DIY Canopy Instructions
Phase I - Considering
Equipment
Before doing anything, let's see if this project is worth pursuing. The following is a list of the equipment I used when I built my canopy. Do you need all of these? I don't know.
- Table Saw
- Used to cut the sides, lid, and doors.
- Mitre Saw
- Used to cut all boards that have a width less than 6". Also used to miter the moulding for a 90 degree join.
- Router
- Used to round edges of doors
- Drill
- Used to predrill all screw holes
- Screwdriver
- Orange Juice and Vodka, used to unwind during construction
- Woodclamps (2'+ span)
- Used to hold joins while wood glue dries
Building Supplies
This list is provided to start you thinking about what you are going to use to build your canopy. This is not a shopping list, but it could be used to get an idea of the cost of materials. Consider the type of wood you are planning to use. I used pine, because it's cheap and lightweight. Oak is really nice but much more expensive. Another consideration is availability. Hemlock would have been nice, but I couldn't find anything to use for the doors, sides, and lid. I did not want to mix the woods because it is very noticeable, unless you go with a very dark stain.
- 3 1x6x60 boards (#2 or better)
- Used for front and back
- 1 1x4x60 boards (#2 or better)
- Used for front
- 1 1x24x96 laminate or plywood
- Used for sides, lid, and doors. Laminate looks much nicer but can warp and crack from heat. Plywood will not warp but does not lend itself to routing the edges of the doors. Weight might also be a consideration - I think that plywood might be heavier.
- 1 8' 3" moulding
- Used for decorative moulding along the top edge of front and sides
- 1 8' 2" moulding
- Used for decorative moulding along the bottom edge of front and sides
- ~8' 1x2 firring
- Used for bracing and support, not visible on outside of canopy.
- 48" piano hinge
- Used to allow lid to open
- 4 cabinet hinges
- Used for doors
- 2 cabinet knobs
- Used for doors
- 1 cabinet handle
- Used for lid
- wood glue
- All joins use wood glue
- #6 x 1 1/4 wood screws
- All non-visible joins use wood screws as well
- wood stain
- I used MinWax Polyshades - Honey Oak on the outside and White on the inside
- spar urethane
- I used MinWax - three coats on the interior, two coats on the exterior. Note that the Urethane will add a yellow tinge. If you're using a natural wood color in your stain this is not a problem; if you were planning on staining the canopy some pastel color you should take this into account.
On to Phase II - Planning
Last Modified: 8/18/04
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