Expert: Dan Griffin - 4/6/2009

Question
I would like to build a canvas awning frame on the back of my house.  It will attach under the eve 8'from the ground and extend 10 or 12 feet outward.  I would like to make it 20' wide.  Can you help me with a plan to construct this from galvanized conduit?   I need something study enough to withstand the wind and can be detached in the event of a hurricane. I'm looking for a basic design.  Can you help me with this?  Thanks, Ray

Answer
Ray, there are a number of outfits that make custom awnings.  I am ot aware of any of them using EMT.  The sticks only come as 10 footers and would really not be efficiaent on your project.  Most use 1x1 square tubing.  If you are in snow or ice country, I think you will need a heavier design.  We have one at work that is about 10x12.  The guy who made it used single tube around the perimeter with one more bar midway each way (a cross in the middle of a square) with one column at each corner.  I added another column at midpoint when ice looked ominous.  It had already been up well over a year so probably didn't need it, but many people were concerned as the top took on qite a droop with the weight.

When you see a canopy on a building that looks good to you, stop and study the thing.  Hope this helps.