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How to Build an Arbor

Posted on April 14th, 2009 by Elaine
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If you think your garden looks awfully boring and bare, one wonderful do-it-yourself decoration you can make is an arbor. An arbor, or pergola, easily adds elegance and flair to your outdoor space, and the good thing about this is it requires relatively simple woodwork. Here’s how to build a simple arbor.

What You’ll Need:

  • Four pieces of 4×4 wooden posts of the same length
  • 2 1/2 inch weathered wood screws
  • Drill
  • Cement
  • Level
  • Screwdriver
  • Gravel
  • Lumber for the cross pieces and rafters

Procedure:

  1. Determine where you’ll be positioning the arbor. Pick a location which is aesthetically-pleasing and would not make the arbor inconvenient. You must also make sure the ground where it stands is sturdy, and does not easily erode.

    2. arbor

  2. Dig the holes for the posts. If you’re only making a basic arbor, you should stick to four posts, but if you want a bigger structure, have at least six posts, for better support. The holes you dig must be at least 24 inches, but if you live in an area with heavy frost, make deeper holes, preferably below the frost line.
  3. If you have patio pavers near the posts, remove them. You can replace them after you’ve completed the arbor.
  4. Get the crushed gravel and put some into the holes at least halfway through.
  5. Mix the concrete until it’s thick enough. You’ll need this to secure the posts, keeping them sturdy. Ask another person to hold a post into place, while you shovel the concrete around it and into the hole. Repeat with the remaining posts
  6. To check that the posts are perpendicular to the ground and at the same height with each other, use a level.
  7. Allow the concrete to dry and harden around the posts. This might take up to two days.
  8. Get the lumber and pre-cut the rafter and cross pieces you’ll be using. Keep in mind the height and width you want for your arbor. Make sure your pieces are of the same size.
  9. Once you’ve got all the lumber cut out to the size you want, do a dry run installation. Put all the pieces according to their respective positions. Don’t screw anything yet, though. You must first make sure the arbor looks the way you want it.
  10. Get the cross pieces then fasten them between the posts. If you’re sure that they’re leveled off, tightly screw them in, using the weathered wood screws and the screwdriver. The height must be even and level.
  11. Notch the wood onto the cross pieces. Afterwards, put on the rafters down, securing them tightly.

Some Tips

  • Have someone help you out with this task. It makes the process easier.
  • It’s easier if you use an arbor plan to help you out. There are many plans you can easily purchase or get for free from the Internet.
  • Cover the arbor with decorative wire. Wood lattice is also a good idea for a closed look. These give your vines a better climbing foothold.

An arbor will definitely make your outdoor space a lot more beautiful. Just follow these tips, and you’ll successfully erect one in no time.

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