How to Build a Deck Canopy (Step by Step Plans)

deck canopy

Summertime brings outdoor barbeques, hanging by the pool, and relaxing on the deck (or patio if that’s what you call it).

Now when it comes to lounging on your deck (patio), you’re going to want some shade to properly enjoy it, and what better way to easily create some shade than with your very own deck canopy.

“But that sounds like a lot of work building it myself!”

Fear not dear reader, because with our step-by-step plan on how to build a deck canopy you’ll have yours built in no time! Which will help you get back to enjoying summertime with your drink of choice under your new canopy.

Below we’ll give step-by-step instruction along with a few helpful tips to ensure your building process is smooth and simple. If you already know what you need to start building, contact our team to get started right away!

Step 1: Determine the Layout of Your Canopy/Patio.

Step 2: Determine Your Mounting Points.

Step 3: Measure the Length, Height, and Width of Your Space

Step 4: Order Your Parts or Contact a Project Specialist

Step 5: Gather the Necessary Tools for the Job

Step 6: Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)!

Step 7: Attach Flanges to House or Surface

Step 8: Attach Pipe to Flanges

Step 9: Attach Cover to Canopy

Step 10: Completing Your Deck Canopy

Planning and Designing a Deck Canopy

back patio canopy

Before we start installing anything or bringing out the power tools, there’s a few things we need to do.

Step 1: Determine the Layout of Your Canopy/Patio

This is a crucial step because you need to plan how big you want your canopy to be. Do you want it to cover the entire deck/patio or just a section? How are you going to space your furniture out around your patio and make the most of the canopy coverage?

Tip #1: Need help figuring out what kind of canopy style you want? Check out our list of different patio and deck shade ideas.

Step 2: Determine Your Mounting Points

Once you know where you want your canopy to go and the layout of your patio, you’ll need to decide how you want to mount your canopy. Is it going to be a free-standing canopy? Or are you going to mount it to your house, fence, or patio itself? 

Tip #2: Mounting to your house will save space and material but could be difficult depending on the siding of the house.

Step 3: Measure the Length, Height, and Width of Your Space

This is critical to making sure you have the right pipe lengths for your canopy.

This is where you also need to determine in the length of your canopy and where/if you need additional supports. It’s best to not have pipe longer than 6 feet without having an additional support.

Tip #3: We recommend rounding up to the nearest half foot when custom ordering pipe. This will give you some wiggle room if you need to cut the pipe length. It’s easier to cut the pipe than to buy a longer one.

Step 4: Order Your Parts or Contact a Project Specialist

Now that you have your plans and measurements, it’s time to order your parts or connect with a project specialist.

If you know what you need to build, you can buy all the pipe and flanges you need to get started on building. Kee Klamp pipe and fittings are made from galvanized steel that is perfect for deck canopies. They can withstand all weather conditions and are perfect for any environment. Below is a list a few key fittings for mounting to surfaces and connecting pipe to form the structure of your deck canopy.

If you need additional help with your plans, measurements, or on what products you need. Our team of project specialists are here to assist you every step of the way.

Tip #4: Please reach out for help. Our team is here to assist you to make your projects easier.

Tools You Need to Build a Deck Canopy

back deck shade canopy

Step 5: Gather the Necessary Tools for the Job

Depending how you are going to mount your deck canopy, the tools you’ll need are:

  • Standard Drill
  • Hex Key
  • Tape Measure

A standard drill for mounting on different surfaces other than concrete and attaching flanges to posts if needed. A hex key for the set screws. And a tape measure for accurate measurements and alignments (hopefully it’s one you had from measuring the planned canopy to begin with). 

Tip #5: If you are installing into concrete, you NEED a hammer drill.

Step 6: Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)!

We cannot stress this enough. PPE is immensely important to safe and successful canopy install.

This entails eye, hand, and feet protection. You don’t want anything flying into your eye, pinching or bashing your hand, or falling on to your feet. The extra steps of protection may feel tedious but will pay dividends when you finish your canopy without any scratches.

Building Your New Deck Canopy

wood deck canopy

Step 7: Attach Flanges to House or Surface

Now that you’re all geared up and ready to go, it’s time to start building your deck canopy. 

You first want to your flanges installed to the areas you or our project specialists mapped out in the designs. 

Tip #6: When installing, make sure you mark and measure twice before drilling anything. Save yourself any headache later or having multiple holes in your house or deck from misaligned drill holes.

Step 8: Attach Pipe to Flanges

Now for the pipe. This step we recommend having at least two people to help hold the pipe in the correct position while another tightens down the set screws in the flanges and fittings.

Tip #7: Do not tighten set screws to 100% tightness. Leave room for adjustments if needed to make your life just a little bit easier.

Step 9: Attach Cover to Canopy

Now depending on your canopy cover, this step may need to happen before you attach the pipe to the fittings as the canopy may need to fit on the pipe.

If not, begin attaching the cover to your canopy and make sure everything is where it needs to be and that it properly shades the areas you want.

Step 10: Completing Your Deck Canopy

deck shade sail

Your canopy is complete, right… right?! Well let’s just triple check a couple things.

Ensure the canopy is in the right spot and covers where you had planned. If you need to make any adjustments, this is where the pipe and fittings design helps out because you can easily make adjustments as needed.

Next, make sure all set screws are now securely fastened. We don’t want your structured to be wobbly or possibly get blown away in high winds!

Clean up the area of any tools, dirt, or dust that could be around from when you needed to drill.

Lastly, sit back, relax, and crack open a can of your preferred drink and enjoy your new deck canopy!

We hope this how-to was of some help during your building and installing process. If you have any questions, please reach out to our team. Happy building!

Our Team is Here to Help

Simplified Building Team

Our experts will help you select the items you need to create your project.

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