How can I make my own canopy frame?
Question:The canopy kits in the stores are so expensive. I would like to make the frame and just use tarps to drape over it. How can I create a sturdy 10' x 10' frame, and how do I secure the tarps? The canopy will be placed on concrete (patio). Thank you for your help.
Answers:
Go to a flea market and look at the shade structures made from EMT conduit (metal thinwall pipe for electic use). There are fittings available in many configurations to assemble the structure Usually these same fittings will be available from a vendor at the flea market. You can do the same thing using PVC pipe and fittings. PVC and EMT conduit are available at your local hardware/home center. Get ball bungees to secure tarp to the pipes.
You can make a canopy frame by using plastic polythene piping from plumbing or hardware store.You can fill pipe with sand or gravel ,and plug each end with filler.You will have to tie frame together securely. And if your going to place it on concrete patio, you will need something to hold it down.So design shape, measure, get pipe. Get the small pipe, it bends easily. Hope you understand? Good bLuck!
Both 1 and 2 are valid. I'd probably go with Metal myself, and maybe even galvanized pulming type pipe, a pipe bender (rent one), threaded "Collars/Connetcors, 90 degree elbows, measure the total size, get tarps with grommets at the appropriate size and either use bungees as # 2 suggests or heavy duty plastic ZIP ties.
I'd also probably create a way to anchor or weight the poles, for obvious reasons...You're creating a KITE afterall, and if aesthetics aren't an issue then just enjoy the shade.
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