Most arbor projects will cost between $300 and $350. Two people with intermediate carpentry skills can complete the project in one day.
Materials:
Drill, with assorted drill bits, a 3/4" spade bit and an extension bit
Jigsaw
Miter saw
Ratchet and socket set
Carpenter's level
Line level or water level
Safety glasses
Work gloves
* Use pressure-treated wood so that your arbor will withstand the elements. Redwood and cedar can also be used.
* You can adjust the slats of the arbor for different shade patterns, and you can vary their spacing to control how much shade the arbor provides.
Set the support posts for the arbor
* If you're attaching an arbor to your deck, you'll need to extend the support posts through the floor for the best stability.
- Trace around a scrap 4"x4" block to mark the holes for the posts. Each post should be positioned so that it is directly beside a floor joist. Predrill holes in the corners and cut the holes with a jigsaw.
- Set the 4x4 posts in position. If you can't secure the posts in concrete, you might consider using a concrete block designed for supporting posts (figure A ).
* If your arbor is freestanding, the posts need to be set in concrete . When you dig the holes for your posts, be sure to go below the frost line to prevent frost heaving.
- Make sure the posts are plumb, then mark the posts where you want the top of the arbor to be. Check the marks for level using a water level or a line level.
* Make sure your arbor will be tall enough for people to walk under.
- Mark each post to show which corner it goes in. Remove the posts, cut them with a miter saw and set them back in place.
- Drill holes through the posts and joists and attach the posts to the deck with carriage bolts and washers.
Attach the beams for the arbor
- Create support beams using four 2x8 boards. For a more professional look, cut scalloped ends on the boards (figure B).
- Set the beams in place so that the 4x4 posts are sandwiched between them. Attach them temporarily with screws. Use nails to help support the beams while you screw them in place (figure C).
- Double-check the posts to be sure they're plumb, then drill the beams and 4x4 post with a 3/4" spade bit. You'll probably need to use an extension bit to drill completely through the wood.
- Run a 1/2" galvanized carriage bolt through the hole and secure it with a nut and washer. Then use a ratchet to tighten it in place.
Attach the rafters
- Create rafters using 2x6 boards. Cut scalloped ends on the rafters so that they match the beams.
- Attach the outer rafters first. Pre-drill pilot holes at an angle and then toenail the rafters onto the beams with galvanized deck screws (figure D).
- To determine the spacing for the rafters, locate the center point between the two outer rafters and work outward. Mark the position of each rafter so that the spacing is even. Then install the remaining rafters.
- Add additional support to the arbor by installing two 4x4 braces on each corner . Cut the 4x4 braces at 36 inches on a 45-degree angle so that they will fit into the corners. Cut four 2x6 boards so that they can be placed between the rafters.
- At each corner, attach one 4x4 brace so that one end is screwed to the post and the other end is sandwiched between the beams. Attach the other brace so that one end is screwed to the post and the other end is attached to a 2x6 board placed between the rafters (figure E).
- Finish the project by applying clear water repellent or stain. You may want to wash the deck first so that the colors will match more closely.
* For extra shade, you might consider installing lattice or screen to the rafters. Another idea is to grow a vine on the arbor. Be sure to select a non-blooming vine, however; otherwise it will attract bees.
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