DIY Deck Canopy - Step-by-Step Plans to Build Your Own
Summer is quickly approaching which means it is almost patio season. Are you ready to relax and enjoy the season from your deck?
The only downside to patio season is how hot it can get on your deck. With the sun beating down it can be hard to fully enjoy your patio while you are sweating or worrying about getting sunburned.
Don’t stress, there is an easy solution to this problem. By adding a canopy to your deck you can still enjoy this space in the shade. Plus, with a few inexpensive materials, you can build your own deck canopy in an afternoon.
In this post, we will look at some inspiration and discuss how to use basic materials to build your own deck canopy. Soon, you will be ready to start a DIY deck canopy project so you can take full advantage of your patio this summer!
Kee Klamp Fittings and Deck Canopies
Before designing your own deck canopy, you need to think about what you want out of this project.
There are a few different types of deck canopies, including retractable, mounted, and portable. A retractable canopy can be adjusted to let in more or less sunlight. A wall-mounted deck canopy is stationary and offers the same amount of shade at all times. A portable deck canopy can be easily lifted and moved to different locations.
So think about the type of canopy that would work best for your desk. Regardless of the style canopy you choose, Kee Klamp fittings and pipe are the best materials for this type of project.
Unlike traditional threaded pipe, Kee Klamp fittings allow the project to be adjusted. So, if you want to break down the canopy in the winter and reassemble it in the summer, you have that option.
Kee Klamp fittings are also galvanized, which means they are perfect for an outdoor project. Even when exposed to rain or other weather conditions, they are less prone to rusting than other materials.
Now that you know Kee Klamp fittings and pipe are the perfect materials for a sturdy deck canopy, let’s look at some projects for inspiration:
DIY Deck Canopy Ideas
Sean created this portable deck canopy to provide some shade over his patio dining area. Since the canopy is not wall mounted, he could easily move the structure if he wanted to let more sunlight into the space. He could also break down the canopy and store it during the winter. To create a similar project, you need Kee Klamp fittings, pipe, and Slope Down Tee fittings to create the triangular sides.
This project is an example of a portable deck canopy. You could easily build a similar project to help block the sunlight on your deck. If you want to host a backyard BBQ, you can bring the canopy to the yard instead of renting a tent. Or, you could break down the canopy after you use it and store it until your next party. You will need Three Socket Tee fittings to help add stability to the structure.
James created this wall-mounted deck canopy to offer shade over his grill and outdoor cooking space. Since this is a wall-mounted canopy it is more permanent than portable canopies. If he wanted, James could easily adjust the fabric cover to let in more or less light. When designing your own wall-mounted canopy make sure to use Wall Flange fittings to attach the project and keep it sturdy.
Bob from Chattanooga, Tennessee designed and built this deck canopy for his backyard patio. He even hung string lights from the pipes so the space can still be enjoyed at night.
Bob said, “I started out using threaded pipes and typical "big box" store fittings but their fittings were limited and installation would have been more complex." So, Bob decided to use Kee Klamp fittings and pipe to make the project easier and cheaper to complete. You can follow the step-by-step instructions here if you want to create a similar project.
Tamer in New Jersey created this project to provide shade over an outdoor patio. You can easily drape fabric over the pipes to offer some shade for the seating area. Or, this could be used as a trellis if you wanted to grow ivy around the pipe. This project is mounted using Standard Railing Flange fittings. You will also need Single Socket Tee, Four Socket Cross, and Swivel Flange fittings to build a similar deck canopy.
How to Build Your Own Deck Canopy
Are you ready to start your own DIY deck canopy project? Now that you’ve seen some examples, let’s get to work!
Step 1: Design Your Deck Canopy
Think about what you want out of a deck canopy. Do you want the canopy to cover an entire patio space or just one section? Does the canopy need to be portable or mounted?
Not sure where to start? Our design team is here to help with free design assistance!
Step 2: Gather Your Materials
After designing your deck canopy, it’s time to gather the building materials. With over 100 different fittings, Kee Klamp is a great option for this project. You can design the perfect patio cover and build it quickly and affordably with pipes and Kee Klamp fittings.
Step 3: Build Your Deck Canopy
You’ve designed your patio and gathered your supplies. It’s time to start building!
The good news is you can complete this type of project in an afternoon. Kee Klamp fittings and pipe are easy to use and adjustable if needed. Plus, for most projects, the only tools you need are an Allen Wrench or hex key.
Step 4: Relax!
Once you finish your deck canopy, take a break and enjoy your newly shaded patio. Host a backyard BBQ or simply read a good a book under the shade.
Build Your Own Deck Canopy Today!
It can be difficult to know where to start with a project like this. Hopefully, this post gave you some inspiration and helped you decide the first steps to take. Before you know it, you will be enjoying your patio under the shade of a canopy you built.
If you need some assistance getting started, we are here to help! Check out our collection of projects for some extra inspiration. Or, receive free design assistance from our design team. Also, don’t forget to send us a picture of your completed project. We would love to see the deck canopy you create!
