How to build a garden arbor

This step by step project is about how to build a garden arbor. Building a simple arbor for your garden will enhance the look of your backyard and add value to the property. Nevertheless, there are a few tips and tricks that will keep the expenditures under control and give the opportunity to every person to get the job done in just a weekend. Adjust the size of the arbor to your needs, but follow the general instructions described in the project.

We strongly recommend you to use quality materials that are also weather-resistant. Redwood, pine or cedar are excellent choices, as the components will have a beautiful finish and be highly durable. Always align the components at both ends and drill pilot holes before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. Use a spirit level to plumb the posts before setting them into concrete.

There are many plans and designs you could choose from, so make sure you check out the rest of our projects regarding this matter. If you want to create a larger shaded area, then you should take a look over the diy pergola plans. A wooden pergola requires a significant investment, but you will create a nice relaxation area, ideal for spending the weekend with the loved ones. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

In order to build a garden arbor, you need to use the following:

Materials

A – sand, cement, gravel, 4 pieces of tube forms FOOTINGS
B – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 108″ long POSTS
C – 2 piece of 2×6 lumber – 72″ long SUPPORT BEAMS
D – 8 pieces of 3 1/2″ carriage bolts BOLTS
E – 12 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 15″ long SLATS
F – 7 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 18″ long SHADE ELEMENTS

sand, cement, gravel, 4 pieces of tube forms
4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 10 ft
1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 12 ft
8 pieces of 3 1/2″ carriage bolts
2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 2×2 lumber – 10 ft
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface

Time

One Day

Building a simple arbor

Building a garden arbor

Smart tip: There are many designs and shapes you could choose form when building an arbor, so you should consider the alternatives before starting the construction project. Use quality materials and professional tools if you want to prevent mistakes.

Fitting the posts

The first step of the project is to lock the legs into place. As you can notice in the plans, you need to build the legs of the garden arbor from 2×4 lumber. Dig 2′ deep holes in the ground and fit tube forms. Fit the posts into place, plumb them with a spirit level and secure them temporarily with braces. Fill the holes with concrete, level the surface and let it dry out for several hours.

Building the sides of the arbor

The next step of the project is to remove the braces and to install the 2×2 slats the sides of the garden arbor. Cut the pieces of lumber at the right size and lock the to the legs with 2 1/2″ galvanized screws. Drill pilot holes trough the slats, to prevent the wood from splitting.

Arched top plans

Continue the woodworking project by cutting the support beams at the right size and shape. As you can easily notice in the image, we recommend you to build the beams out of 2×6 lumber. Mark the cut lines on the slats and make the curved cuts with a jigsaw. Work with attention, making sure you smooth the cut edges with sandpaper or you make them round with a router.

Attaching the support beams

Attach the beams to the top of the posts, level them with a spirit level and clamps them into place tightly. Drill several pilot holes trough the components and insert 3 1/2″ carriage bolts, in order to lock them tightly.

Attaching the top slats

Place pieces of 2×2 lumber on the arched beams and lock them into place with 2 1/2″ galvanized screws. Drill pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting and place the slats as in the plans. If you want to add style to your project, we recommend you to cut the slats a little longer, as to overhang the beams on both sides of the project.

How to build a garden arbor

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Afterwards, smooth the wooden surface with fine-grit sandpaper and vacuum the residues.

Thank you for reading our project about how to build a garden arbor and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

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