Summer is here, and it is bringing the heat! Nothing beats spending time outside with your family and friends, hanging out, eating, and playing games. One thing that can ruin a fun summer day, though, is the heat. If your yard has a lack of shade, a backyard sunshade could be the solution for you.
With just a few simple supplies and one afternoon, you can make your very own PVC Pipe Sunshade.
Supplies for Frame of Canopy
- 50 feet of 1 ¼” PVC Pipe
- (4) 1 ¼” Tees
- (4) 1 ¼” 90° Elbows
- (4) 1 ¼” Couplings
- (4) Large Cans
- Cement Mix
Supplies for Cover of Canopy
- Velcro (adhesive or sew in kind, your preference)
- (1) Queen Size Sheet
Tools
- PVC Pipe Cutters
- Measuring Tape
- PVC Primer and Cement
- Ladder
Steps to Build Your Frame
The first step to making your own sunshade is to get the frame set up. Follow these easy instructions and you are halfway there!
Step 1: Fill each of your cans with cement and place a 11” pipe in each before it dries; pushing the pipe all the way to the bottom.
Step 2: Once the cement dries place a coupling on each pipe.
Step 3: Place a 59” section of PVC pipe into each coupling.
Step 4: Place T-fitting on top of each pipe.
Step 5: Take a 48” piece and connect two of your 59” poles together. Repeat with the other two. These form the right and left side of the frame.
Step 6: On the front two poles of your frame, put a 2” coupling on top of the T-fitting on both sides.
Step 7: Place a 90° elbow on top of the couplings.
Step 8: Place a 78” PVC pipe between the two elbows.
Step 9: Moving to the back side of the frame, place a 24” section of PVC in the top slip of the T-fitting.
Step 10: Place remaining elbows on top of 24” sections.
Step 11: Connect with 78” PVC Pipe.
Congrats, you’re halfway there! Now comes the fun part, making your own sunshade cover.
Guide for Your Canopy Cover
Making the cover of your canopy is a “choose your own adventure.” If you are just looking to get some shade up in your yard quickly, a simple Queen Size Flat Sheet will span the length from the front of the canopy to the back. Use Velcro (either sew in or adhesive) to ensure it stays in place.
Now, if you want something that is going to make you the highlight of the neighborhood, make the top of your canopy a work of art. Use a patterned fabric, take two different fabrics and create a stripped top. Take more fabric and give your canopy sides to further protect from the sun. Honestly, your options are endless!
Before the summer heat gets to you, set up your own PVC Pipe Canopy. It just takes a few simple supplies to set your frame up, and your options for the sunshade top are endless. Use a plain queen size sheet for everyday use or make your own patterned canopy top to fit any party needs.
If you have any questions about what PVC supplies you need, please don’t hesitate to reach out!