How to build a canopy for your dacha: modern ideas, choosing materials

A garden plot offers an opportunity to relax in the fresh air without having to travel far. To enhance the area's usability, it is landscaped. To enhance the plot and improve its functionality, you can build a shed at your dacha using readily available materials. Building a simple structure doesn't require a large purchase of building materials; sometimes even fabric is sufficient.

The advantages of suspended structures in the country

Canopies are a great way to complete a landscape composition. These elements decorate and fill empty space, while also serving a functional purpose. The structure protects cars, recreation areas, and other structures from the harmful effects of direct sunlight and precipitation. These structures have many positive aspects, making them a must-have for any dacha. The main advantages of canopies are:

1. The structure is durable, but not capital – in comparison with buildings or gazebos.
2. The design is lightweight and easy to install.
3. A roof that is permanent will last longer than an awning.
4. A canopy is a structure that requires less financial expenditure compared to other structures of this type.

Intended purpose

Self-built lean-to structures can be permanent (permanent) or temporary (collapsible). However, both types share a common function: protecting a designated area, sometimes a significant one, from precipitation and sunlight. Besides their nature, lean-to structures are further divided by their design features into the following subtypes:

1. Open - several vertical supports on which a light roof made of different materials is located.
2. Closed – stationary structures with glazed openings or closed with sheet metal sheets of wear- and moisture-resistant materials.
3. Semi-closed – frame structures with a fixed roof and parapets.

Canopies can stand alone or be supported by another structure. Canopies can act as canopies over a porch, gate, or other structure. These structures can also be used to shade shade-loving plants, enhancing the uniqueness of a landscape design. In addition to their structural characteristics, canopies are also categorized by their intended purpose:

1. Covered parking for cars, which protects the interior from discoloration due to sunlight, and the body from bad weather.
2. Covering a grill or barbecue, the metal parts of which can be seriously damaged by atmospheric influences.
3. Protection from overheating or over-watering of plants in greenhouses and hotbeds.
4. Cover for children's play areas, woodpiles, terraces and swimming pools.

But before construction, it's important to do more than just choose a good design option by looking at a few photos. Developing a plan, drawing up drawings, and purchasing missing construction components should all be done before work begins. This will help avoid errors during construction and reduce the time spent refining the design, purchasing missing components, and finding the right tools.

Design aspects

To facilitate the construction of a suspended structure, it's essential to carefully review the features and subtleties of the design solutions used during construction. Any type of suspended structure has common elements—assemblies. However, these components differ in the construction techniques. The three main assemblies in any type of suspended structure are:

1. The suspension of cantilever models, also known as the frame or support structure, consists of concrete-filled or embedded posts, a frame, and a set of fastening elements.
2. Rafter system. There are different types – arched, domed, undulating, hipped, and pitched. It consists of sheathing and rafters, beams, wall plates, ties, and braces.
3. Roofing. It can be made from a variety of materials, including slate, PVC, roofing felt, metal tiles, ondulin, polycarbonate, and corrugated sheets. Lightweight roofing materials (corrugated sheets, etc.) are often used to reduce the weight of the structure and reduce the load on the supporting structure.

Large lean-to structures require a complex rafter system assembled from trusses with numerous braces and supports. Using different types of rafters, roofing materials, and supports, it's possible to create a unique structure that enhances the decorative and functional features of the surrounding area. Flower pots can be placed on the lean-to structure's supports, or flowering and fruiting plants can be planted along its length.

Permanent and temporary suspended structures

Permanent lean-to structures don't require the mobility of temporary structures. For permanent structures, the frame must meet many requirements, including wind protection and waterproofing. Therefore, a good location for permanent lean-tos is an extension to the wall of the house. However, it's important to consider how the new structure will be connected to the foundation of the existing house—the fastening area must be secure.

Stationary suspended structures have many similarities and differ little in their usefulness from gazebos and terraces. Roofing materials or polycarbonate roofs are most often used as coverings. For wind protection, if side panels and window openings are not planned, awning fabric is often used. After the summer season ends, it is removed and brought inside.

Temporary canopies often provide detachable protection from sunlight and precipitation. Awnings are often used as coverings. These mobile structures are assembled for the duration of a stay at the dacha; before leaving, the structure is simply dismantled and brought indoors. Sometimes, temporary canopies are even frameless, with the awning stretched between trees.

Necessary for construction and finishing

Structures are constructed from a variety of building materials, which are readily available at any store. The canopy frame is made of wood or metal, sometimes combining metal and wood parts. Additionally, to lighten and simplify the structure, plastic pipes are used as a base. The choice of roofing material is discretionary and can include:

• monolithic polycarbonate;
• corrugated sheet;
• fiberglass;
• metal tiles;
• durable polyethylene;
• waterproof fabric;
• plexiglass, glass;
• slate.

Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. The choice of a specific roofing material should be based on the structural features and the strength of the base. However, in any case, lightweight roofing materials are recommended, as they won't overload the frame and foundation of the suspended structure. Using metal sheets, tiles, and slate only makes sense for permanent structures attached to a country house.

Advantages of corrugated sheets

A canopy made of corrugated sheeting requires no additional decoration, as it already has a pleasing appearance. A careful choice of color and shape will complete the look of your garden. Furthermore, this option offers excellent performance characteristics. The key benefits of using corrugated sheeting include the following:

• resistance to mechanical stress;
• durability;
• environmental friendliness;
• frost resistance;
• does not require careful maintenance;
• The dye is resistant to sunlight.

Advantages of polycarbonate

A polycarbonate structure is a good choice because the sheets are flexible and can be molded to the desired shape. The material is lightweight, allowing for a lightweight structure and a less-durable frame. There are several types of polycarbonate, each with its own unique features and advantages:

1. Monolithic – similar to glass, can be colored or transparent.
2. Cell phone - the price is modest and it's easy to fix.
3. Profiled – similar in characteristics to monolithic, but has a wave-like shape – like slate or metal tiles.

The choice of a specific type depends on the final outcome the owner of the summer cottage wants. Currently, monolithic polycarbonate is in demand, as it boasts excellent durability and aesthetics. Besides its decorative properties, monolithic polycarbonate is also capable of withstanding high mechanical loads—it's not considered a brittle material.

https://youtu.be/la19FTnVpkI

Textile

Awning fabrics are often used as the primary roofing material for canopies. This material is used not only for DIY canopy structures; many self-assembling structures also feature fabric roofs. The frame of these canopies is typically made of metal. The following types of fabric are used for covering:

• tarpaulin;
• acrylic;
• tarpaulin;
• polyester.

A removable fabric roof for a canopy is common, as the owner doesn't have to worry about it being damaged by inclement weather while away from the property. In fact, nearly nine out of ten cafes and restaurants with outdoor spaces use fabric roofs. This is because these outdoor spaces are easy to remove for the winter, as they don't require the constant maintenance of permanent structures.

Bamboo and reeds

Canopies made of bamboo and reeds are a unique option for a summer cottage, enhancing the uniqueness of any landscape design. Reed stems are laid in several layers, laid in rows, and tied into slabs. These reed layers are suitable for roofing. Such a reed roof will not leak water, will heat up in the sun, and will provide strong shading.

Awnings made of bamboo provide protection from the sun and precipitation, not only due to the material's properties. Bamboo roofs are constructed in a specific way—they are most often conical, but other shapes are also possible. Bamboo roofs can be mono-pitched, arched, or gable, but the slope must be maintained.

Advantages of profile pipes

Canopies made from profile pipes are easy to construct and the final structure is lightweight. This option boasts high strength due to the stiffening ribs, which act as edges. Profile pipes can be used to create curved and straight surfaces. The hollow nature of the material contributes to its strength, an advantage over solid rolled pipes. There are several types of profile pipes:

• painted;
• unpainted;
• coated with a special compound.

The pipes are secured by welding or bolting, and the projections can be either parallel or perpendicular. This option is suitable for constructing not only temporary but also permanent canopies. Numerous photographs and drawings of original canopies made using profile pipes are available. Furthermore, this material is relatively inexpensive, and using unpainted pipes can save an additional 30% on the cost.

Features of wooden canopies

Wooden structures fit well into any garden design concept. Wood doesn't detract from the overall design, but rather complements it, adding a natural, homely feel to the garden. Wooden structures can be easily decorated, thus adding a unique touch. Wooden sheds are made using various natural materials:

• rounded logs;
• timber;
• tree trunks;
• boards.

Building a wooden canopy doesn't require any special skills. This material is easily decorated with carving and painting. However, its main drawback is that it wears easily and doesn't tolerate moisture well. To reduce the negative impact of weather conditions, the wood should be pre-treated with special compounds. This treatment will then need to be repeated annually, which entails additional financial losses.

Stages and technology of construction

Building a canopy yourself isn't difficult—just build the frame and choose the covering material. However, there are a few necessary but complicated steps that complicate the process. Before construction begins, a fair amount of preparation is required. Before commencing construction, the following steps must be followed:

1. Carefully think through the design of the suspended structure and make a drawing indicating the dimensions.
2. Choose a place for the canopy, clear it of debris, stones and level the ground.
3. Prepare supports for the suspended structure and places for their installation.

When erecting a permanent structure, the initial stage involves marking out the locations of the supports. In these areas, holes are dug for the frame's foundation. After the supports are installed, their level relative to the ground is checked—unless otherwise specified, they must be strictly vertical. Then, once the supports are securely fastened, they are connected. Only after the main frame has been assembled can preparation of the foundation for the overhanging roof begin. Attaching the roofing material is the final step. Various consumables are required for securing the roof:

• nails;
• bolts and nuts;
• self-tapping screws and others, depending on the specifics of the material.

The beams are secured with large bolts. Then, rafters are installed, spaced at least 75 cm apart. Sheathing is installed across the rafters, which serves as the foundation for attaching the roofing material. Once the rafters and sheathing are installed, the selected roofing material is installed in place using designated fittings. Don't forget to install gutters and redirect runoff to a designated location for rainwater and meltwater.

Other features

In addition to the basic steps of building a lean-to structure, attention must also be paid to other seemingly insignificant details. When making a lean-to from wood, remember to treat it with special protective compounds. These treatments will not only prevent rot but also eliminate other potential causes of damage (fungus, pests, etc.).

When choosing primers, be careful – choose water-repellent and antifungal primers rather than colored ones. A high-quality floor covering is essential. Many people prefer to leave the floor uncovered, instead of using a screed. However, this isn't the best choice, as a concrete screed is easy to install and will ultimately improve the functionality of the suspended structure.

https://youtu.be/WxAtUJ6_x7U

Foundation and roof

For medium and large suspended structures, a columnar or strip foundation is recommended. The interior area can be finished with paving slabs, decking, stones, and similar materials. When the site's topography is uneven or the soil is marshy, a pile foundation is recommended. For rocky or shifting soil, a concrete slab is preferable. For small suspended structures, it's sufficient to remove the topsoil and lay flat stones or other water-resistant, durable, and hard materials (concrete blocks, bricks) under the frame.

The roof can have a wooden or metal truss system. A single-pitched canopy with a slope of 12-30° is easier to build. Metal trusses are more often used for arched roofs, which are primarily suitable for carports. Any roofing material can be used, from fabric tarpaulins and polyethylene to slate and corrugated sheets. A slate roof is simple, inexpensive, and time-tested, but adds significant weight to the structure. Flexible tiles and roofing felt are lightweight and inexpensive. Polycarbonate allows light to pass through and is easy to install.

Open awnings can easily be converted into closed ones by simply attaching curtains made of moisture-resistant fabrics or heavy-duty polyethylene. This will enhance convenience and comfort while inside the structure and provide additional protection from the wind. However, the frame of the canopy structure must be additionally equipped with curtain fastening elements. For wooden awnings, screw in brackets, and for securing to a metal truss, use special hooks.

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Conclusion

Regardless of whether you choose a permanent or temporary canopy, you must approach the construction process responsibly. It's essential to determine the intended purpose, perform calculations, create drawings, and purchase the required amount of building materials, with a small margin. Before construction begins, select a location and consider the terrain features of the property, and adhere to construction procedures throughout.