Learn build a tiki canopy with materials found in your backyard.
A tiki canopy has such a simple design that you can build your own right at home for a fraction of the cost of buying one at a store, which you would have to assemble anyway. It can be used to cover a picnic area, patio or anywhere you require shade. Besides natural materials that can be found in your own back yard, anything else you need is sold inexpensively at any home improvement or outdoor supply store. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Measure twelve 1 1/2-inch-thick straight wooden dowels or straight tree branches to about 7-feet-long and cut them with a handsaw.
2. Arrange four of the 7-foot-long poles on the ground in the form of an "x", with the ends in the center overlapping one another. Lash the overlapping ends together with rope. Make sure not to tie them too tightly as the poles still need to be able to slant down diagonally to form the top of the tent.
3. Prop the center of the bound poles up about 7 inches off the ground and let the ends of the poles touch the ground. Arrange the other four poles in a square, with the ends meeting the outer ends of the bound poles that comprise the "x" formation. Wrap rope around both of the ends tightly and bind each corner together. Tighten the center of the poles in the "x" formation by wrapping another length of rope around them and tying it with a double overhand knot.
4. Tie the ends of the 8-foot-long poles to each corner of the square, so that the 8-foot-long poles are extending down from the corners. These are the poles that will support the top of the tiki canopy and allow people to walk under it.
5. Measure a 7-foot square on the ground where you want the tiki canopy to be and mark the corners of the square on the ground with a rock. Pick up each rock and dig a 6-inch-deep, 1 1/2-inch-wide hole in the ground where each rock was. Place the ends of the support poles into the holes and pack the loose dirt around the poles to anchor them in. Now the frame is standing up.
6. Glue dried grass or weeds to one side of an 8-foot square tarp with water proof upholstery adhesive. Wait 12 hours for the adhesive to dry completely.Drape the grass tarp over the top of the tiki canopy and make sure it is centered. The edges of the tarp will slightly hang from the edges of the frame.
Tags: tiki canopy, 8-foot-long poles, bound poles, each corner, each rock