effective awning of any length and width you need. You don’t need a retractable system, just put it up in the spring and take it down in the fall.

    Diy With A Tarp Or Fabric

    A lower-cost way to cover a patio is using high-quality tarpaulin or fabric to cover the outdoor areas you spend the most time in during summer. All you need are four posts or elevated points to attach the tarp or fabric to and you can create a makeshift roof in no time. It might not be as fancy as some of the other ideas, but it gets the job done!

    How To Cover My Patio With A Tarp

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    A patio is a pleasant addition to a house, but when sunshine beats down mercilessly or a sudden downpour drenches its table and chairs, you may wish the patio had a cover, points out Tarp Hire Australia. Adding a tarpaulin, or tarp, over a patio is as simple as using a few grommets, eye-bolt screws and cord. The tarp can extend from the house’s eaves to a nearby fence to cover the patio. As long as the tarp is lashed tightly, so wind can’t tear its grommets, your patio shade will last at least one season.


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