Things You'll Need:
- Four 12-foot 1-inch by 2-inch stringers
- Two 14-foot lengths of 1-inch by 2-inch boards
- 1 1/4-inch deck screws
- 6d galvanized finishing nails
- One 8-foot length of 1-inch by 3-inch lumber
- One 11-foot length of 1-inch by 3-inch lumber
- Four 10-foot lengths of 1-inch by 2-inch boards for pickets
- 3 1/2-inch deck screws
- Exterior-grade wood glue
- 1 1/4-inch deck screws
- 3-inch by 3-inch butt hinges with screws
- Router or table saw
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Step 1
Download a free pattern for a rounded gate. You can find one online at Better Homes and Gardens or similar websites.
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Step 2
Find out what the frost line is in your area and dig four postholes to depth below that level. Put 6 inches of crushed rock in each hole and position the four posts.
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Step 3
Brace each post temporarily with a 2-inch by 4-inch pieces of lumber, staked in the ground. This keeps the posts straight while the concrete sets.
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Step 4
Mix concrete and pour into each posthole. Let set two or three days before continuing.
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Step 1
Position the 4-inch by 4-inch crossbeams 1 1/2 inches from the outer edges of the posts. Attach them with a lag-screw. Use galvanized finishing nails to install the 2-inch by 4-inch crossbraces. Hammer the nails in at an angle for added security.
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Step 2
Use the 8 foot lengths of 2-inch by 12-inch lumber to construct the arches. The finished width of the complete arbor is 4 feet, measuring from inside to inside of the posts. Figure the radius of the arch at 24 inches. Using a jigsaw, cut the first arch and use it as a pattern to cut the other three.
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Step 3
Attach the arches opposite one another on the posts to the crossbeams using 3-inch deck screws. Cut a 3/4-inch by 3 1/2-inch by 7-inch piece for the arch cap and screw it into place one each at the center of the two completed arches.
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Step 4
Use a carpenter pencil to mark the top of the arch every six inches and install the 1 inch by 2-inch roof braces between the arches with 1 1/4-inch deck screws.
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Step 5
Screw one end of a roof slat into the crossbeam and then bend it over each roof brace, attaching it with a screw at each brace location. Repeat until all roof slats are installed.
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Step 6
Bevel-cut the 1-by-4 fascia to fit around the crossbeams for a good fit. Measure, cut and miter the ends of the cove moldings, nail them into place around the fascia with finishing nails and seal all the open spaces with caulk.
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Step 1
Construct the lattice panels on a flat surface using the 1-inch by 2-inch boards and a carpenter's square to keep ends aligned. The lattice stringers (vertical pieces) measure 6-feet, 2-inches in length. Cut four of them for each side of the arbor for a total of eight. The lattice slats (the horizontal pieces) are 24-inches in length. Place them 6 inches apart. Begin placement at 6 inches from the bottom of the stringers.
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Step 2
Complete panel assembly using the 1 1/4-inch deck screws. Attach the panels in place by nailing the outside stringers to the posts with 6d galvanized finishing nails.
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Step 3
Cut four gate rails to 24 inches in length and four gate stiles to 33 inches in length. Create half-lap joints using a router or table saw at the ends of both the gate rails and stiles. Glue and screw the rails and stiles together.
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Step 4
Measure and cut the 1-inch by 2-inch pickets as referenced in the downloaded pattern. Screw the pickets to the rail/stile assembly. Measure 8 inches above ground level and install the hinges to the post. Attach the other part of the hinges to the outer stile and install the gate.
