A wooden awning can be built over a door or window using plywood, lumber posts that are 4 inches thick and 4 inches wide, lumber sections that are 2 inches thick by 4 inches wide, cement, a metal post support anchor and roofing material. A saw, hammer, galvanized nails and lag screws are also needed.
Begin by creating the frame for the awning. It is recommended that the base of the awning be placed 6 to 12 inches above the top of the door or window frame and that the awning extend 12 to 24 inches beyond the sides of the window or door frame. Cut one of the 2x4 lumber posts to these measurements, and nail it in place to begin the frame. Then, anchor a piece of plywood to the 2x4 so it extends out over the door or window between 3 and 5 feet. The plywood should be anchored using lag screws. These screws are mainly used for lumber and have a hexagonal screw head. Once completed, cut a pair of 2x4s to the same size as the one placed over the door or window frame. Cut the ends of these sections at an angle, as they form the sides of the triangular frame of the awning.
Build another triangle using 2x4s that is the same dimensions as the original triangular frame. This second triangle should be installed on the end of the plywood to complete the frame of the awning. Before this step, however, install a set of posts to support the awning. To do this, dig a pair of holes beneath the outermost corners of the awning furthest away from the side of the dwelling. Fill these holes with cement, and place a post anchor on top of the cement before it dries. Once the cement has dried, cut a pair of 4x4 posts to the same height as the awning and install them using the metal post anchors for the support base. Once these 4x4 posts have been installed and are supporting the awning, install the second triangle created out of 2x4s to complete the awning frame. Connect the sides of the awning frame using sheets of plywood, and install roofing shingles.
