ArcaMax

Brighten up the exterior of a home with a colorful canvas awning over a door or windows. An awning adds interest to an otherwise ordinary surface, and at the same time prevents damage from harmful rays of the sun on interior window treatments, carpeting and furnishings. You’ll find specialty canvas awning installers listed online in a search engine by typing “canvas door and window awnings” in the search box. You’ll find them sold in ready-to-install kits in 4-, 6- and 8-foot widths in a variety of solid and striped colors at home centers.

A canvas company will charge $698, including labor and material, to install a 6-foot-wide canvas awning over a door. You can buy the awning for $125, install it yourself and save 82%. Most awnings come with a frame made of galvanized metal pipe rods and hardware. If it’s a retractable awning, there’s also pulley hardware included. To make the installation, you’ll need an electric screwdriver, a carpenter’s level and two ladders — one for you, and another for a helper to hold the awning in place.

Before shopping for canvas awning, carefully measure the width to ensure you order the appropriate size; then assemble the frame and canvas, and fasten it to the house.

Pro Cost: $698 — DIY Cost: $125 — Pro time: 2.3 DIY Time: 3.5 — DIY Savings: $573 — Percent Saved: 82%

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To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and m.diyornot.com on smartphones.

©2025 Gene and Katie Hamilton. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.