Tools and Materials
Tools
Materials
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
Can I Install an Awning Myself?
Installing an awning for the house can be a do-it-yourself project if you have intermediate project experience and are comfortable with working on a ladder.
- You’ll likely need a helper and two ladders to install an awning.
- Make sure the awning is compatible with your home exterior.
- Check local building codes and, for hardwired retractable awnings, electrical codes to see if you need a permit and inspection.
- Check with your homeowners association for restrictions or necessary approvals.
- DIY installation typically takes about a day.
- If you’re not comfortable with the project or working on a ladder, hire a professional.
Our ladder guide gives you tips for choosing and safely using a ladder.
Awning Ideas for Patios and More
How to Install a Retractable Awning
We show you general steps for installing a retractable patio or deck awning on a stucco exterior, along with tips for installation on other exteriors, but always defer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 1: Prepare to Install the Awning
Read the installation instructions and cautions before you begin.
- Plan an installation location that gives you the manufacturer-recommended height and that’s clear of exterior lights, vents, gutters and other obstacles.
- If the pitch or angle of the awning is adjustable, make sure the installation height allows adjustment and proper headroom.
- Make sure you have clearance for opening nearby doors or casement windows.
- Clear the work area, turn off power to any nearby lights or outlets and use a non-contact tester to ensure the power is off.
- Unpack the awning, lay out the parts and ensure nothing is missing.
- Put on safety glasses and, if specified by the manual, work gloves.
Don’t release the bindings that secure the awning extension arms until the manual instructs you to do so.
Step 2: Assemble the Awning
Assemble the components with the included fasteners.
- Assemble the roller tube pieces and front frame bar.
- Connect the extension arms and attach the retractor mechanism.
- Attach the awning fabric and extension assembly to the roller bar and front bar.
- Release the bindings securing the extension arms according to the instructions.
Step 3: Mark the Bracket Locations
Your manual should indicate the correct mounting height and spacing for the support brackets.
- Use a laser level, long level or chalk line and line level to create a level line on the wall at the indicated height.
- Locate and mark wall studs along the line.
- Measure and mark the bracket locations along the line, aligning them with the studs.
If you have trouble locating studs from the exterior, find them from the inside of the wall. Then, measuring from a doorway or window, transfer the locations to the outside wall. Your awning manufacturer may specify mounting options if studs aren’t available. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 4: Install the Awning Support Brackets
- Use a level to ensure the brackets are plumb and mark the fastener hole locations over the studs.
- Drill pilot holes for the fasteners and install the brackets according to the instructions.
- Install fastener caps, if included, and seal the brackets with caulk if specified by the instructions.
There may be wiring, pipes, ducts and other hazards inside the wall. Watch What’s Inside My Wall? and consider checking the interior wall with a stud finder that locates metal and live wires.
Step 5: Install the Awning
Once the brackets are secure on the wall, attach the retractable awning.
- With the assistance of your helper, use two ladders to carefully set the awning in the brackets and secure it with the included screws.
- Caulk the fastener locations, if specified by the instructions.
- Insert the hand crank into the retractor mechanism and test extending and retracting the awning.
- If the awning has an adjustable pitch or tilt feature, test this as well.
Awning Installation Tips for Different Exteriors
Your awning kit manual should provide instructions for installation on acceptable exteriors. Here are some possible options, but follow the instructions for your kit and, where applicable, check for recommendations from your siding or exterior material manufacturer:
- Stucco: If the surface is relatively flat, you may be able to fit the brackets directly to the exterior, as long as you can secure them to structural framing components.
- Lapped Vinyl or Fiber Cement: You may need to cut and remove portions of the siding and then install wood blocks to create flat mounting spaces for the brackets.
- Cultured Stone: You may need to use an angle grinder to create flat surfaces for the brackets before drilling the pilot holes and securing the brackets to structural components.
- Stone or Brick: You may need to grind the surface flat and use the specified masonry anchors, such as wedge or sleeve anchors, or drill through the material and create channels that allow access to the studs.
Drill pilot holes with a bit suitable for the material. For example, you typically use a masonry bit to drill into stucco, fiber cement, cultured stone, stone and brick.
Maintaining an Awning
Follow the maintenance and care instructions specific to your model, but in general:
- Retract the awning if high winds or storms are expected.
- Regularly check the awning for tears, damage or loose fasteners and correct problems promptly.
- If you need to retract the awning when it’s wet, extend it again as soon as possible to dry.
- Brush off leaves, twigs and other debris as they accumulate.
- Rinse the awning fabric periodically.
- Clean the fabric and lubricate the moving parts according to the instructions in your manual.
Consider Adding Window and Door Awnings
Once you’ve installed your retractable patio or deck awning, consider window awnings to make your indoors more comfortable or a door awning to protect your entryway. Shop Lowes.com to find the right type, size and price range. Or visit your local Lowe’s and talk to a Lowe’s Red Vest associate to learn about your options.