This step by step woodworking project is about garden arbor made from 2x4s plans. If you want to build a beautiful but yet simple garden abor, you should check out my latest design. I have designed this arbor so you can assemble it using just 2x4s and screws. If you have a higher budget, invest in weather resistant lumber. See my other DIY projects HERE.
We recommend you to invest in the best materials you could afford. Therefore, you should buy weather-resistant lumber, such as pine or cedar. Always take accurate measurements before adjusting the size of the components at the proper size. Drill pilot holes trough the components before inserting the wood screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Made from this plan
Garden Arbor made from 2x4s Plans
Building a 2×4 garden arbor
Materials
- AÂ – 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 86″ long LEGS
- B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 72″ long SUPPORTS
- C – 9 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 36″ long RAFTERS
- D – 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 18″ long, 4 pieces – 29″ long TRELLIS
- E – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 24 1/2″ long BRACES
- 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12′
- 9 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
- post anchors
- 2 1/2″ screws
- 3 1/2″ screws
- stain, wood filler, wood glue
Tools
- Safety gloves, glasses
- Miter saw, jigsaw
- Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
- Drill machinery and drill bits
Time
- One Weekend
How to build a garden arbor from 2x4s
Building the posts
The first step of the project is to make the posts for the garden arbor. As you can see in the plans, you need to join together two pieces of 2×4 lumber. Use glue and clamps or 2 1/2″ screws to secure the two slats together tightly. Align the edges with attention and leave no gaps between the slats.
Laying out the posts
Next, you need to select the location for the arbor. You can secure the posts to the ground using anchors and footings or you can choose to make a free standing structure, if you move it from one location to the other with ease.
Support beams
Next, you need to use 2×4 lumber for the top beams. Use a miter saw to make the angle cuts at both ends of the beams. Smooth the edges with attention for a neat result.
Fitting the support beams
Fit the support beams to the post, as shown in the diagram. Plumb the posts with a spirit level and make sure the corners are square. Clamp the beams to the posts, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.
Building the rafters
Next, you need to build the rafters from 2×4 lumber. As you can see in the diagram, you need to make notches to the boards. Use a circular saw to make the notches and then remove the excess with a chisel. Clean the recess with sandpaper.
Fitting the rafters
Fit the rafters to the top of the arbor and place them equally spaced. Drill pilot holes and 3 1/2″ screws to secure them into place tightly.
Building the braces
Use 2×4 lumber for the braces. Mark the cut lines on the boards and then get the job done with a jigsaw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.
Fitting the braces
Drill pilot holes through the braces and insert 2 1/2″ screws to secure them into place tightly. .
Fitting the horizontal elements to the side panels
Use 2×4 lumber for the horizontal supports. Drill pocket holes at both ends and secure them to the posts with 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges flush.
Fitting the vertical elements to the side panels
Next, fit the 2×4 vertical elements between the supports. Drill pilot holes through the supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the vertical elements.
2×4 Garden Arbor Plans
Fill the holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Apply a few coats of paint or stain over the components.
Garden Arbor made from 2x4s Plans
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