- 1). Obtain patio design books and home and garden magazines to review patio awnings. Review many designs to make a good choice that will be pleasing over time. Plan to build an awning that looks as if it's always been part of the space. Design the awning to blend with the architectural style of the house and complement the surroundings of the space.
- 2). Measure the allowable space for the patio cover. Decide what activities the space will be used for, since a larger awning may be needed for entertaining or cooking. Check with local home-improvement stores to estimate costs. Figure in benches or tables to be constructed for a built-in look with the patio cover.
- 3). Talk with local officials to see if certain building codes apply. Find out if the patio awning must be placed back from a property line, for example. Review certain codes for an outdoor fireplace or outdoor kitchen that will fit under the awning. Obtain a building permit before buying any materials or starting the construction, of course.
- 4). Draw the patio awning in detail beginning with the roof line. Create a roof shape that either matches the house roof shape or complements it. Sketch the skeleton of the wooden framework or metal framework in detail with roof rafters placed on 16-inch centers. Plan to use pre-made trusses if the patio awning will span an area more than 15 feet, since no support posts will be required in the center if trusses are used.
- 5). Choose roofing materials that will last for many years. Use one-half-inch plywood over wooden rafters, for example. Add tar paper and asphalt shingles or cedar shakes. Consider using new metal sheeting for the awning roof or recycled metal roofing that can be painted with high-quality metal paint to last for several years.
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