How to Construct a Copper Garden Arbor

An interesting do-it-yourself project for the garden is constructing a copper arbor. Copper ages beautifully outdoors and enhances any garden decor. Copper is strong and durable and doesn't rust, rot or decompose and requires no maintenance. Here is how to make a simple copper garden arbor.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Twenty 15-inch sections of 3/4-inch copper tubing
• Eight 1-foot pieces of 3/4-inch copper tubing
• Four 8-inch pieces of 3/4-inch copper tubing
• Eleven 2-foot sections of 1/2-inch copper tubing
• Copper reducing T connectors to fit tubing sizes
• Metal epoxy
• Sandpaper

1. Purchase the supplies and have the copper tubing cut to the lengths specified. If you prefer to cut it yourself, use a pipe cutter and twist the cutter around the tube diameter to cut the copper tubing. You will be constructing a basic copper arbor with cross supports.

2. Sand the copper tubing to rough-up the copper and remove the oils. This also helps the epoxy form a better seal with the connectors.

3. Lay out the entire copper garden arbor on a flat surface using all the pieces and connectors. Enlist the help of a friend because the epoxy dries quickly and it helps to have all the pieces ready.

4. Mix the epoxy and paint the inside of each connector, then slip in the copper tube. Build one side first and allow it to dry while building the other side. Put the two sides together when everything has dried.

5. Choose the location for the garden arbor, and dig holes in the soil to stabilize it. Plant with climbing roses or other vines.