How to Install an Awning

Co-authored by Hannah Madden

Last Updated: November 14, 2019 References

Awnings are a great way to give your backyard or porch some shade without building a whole new structure. There are many different types of awnings, including retractable, portable, or even motorized. Installing an awning can seem intimidating, but as long as you measure carefully and make sure your brackets are level, you can put up your awning safely and enjoy some shade the very same day.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Making Your Measurements

1
Mark the exact center of the door it will hang over. Measure the entire length of your door. Divide that number in half to get the exact center of the door. Use a felt tip pen or a permanent marker to draw a line above the center of the door.^{[1]
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- For example, if your door spans 3.5 feet (1.1 m), divide that in half to get 1.75 feet (0.53 m).
2
Draw a mark at the exact center of the awning. Measure the entire length of your awning and then divide that number by 2 to get the exact center. Mark your awning subtly with a felt tip pen or a permanent marker.^{[2]
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- For instance, if your awning is 5 feet (1.5 m), make a mark at 2.5 feet (0.76 m).
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3
Hold up the awning and draw a straight line where it will be installed. Have a second person help you lift up the awning into the position it will be installed. Draw a line with a pencil or a felt tip all the way underneath the awning from end to end. Account for the length of the brackets and line the center of the awning up with the center of the door.^{[3]
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- Make sure that the line is straight and in the exact position that you want your awning to be in.
4
Mark where the brackets will be going on the wall. Your awning will come with 2 to 3 brackets that must be mounted on the wall before you install it. Using your straight line as a guide, hold up your brackets at both ends and in the middle and use a pencil to mark where you need to drill them in.^{[4]
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Tip: It is important to make sure that your brackets will line up. Use a tape measure or another straight edge to line up the marks you’ve made for your brackets before you start drilling.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Attaching the Hardware

1
Drill holes for the mounting bracket screws. Read your awning instructions for the exact drill bit to use. Drill holes where your mounting brackets will go, using the marks you made as a guide.^{[5]
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- Usually, the instructions will recommend a 12 or 14 mm drill bit.
- To drill into brick, use a masonry drill bit.^{[6]
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- For vinyl siding, make a small hole using your drill in reverse before you make your larger holes.^{[7]
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- To drill into stucco, cover the area you want to drill in painter’s tape to reduce dust. Then, drill through the tape into the wall.^{[8]
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2
Install the brackets with screws using a screwdriver or drill. Line your brackets up with the holes and install the screws provided with your awning. Make sure each of your brackets is straight by using a level.^{[9]
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- You may also have to attach a nut and a washer to each screw. Check your instruction manual to see exactly what hardware you should be using.
3
Lift the awning up to the brackets. Have a second person help you with this part. Reach up to the brackets you installed with your awning. Slide your awning into the brackets, making sure it is straight and that it fits snugly. The end of your awning should not stick out of the brackets on either side.^{[10]
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- If your awning does not fit into the brackets, it could mean that your brackets are not lined up. You may have to uninstall them and use a straight line and a level to get them lined up properly.
4
Fasten the awning bar to the brackets. Depending on your brand of awning, you will use either a large bolt or a screw to attach the awning into the brackets. Attach the hardware through the brackets and over the awning bar to hold it in place. Make sure the hardware you use is tight and that your awning does not wiggle around.^{[11]
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Tip: Have your helper hold the awning in place until all of the hardware is attached.
5
Extend your awning using the handle. Use the long metal handle on the side of the awning to crank and extend it outward. Enjoy your shade!^{[12]
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- Awnings will last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. You can replace your awning fabric if it gets sun damaged or mildewed.

Warnings

Always read the instruction manuals for your tools before you use them.

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Read through the entire instruction manual for your awning before installing so you know the safety precautions you should be taking.

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