Make a Shade Canopy with Mosquito Net for the Patio! - Thrift Diving

This canopy shade with mosquito net for your patio was sponsored by Arrow Fastener (Visit Arrow for all your fastener needs! bit.ly/3tM3udk).
In this video, I'll walk you through step-by-step how I created this DIY canopy shade with mosquito net for my patio! It almost didn't turn out because I wasn't sure how to install the canopy share or how to hang the mosquito net. But I figured it out and it turned out awesome! See how it turned out and how you can make this, too!
Get the materials list and step-by-step instructions in the blog post here:
thriftdiving.com/canopy-shade...
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MAILING ADDRESS:
Serena Appiah
P.O. Box 463
Spencerville, MD 20858

[@ThriftDiving]

Get the tools & materials list, including step-by-step instructions in the blog post here! thriftdiving.com/canopy-shade-with-mosquito-net/

[@c.carter7219]

Do you think you could add some type of wood roofing on top with the shingles and a gutter for drainage in the future to make it more waterproof?

[@ThriftDiving]

@@c.carter7219 It's possible, but you would have to anchor those posts in the ground, and probably get a permit to build that on your property. Also, for me, I don't want something so permanent because I want to be able to remove the canopy for when I want sunlight to come into the family room off of the patio. :)

[@c.carter7219]

@@ThriftDiving I total understand! You are right. You would need the permits etc for that. It makes perfect sense.

[@carolcurtis760]

@@c.carter7219 hi if

[@annietopey9014]

​@@c.carter7219washed them up for the store 😂🏪🏪 and tellings even iffy

[@JustGG1956]

Place something under the posts which are closest to the house. By raising those higher than the outside edge the rain will run right off away from the house. It doesn't have to be too much higher. Just raise it like one to two inches. The rain will roll right off.

[@karenm.holmesmba7926]

Thank you. I looking forward to doing this project.

[@sandytrominski3147]

You are so clever & talented. What is the striped called? I definitely want to make an awning using something water repellent...is it sailcloth? 🤔 Sunbrella..?

[@tanyapope9038]

We’re about to do this and just ordered our wood longer for the back. That way the canopy is automatically on a slight angle for runoff

[@RosyOutlook2]

Yes elevating the rear is a very good idea. Given that I'd start with higher posts for the back.

[@michelebradley7813]

Great suggestion! Most people won't know (or think of) that to mitigate water/runoff. I'm wondering if all of the Wood is (or needs to be) Pressure treated?🤔

[@aflowers1039]

Just found your channel!!! You young lady are an ALLSTAR/WONDER WOMAN. I'm 57 and when I was young I was just like you. I'm going to binge watch your videos. I retire in 2 years 1 month 7 days. I'm going to get my Gods sisters together and we are going to polish our homes and condos. Thank you. You are inspiration on steroids.

[@ThriftDiving]

Aww, thank you! Retirement is the perfect time to start projects because time won't (or shouldn't) be an excuse now they you can do what YOU want!

[@debbieverret4033]

It amazes me how many you tube videos I've watched where people level posts, fencing, and other things with a standard level. I've had a post level like yours for years, it levels 2 ways so that everything is correct. I paid less than $5.00 dollars for mine, greatest level tool ever invented.

[@ThriftDiving]

Facts!! They're a must if you're leveling posts! And only like $5!

[@valkyriesardo278]

As an alternative to commercial curtain weights, use the rounded glass "marbles' that are popular to use in flower vases. They are durable, very inexpensive and will add considerable weight to a drapery hem.

[@loverlyme]

Back in the old days (like when I was a kid in the 60s/70s) there weren't a lot of specialised products (eg curtain weights) so we all just used fishing weights. They're strong, small and really cheap. I used to help my mum with her sewing projects (I didn't have bought clothes, except for a kilt, until I went to university. It used to be so much cheaper to sew than to buy. Total opposite now. Even one sewing pattern costs around $20, let alone decent thread at around $ 5--10, fabric, and sew on!) But I digress... The good thing about all this was that I learnt a lot of skills that I now use. Apart from doing some sewing myself (I started by sewing clothes for my teddy when I was 4 years old) I used to cut out mum's patterns, attach grommets, make self-covering buttons, hand-sew hems, thread elastic, etc. I haven't sewn for myself for many years but at least I've got skills I can use in a variety of craft projects.

[@Ginluv0207]

Serena you are a woman of many talents... Absolutely loving the ideas....

[@ThriftDiving]

Aww, thank you!! I appreciate that so much!

[@LaineyBug2020]

The 4x4s in the planters seems like such a good Idea for people that aren't allowed to make permanent changes, or if you want to change the configuration or take it with you from one rental property to the next!

[@laleonard]

I promise if you have a big rain it will fill that canopy and the weight could RIP it and or snap your posts. I work for a awning company and even though they are told to roll them up if its raining people often "forget " the weight of the water bends the Steele arms rips the awning off the house and rips the fabrics. I would suggest adding in a few vents in your canopy to let the water drain.

[@mechelle176]

Totally! that was my thought for the rain and the wind in my area of the US. I also thought the corners could use guy wires or some sort of crossbar braces that had wedged corners Idk?

[@PlantingLifeMatters]

You are so amazing and inspiring with all that you do. This is the perfect project for my daughter since she’s looking for shade options. I never send comments to folks but I wanted to encourage you to keep providing great videos. I appreciate the clarity and instructional content without all the “extra” that others inject. You have a HGTV future or better! I’ve told lots of family diy peeps about your channel. Thank you!

[@ThriftDiving]

Awww, Deborah, thank you for that feedback!! I feel so special that you left me a message. :) Hope this helps your daughter! I do like that it can easily be taken down off-season or during bad weather. She will love it.

[@michellemohr1433]

@@ThriftDiving yes, she will!

[@tammerahanes1792]

That's Great for Sharing with Others For A Bright and Great Future.😊🤗☺️😀

[@Cyborg1170]

Just moved from China and bought a house for 3 million cash here in Los Angeles. This is great guide for new citizen to US. Thank

[@LAllen-vh7ts]

Just ran across your videos and subscribed. You are definitely a blessing and inspiration to women who “want” to DIY or “have” to DIY for whatever reason. Thank you! ☺️

[@ThriftDiving]

Thank you so much!!

[@NubianRoxanna]

Gardner i follow put up something similar for her plants. She used the wire to hang the shade cloth. To help the sag she created an X with her wire between the posts. It lifted it up wonderfully and added a design element.

[@ThriftDiving]

That's a great idea!

[@wallspatty]

You really did an awesome job! Problems? Nah! You solved them! Love it!

[@mechelle176]

Those corner holes on the canopy can help water the plants if you put a cheap funnel at the top with a little tubing down the post into your pots. Also I think the Mosquitos will like getting in through the top unless you add more netting over the roof of your structure.

[@kellym9301]

Did a project similar to this two years ago. Instead of putting concrete in the flower buckets, I concreted the posts in the ground and put the large pots at each corner post with solar lamps in each one. I hung Eddison lights from three sides leaving a welcome walk-in as it is lower hanging. Also did this project around my in-ground fire pit. I did it on a budget and it worked out beautifully. Pots, lights are all reusable and can take them up before Winter. Tiki torches on the outer perimeter and there you have it.

[@ThriftDiving]

I bet it made your yard look amazing, Kelly! It really allows you to enjoy your outdoor space in a way that you don't get to when it's just plain and bare. I love the idea of doing this around the fire pit!

[@josefinamartinez7837]

Pictures pleeeaaassee!!😊

[@tammerahanes1792]

Would Love To See It Maybe You Could Post a pic of it. Thank You. Sounds Wonderful

[@cindyperez805]

Can you share a picture of your project ? Please?! ! I'd like to see it it sounds nice?!

[@Matt-cm3pl]

I used a cinder block in the bucket and held the 4 x 4 in place with pea stone. Not much dust and it was fun to break the blocks to size. Then added soil and plants. It makes it easier to move in case it has to be dismantled

[@traceykays433]

Girl u worked ur tail off on this. Turned out beautiful. Great job. All my respect to u.

[@Eric_W]

You can use a pressure washer to clean the siding just either turn the pressure down if needed/applicable and/or use a tip with a wide angle... like the (white) 40 degree tip. I love this creative idea! Especially here in Florida!! I also like that you showed things don't always go as planned, like it does in your mind.... so very true. Just call it "gaining wisdom" hehe You do a nice job of explaining what you did... it looks great! Wishing you and your family well, always! 👍

[@rosecityremodel2015]

I used a pressure washer on my siding without damage as well. Like you said it all about the proper tips.

[@Angie-ci1lp]

Thank you! You kept it REAL👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Sharing mistakes and solutions! Great Job! Thanks for sharing 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽

[@honeyharmon6571]

Sis Sis! You did it again. I love how you went beyond by cleaothe house as well. I enjoy watching you use your GOD given talent. Your outdoor seating area turned out so BEAUTIFUL. I hope you and your family have any fun and relaxing days and evenings using you covered patio 🎇

[@andreawalker7138]

I'm glad you didn't give up, the finished project is amazing! I even think with my limited sewing skills I can do this too. Thanks for the video!

[@marilynthaxton3073]

You made it look so easy but I can't even see a button on without a sewing machine 🤪.. I do however have a good trick to hold down the netting, use a hollow curtain rod and fill with sand to weight it the netting down....it worked great at the lake!! Of course I used iron on webbing instead of sewing 🤭 Such a great look, and it could be removed or replaced as needed . Thanks 👍

[@lindacade3975]

Wonderful idea and clear instructions. An option to use in place of the square would be stainless steel washers (so they don't rust) tacked into the hem or, a Weighted Drapery Tape - Sausage Bead that looks like a cord that can be inserted in the casing of a hem. The drapery tape is usually sold by the yard at most fabric stores or even by a roll. Another tip is when setting a post (in concrete, gravel, or even just dirt) put long stainless steel nails or screws into at least two opposite sides, several inches up from the bottom of the post. Keep several inches of the metal head-end sticking out. This will create an "anchor" to keep the post stable.

[@ThriftDiving]

Definitely! I have used the washer for weights in curtains! The curtain weights are a bit heavier, though, which I think helps hold it in place. Thanks for the tip about keeping the post stable!!!

[@tammerahanes1792]

You Did an Awesome Job No Matter What. You Are Blessed with Creativity. I Think You Did A Very Good Job on Your Patio. The patio is Beautiful with the Flowers. Keep doing what You Do Best. Thanks for Sharing How You Did It. 😊🤗

[@renovatiomom]

I love your ideas and thought you might want to coat the wood with a weather stain. It looks nice and protects the wood from weathering prematurely

[@tia1629]

Oh my stars I had literally just decided to make my own cover for my patio ! Perfect timing 😊

[@GaiaCarney]

Thanks for creating this video & sharing helpful details about this inventive & charming project, Thrift Diving 🌻 the results are very attractive

[@KaysCreativeHome]

Turned out great! I just love how realistic you are, sharing your triumphs along with how you solve problems along the way. I knew they made weights for curtains, but didn't know what they were called (duh!). I'm looking forward to seeing what's next in the shed/mini-house.

[@ThriftDiving]

Hi Kay! Yes, girllll....this project threw me for a loop and had me very stressed out because I wasn't sure how I was going to turn it around! But it's all part of the story so the mishaps get their own explanation too! LOL. As for the shed, I'm waiting on a mini split to be delivered and installed and then the flooring can go in! WOOHOO!

[@maryanngibson3690]

thank you for this episode, you always help this old granny by teaching some new tricks. Beautiful. God Bless.

[@ThriftDiving]

That's what I'm here for! :) Thank you for learning along with me!

[@Funkensense]

It turned out great. At first I thought you were going to get rid of the original fabric but I like how you used both. You make me want to tackle some bigger DIY projects ☺️

[@ThriftDiving]

I definitely had to stick with the striped fabric! I was so happy to figure out a way to make it work! :) Thank you!

[@monopinion8799]

Quite impressive and very innovative. It’s absolutely lovely and inviting. A few glasses of wine and great company , voilà a perfect afternoon or evening . Congratulations!

[@evefavorse5939]

Omg! My Shero! I am so impressed and would love to try this!

[@carmelrose6327]

Great job ...!!! Thanks for your honesty. This helps people like me to move forward in projects when they don't go as planned.

[@lorettafaulkner1194]

If it collects rain you can also take the bungee cords off and let the rain run off. And like you said if there's a heavy rain take it completely down. This is a great, fantastic, rocket scientist idea. I'm glad I saw this, we are gonna try to do this

[@darniataylor7749]

This is one of my favorite projects that you've done, it turned out beautifully. They cost *so* much to buy & they're never exactly what you want.

[@ThriftDiving]

Aww, thank you!! This still was pretty pricey once I added everything up today when writing the blog post! I think it was like $611! The fabric for the canopy was most expensive. I originally bought that to make awnings, at $30 a yard (OUCH). With cheaper fabric, it will be less expensive. Oh, and the flowers and planters added to the cost. It all adds up! LOL

[@1happybunny463]

@@ThriftDiving off cuts will be cheaper, if they can be found. Im sure the places that make these type of things as wholesale, will have a decent amount. If they can’t be used, they would sell them to get some wastage money back for them.

[@karenheartoriginal3783]

This is absolutely gorgeous AND the perfect solution to my patio cover issue. Thank you so much!!

[@sylviaseri4235]

Putting the posts in pots is a great idea because this way my township won’t consider it a taxable permanent structure! My husband said to make the rear posts taller so rain rolls off the ‘roof’. I can do this myself!!

[@ThriftDiving]

Yes, he is right. I have to make that adjustment myself for the rain to roll off, if you plan to keep it up all the time. Otherwise, just remove the canopy when it's not in use so the rain doesn't collect. :)

[@warriorsgreatness6182]

Great job. Wonderful presentation. Videography exceptional. Teaching clear, easy to understand and follow. Thank you so much for sharing. Mucho Gracias

[@ThriftDiving]

Thank you!!!

[@Jossianne19130]

Congratulations!!! Now you have a beautiful place to sit and relax!!!

[@auntlouise]

Thank you for showing the trial and error and the fix for them. Most videos just show you the parts that worked. I love the look of that, so I'm absolutely going to make this for my yard! Thanks again!

[@myolewis7118]

It looks beautiful.

[@joanneperry8021]

Excellent video of a practical home project. Thank you so much for the step by step instructions.

[@paularecker6428]

I absolutely love this shade/mosquito netting. I have been trying to come up with something for our patio - but look no farther. This is stunning and I cannot wait to make one for my patio. Thank you for designing something beautiful but practical. The flowers and twinkle lights are the icing on the cake!!!

[@karenmurphy7066]

Well done! A can do attitude and lovely result!

[@jeepchickandherbroomstick620]

I just ran across this video and my husband has been wanting to build something for me for my Jeep and I love your idea. Stylish and easy. Love it. Thank you so much!

[@kathyyamello8761]

I’ve been following your videos for awhile now and I’ve got to say I totally enjoy your trial/learning experience. You are so genuine and I appreciate how I go thru some of the same trial/error issues to get to the desired effect! Thank you and keep these videos coming!

[@ThriftDiving]

Thank you so much, Kathy!! It's fun to try different things, albeit stressful when I'm in the moment! Lol I am thankful for your to stick around and keep watching! ❤️❤️❤️

[@dodosmamma1692]

This is such an amazing video! I’ve been wanting a pergola-type structure for my garden but I’ve not seen any that I like and also they’re expensive. I’m in awe at how you achieved this beautiful garden addition and also it’s relatively easy. I’d need to have someone see the fabric for me but the rest I believe I could do myself. Thank you so very much for sharing this with us. 🥰🥰

[@LaineyBug2020]

Thank you so much for telling people to wear a mask when working with concrete!

[@gailself8619]

Oh my goodness! This crossed my feed just in time! I love this. You did an exceptional job. I like the way you worked through the trial and error parts. Beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@mechelle176]

Alright, This is what I needed to see. Thank you so much for your help. I was stuck in my current situation with a west facing Balcony off of my bedroom and since it is a rental and it's a townhouse style I wasn't sure what I'd do to stabilize some sort of shade and mosquito netting around my sliding glass doors this summer so I don't have to keep my door closed and maybe my 20+yr old kitty can lounge in the shade and shelter anytime she wants to. I think the idea of using some large pots with flowers on top of concrete is awesome and if I had more money to buy those large pots I might do that but I'm going to use three 5 gal buckets on each corner and hang PVC piping to hang my awning cover on through holes I drill through those corner posts. PVC flexes a little better and will allow the awning some movement without breaking .. I think. and I'll be adding some rain drains and a few air vents for the water and wind. I will of course have to add mosquito netting to the top too.

[@Somewhereintime22]

This just popped up on my feed today and I am so impressed! You’re engineering skills are on point and your creativity shines with the end result…it is both functional and beautiful. You definitely have the skills to make a quality product too. I see so many people today who don’t know how to sew and they spend so much time and effort with glue and tape that it would have just been easier to learn to sew in the first place. I noticed you have a Bernina…and that’s such a great choice. I’m 66 years old and bought a Bernina 830 (state of the art at that time) in 1980, and it’s still going strong. It’s been a work horse…I’ve made everything from clothes to curtains to a wedding dress for my daughter to a tarp for my husband’s truck. I’ve used it for regular upholstery and wall upholstery and to cover the double edged piping that requires a strong machine. I recently had it serviced and was told it’s still in great shape. You made a wise choice in buying yours…you’ll use it for years. Can’t wait to see more of your creations!

[@ThriftDiving]

Hi Karen, thank you! Yeah, those Bernina machines are built like a tank! I have had this one for 16 years and it's still running strong!

[@angelau1194]

What a great job you did - and so much patience. Well done it looks fabulous!

[@lucyk2371]

Yes, please let me know how it does in the rain. That is my only concern. It is just beautiful! Great work!!

[@fredjones4163]

What a great job you did, love it.

[@ireneferrante2313]

Very beautiful,what a great idea!.

[@loverlyme]

I was going to say- add drainage holes after the concrete has set. Drill them at an angle downwards from the inside at the top of where the concrete is set. That way you can still add soil and plants in the top.

[@dorothybrown8859]

You are so talented, you inspire me!

[@Mrs.Charlene]

Great project!! Looks fantastic!!

[@epoxyresincraftslittle7213]

I love it was going to make one myself but wasn't sure how I would put my posts in. now you have solved it. thank you very much. Great job. And hi from Belfast Northern Ireland

[@ThriftDiving]

Heeeey, wow, Ireland! Awesome! Just make sure that you make the front posts a little lower so that the rain rolls off the canopy. That is where I went wrong.

[@1rosabonita]

That turned out beautiful

[@maalat]

So pretty.

[@sage7x7]

Nice! I love your don't give up attitude. Your perseverance certainly paid off!

[@elizabethtrihub8047]

It's beautiful!! It's like having a bedroom outdoors ☺️

[@jaleesa00]

Wow. It looks so fun inside. Nice project

[@QueerlyBeloved386]

What good timing - we need one of these

[@ThriftDiving]

Thank you!! Hope yours turns out nice, too. :)

[@fransirahome]

This is awesome, love you tell all the details. Thanks for sharing.

[@relevant.c5411]

why drill holes in bottom of pots b4 adding cement? wouldnt u drill the holes on the sides above where the concrete was so the flowers dirt can drain any excess water? looks cute.

[@kmwrites7456]

I just subscribed after watching only two of your videos because I love your creativity, enthusiasm , and honesty about problems that can arise in projects. I don't sew at all but enjoy watching how you make your ideas work. Thank you for doing these.

[@NobzLovesOutdoors]

Ma’am you deserve your own DIY tv channel. This was a great watch. came across your video and hit subscribe halfway through.

[@cassie4611]

So cool, I am going to try and do this lol, keep me in your prayers

[@MsArtistwannabe]

What a lovely space you have created. Like a mini vacation.

[@brielleajveve1967]

Looks very pretty

[@ThriftDiving]

Thank you, Darlene!

[@rtaylor3350]

Love it, you did a great job

[@abandonedchannel54]

Another amazing project Serena! I sent this one to my daughter. 👍👍👏👏

[@fantasticfamily5004]

Great design 🥰. I can do this to my pergola ! Thank you

[@FreedomFeather]

Great tip on the bungies!!! Thank you!

[@holangbasotho9630]

This is so beautiful

[@chary9014]

Yelloooo. Just wanted to say this is exactly the type of video I was looking for so I can do something simple but beautiful on my balcony. Thank youuuuu for posting this. And I'm learning how to sew so this is a perfect beginner project. 🎉

[@Liz-vh9rv]

We are thinking of doing something very similar in our backyard but this looks like it will be way easier for us!! Love it 👏👏👏

[@suzanrhodes]

This looked just simple and beautiful😍

[@rayraywiggs]

Love love love this idea

[@Trish3377]

Girl that’s beautiful I love it I have to try this

[@SheriL1]

You go girl!!

[@debrafrakes6479]

so glad you cleaned that green stuff

[@sylviajones4907]

So pretty! That right...PERSEVERE!

[@cathywilson5580]

I've actually made a black canopy for my bedroom. Early 90s I love this idea. I might be making another black canopy. Again

[@margaritadelgadillo4434]

Great job, it’s incredible that you did it all by yourself, congratulations, I love it 🥰 thanks for sharing this beautiful patio.

[@MAHWL]

I love love love how this came out!! 🥰😍

[@ThriftDiving]

Thank you!! Me too! I do nee to find a way to get it to crown a big so that rain can roll off of it. Someone mentioned adding an "X" support in the middle so I will look into that. Maybe PVC!

[@MAHWL]

Or a triangle 🔺️ at the front and back with a center brace made of wood or pvc depending on how strong winds are in your area! 🤔😉

[@evonnepayton5433]

It looks amazing. Great job🙂

[@ThriftDiving]

Thanks, Evonne!

[@imari2305]

Absolutely beautiful and looks amazing!!

[@rodandjudibowen5665]

Clever ideas! Love that you show "mistakes" and what you did to compensate. I will be using some of your ideas with my own! 🙂🙃😊

[@dawnnburwell3491]

Loved your garage netting project and now your shade/mosquito net for patio comfort! Always thinking and solving problems. You’ll figure out the retractable option…👍🏽

[@phillyl9445]

I like how you started with fresh nails and worked off your polish. Nice area for outside.

[@loubino18]

Well done - thx for the great explanations; you were fun to watch!

[@chriscouponer6053]

Absolutely love this idea!!! I would make a few slight personal, but so inspired of how simple this could be. Brilliant!

[@ronu7313]

So smart, beautiful

[@aliciamarana]

What a great project! Nice work!

[@lisaandaydensgarden4317]

How in the world I missed this video. I was looking for something like this for my mom's setting area. Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@NhaDonna]

This looks awesome! I love everything about it. You did excellent work. I wouldn't change a thing. Maybe its a good thing to have some shade on the family room windows during the hot weather? In cool weather you could always remove the canopy to allow more sun in...just a thought. Thank you for the video and inspiration!

[@shirleyhelms1105]

Totally AWESOME JOB,I LOVE it.I Need Something Like this Thankyou You Inspire me.

[@TheTuesday11]

It’s beautiful, great job!

[@ThriftDiving]

Thank you!