Amazing Tiny House Awnings (3 Must-see Examples)

As the tiny house community continues to expand and thrive, owners have increasingly been adding awnings to their tiny homes.

Tiny house awnings are a roof-like cover, typically made of canvas material, that is attached to the exterior of your home and extends over a space outdoors. They can be considered as a type of tiny house roof overhang too.

Not only does adding an awning maximize your liveable square footage, but it can also keep your tiny house cooler, and you can save money on your energy bills.

Below, we further explain the benefits of adding an awning to your tiny house, the different kinds of awnings, and even how to make one yourself. Let’s go!

Do tiny houses have awnings?

Not all tiny houses have awnings, however some do and they are more popular with tiny houses in warmer climates.

Tiny house awnings provide shade for the outside of your home interior, as well as the awning, and will shade whatever windows or doorways it resides over.

If you live in a warmer climate, it’s extra beneficial to install an awning as blocking out the hot sun will aid in keeping your tiny house cooler.

Awnings can be added to both tiny houses on wheels and stationary tiny houses. It doesn’t matter what type of tiny house roof you have either – whether it’s a flat roof or curved.

How to make an awning or canopy for your tiny house

While it isn’t recommended for novice builders, making a mini awning for your tiny house is rather simple.

You need at least two people for the installation.

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you install make and install a mini awning for your tiny house. 

Prepare measurements

1. Mark the exact center of the door or window your awning will be hanging over. Measure the entire length and then divide that in half to get the correct center and make a mark. 
2. Now do the same with your awnings base piece, measure the entire length and then divide this number in half, that is the center of your awning base and it will match with the mark you made on your tiny home above your door or window. 
3. With a partner, hold the awning base up to where it will be hung. Mark a line underneath the awning from end to end. 
4. Using the line you just drew, mark at each end where your awnings brackets will be installed.

Complete hardware installation

For this step, you’ll need a drill and screwdriver.

1. Paying attention to the instructions that came with your tiny house awning in regards to the drill bit sizing, drill holes at each end of the line where you marked for the bracket. 
2. Line your brackets up with the holes and use your screwdriver to screw brackets into place, check the instruction manual to see if you have any washers or nuts that need to be added to the screws at this time.
3. Lift the awning up to the bracket. Slide your awnings base into the brackets, making sure they are snug. 
4. Use a large bolt or screw to secure your awnings base into the brackets. 

Here’s a video on how to install a DIY tiny house awning.

Options for tiny house awnings

There are quite a few options to choose from when selecting your tiny house awning.

When making your decision, be sure to consider a few things like the frequency of use, the climate in your area, and if your house is mobile how will you be able to store your awning.

We’ll look at a few examples of awnings so you can get a feel of what is best suited for your tiny house. 

Stationary Awning

These awnings are attached to the side of your tiny home and permanently remain open.

They are a great addition if your tiny house has a patio or if it experiences drainage issues as the awning can aid in water runoff. 

Retractable Awning

Retractable awnings open and close either manually or electrically, depending on the model you choose.

They are a practical choice if you have a tiny home on wheels as you can easily roll them into the awnings enclosure.

Even if you don’t plan on taking your tiny home anywhere, it’s nice to have the option to close your awning, for example, should there ever be bad weather with strong winds.

Sun Shade Sails

Sun shade sails are great option for people who are interested in a tiny house awning but aren’t too sure if they want to commit to it.

They can be added as an awning to your home by simply installing hooks above your door frame and/or windows and attaching the ends of the sails to the hooks and any nearby sturdy structure, such as a tree, pole, building, etc.

When you’re done, take the sail down, fold it, and put it aside for the next time you need it.

Here’s a video on DIY sun shade awnings for tiny homes.

Solar Panel Awning

While any awning you add to your tiny home will provide you with shelter from the sun, this is the only one that will harness that energy to help you and your tiny house out.

Solar panel awnings.

One of the huge reasons people have decided to pursue living in tiny houses is to lower their ecological footprint.

By installing a solar panel tiny house awning, you’ll be actively using fewer resources to sustain your property.

While solar panel awnings are typically stationary, there are retractable versions available for tiny houses as well.

Benefits of awnings for your tiny house 

There are many benefits to adding an awning to your tiny house.

Tiny house awnings are sometimes called the original air conditioners, as they provide a cool spot outside and help cool down your inside.

Sun protection is a huge benefit, shielding you and your family members from the harsh UV rays of the sun while providing a beautiful way to enjoy the outdoors. 

Your awning will actually also provide protection inside your home too, many people don’t know that you are still exposed to harmful UV rays when sunlight comes in through your windows.

The shade will also aid in keeping your tiny house cooler during the summer.

Summary

Awnings are a great addition to your tiny home.

If you’re looking for a quick way to spruce up your outdoor space while expanding your tiny home’s livable space, adding an awning is the way to go.

Be sure to think about the future of your tiny home before installing an awning, especially whether you’ll want a stationary awning or a retractable one.

Once you’ve got a plan in place, install your tiny house awning and get ready to enjoy your newly shaded outdoor space!