A Garden Getaway

The Bauers anticipate completing the project in one weekend and spending only about $400. Paying a professional to do the same job with the same materials would cost about $1500. On a difficulty scale of 1 to 5, this project rates a 2; basic carpentry skills and a few tools are required.

Step One: Building the Wall Framing

Before beginning the wall frames, Lynn removes an old bench that was in the garden and clears out a space for the new arbor by trimming trees and removing old brush and debris. Ralph determines the height of the four arbor posts, and cuts redwood 4x4s 88" long with his miter saw.

He and Lynn want to notch each post at six and 64 inches off the ground. The notches will support the crosspieces. Using a circular saw, Ralph scores the posts, knocks out the pieces (figure A) and smooths out the notch with a file.

Ralph cuts 2 x 4 planks to 24-3/4 inches long and slides each between two posts and into the notches (figure B). He checks that the crosspieces are square and then toe-screws them with 3" deck screws (figure C).

Step Two: Adding the Lattice Panels

Now it's time to set the lattice into the walls. Ralph decides to use store-bought  lattice ($30 per sheet) rather than taking the time to make it from scratch. To create a little shelf for the lattice to rest on inside the frame, Ralph attaches 1x1s to the inside edges of the posts and crosspieces (figure D) with a nail gun. Trim the lattice to fit between the crosspieces. He turns the wall over so that the 1x1 shelf is on the back side of the frame (Figure E). Set the lattice in and press it down so that it rests on the shelf. Lynn braces the lattice with more 1x1s (figure F), then nails it all in place.

The tops of the posts are within easy reach, so now is the time to add support brackets for the trellis. Ralph uses a circular saw to cut decorative brackets from 13-1/2" 2x6s, and attaches them to the ends of the posts with a spacer (figure G). He puts one on the front of each post, and attaches another in the back to sandwich the posts (figure H).

Step Three: Building the Bench Frame

Ralph has decided to build the bench in his shop, then transfer it into the arbor frame. He'll start by cutting 2x4s to 56" wide and 21" deep, then set them on their edges and parallel to each other. Then he cuts and places smaller 2x4s 14" apart between the larger boards to form a ladder-like structure (figure I). He secures the frame with deck screws. The bench frame is ready and it's time to attach it to the existing walls.

Ralph lays one wall flat on the ground and marks where the frame will sit, about 15-1/2" off the ground. Then he stands the bench frame on end (figure J) and slips it into place so that it rests on the lattice, making sure it's square, then attaches the bench to the post with 3" deck screws. Standing the wall upright, he places the other lattice wall against the frame. He checks to see that it's level before he screws it to the bench frame. To help support the edges of the bench, he hammers another 2x4 at each end of the frame (figure K).

Step Four: Completing the Bench

Ralph will use redwood to build the seat and backrest. For the seat, he uses 2x4s cut to 56" long. The backrest will consist of 22" 1 x 4 and 1 x 2 boards.

Lynn inserts a 1x4 between the back two slats of the seat to determine the angle of the backrest and measures with an angle gauge (figure L). She leans the board back until it reaches 98 degrees, the angle she is comfortable with, then uses a table saw to cut that same angle into two 2x4s (figure M).

She lays out the slats for the backrest against one of the angled planks, using 1x4s and 1x2s, and spaces them to create a look to match the Bauers' porch railing (figure N).

After the slats are in place, Lynn attaches them to the 2x4 and sets the backrest upright, sandwiched between the seat planks and the other angled board (figure O). She checks to make sure that it's level, then she and Ralph attach the slats below.

Then they attach the seat planks to the other angled board and add a cap on the back to hide any visible hardware.

Step Five: Constructing the Trellis

The support brackets are already up, and Ralph cuts four 2x6s with a decorative cut to match the support brackets. He will use these to make the roof of the arbor. He sets the beams on top of the support brackets and secures them in place (figure P), then sets to work on the crosspieces. The crosspieces are made of 48" 2x3s and are set on edge on top of the beams, then screwed in about six inches apart. Ralph leaves a significant amount of overhang, then adds decorative caps to the posts for the finishing touch (figure Q).

Planting the garden getaway

Cynthia has chosen plants for the area surrounding the arbor, using perennials and a variety of other plants to give the garden the look of a wild meadow.