How to build a sturdy grape arbor

What could be more romantic than sitting under a grape arbor sipping the fruits of your own labor? Building a sturdy grape arbor is not difficult (this one took two men one full day), and this one has stood up to strong winds. Make sure you plant grapes that are suitable for your climate.

Things You'll Need

• 6 6x6 posts, 8 or 10 feet long
• 2 4x4 posts 10 or 12 feet long
• 9 6' fence posts, round
• Concrete
• Long nails
• Saw
• Shovel/post hole digger
• Hammer
• Ladder

Instructions

1. Dig holes for your six posts, 5.5 feet apart, in two rows, about five feet apart. (The finished holes look like the six corners of a domino.) See finished photo #3 for an idea of placement.

2. 

   Cut a 4x4 inch (measure your posts to get the exact measurements) on the inside top of each of your six posts.

3. Set your six 6x6 posts in concrete in each of the holes so that the L-shaped cutout is on the inside of the arbor. (Refer to the above picture for details.)

4. Set the two 4x4 posts over the two rows into the L-shaped cutout and nail in place.

5. Cut a notch in each end of the fence posts, which will fit over the 4x4 lengths. See detail in above photo. Make sure your notches are the right distance apart (measure the distance from one row of posts to the other).

6. 

   Leave about a 4-6" overhang on the ends, set fence posts over each pair of posts (three pairs-ends and middle). Equally space remaining six fence posts between them.

7. Plant grape vines near each corner (six vines). As vines grow, wind them between the fence posts. Trim as necessary. For a different look, plant grape vines at the four corners and climbing roses or other flowers in the two center posts.

Tips & Warnings

• The posts are heavy. This isn't a job for a single person.