Building an Arbor

Landscaping expert Mike Bowmant shows how to build a lovely arbor for your deck or garden.

An arbor over an outdoor deck can add shade as well as work as an interesting focal point of the yard. Plant ivy around the arbor and in a few years, you'll have a cool, shady place.

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Materials and Tools:

four 4 x 4s, 8-foot long
four 2x4s, 10-foot long
nine 2x6s, 8-foot long
two 1x1s, 10-foot long
3" galvanized deck screws
safety goggles
power drill and driver
carpenter's square
tape measure
level
two sawhorses
circular saw
pencil

Figure A

Steps:

Choose pressure-treated lumber that will stand up to the elements, and check to make sure the lumber is straight by looking down the length of each piece.
The 4x4s will be used as the vertical end posts. Begin by laying out two 4x4s in the yard, and attach with a pair of 2x4s on either side near the top. Use a carpenter's square to make sure the boards are attached at 90-degree angles.
Predrill holes for the deck screws, and be sure to wear safety goggles. Insert three, 3-inch deck screws through each 2x4.

Figure D

Now measure the wood for cutting. The two 10-foot 1x1s should be cut into 18 pieces, each 7-1/2 inches long. These pieces will be used as mounting brackets for the 2x6 crossbeams.

Cut the ends of the 2x6s at an angle.

Figure C

Attach the 2x6s to form the basic frame for the arbor. Again, predrill holes for the deck screws. Measure to ensure the 2x6s overlap the same amount at each corner, and place the level against the side of the vertical 4x4s to ensure that they're perfectly upright.

Figure B

Offset the 2x4s just a bit so that the 2x6 crossbeams have a place to rest.

Figure E

Space the brackets evenly along the 2x4 runners. Use as many or few as you like, depending on how many 2x6 crossbeams you wish to use.

Figure F

Pre-drill holes through the brackets and into the 2x4's, but do not tighten fully when inserting the deck screws. Leave the brackets a little loose until the 2x6 crossbeam is snugly attached, then go back and tighten the bracket against the 2x4.