How to Build a Lattice Arbor

Build a lattice arbor to create a peaceful area in the garden or yard. You can add vines that flower or other plants to an arbor as options for extra shade and decoration. Change out the plants each growing season for variation or leave the arbor bare to show its natural beauty.

Things You'll Need

• Posthole digger
• 2 cubic feet gravel
• Circular saw
• Saber saw or wood chisel
• Miter saw
• 1 tube or container weatherproof glue
• Large box deck screws
• Phillips screwdriver
• Large box nails
• Hammer
• Level
• 26 two by fours
• 2 one by twos for cross ties
• 2 36 by 68-inch panels of one by two lattice pieces
• 2 12 by 72-inch ladders
• 8 standard-size concrete bags

Instructions

1. Check building codes and neighborhood ordinances before construction. Locate a level area with plenty of sun to build the lattice arbor. Prepare the area by digging holes 2 ft. in the ground for the posts and fill the holes with 6 inches of gravel.

2. Cut two by fours into six 4 by 6-inch rafters and allow for some overhang on each side. Use a miter saw to cut a 23-degree angle on the rafter's end. Make a 3-foot ridge beam by cutting another two by four and 2 other two by fours into 1 by 2 cross ties and then attach these to the rafters.

3. Saw the two by fours into eight 3-foot crosspieces and place these across the rafters with 4 on each side. Make 45-degree angle cuts with a miter saw at the end of the crosspieces for decoration.

4. Place a crosspiece in position on the rafters and mark for three 1 1/2-deep notches along the bottom of the crosspieces. Take the saber saw or wood chisel and cut out the notches wide enough for the wood to fit tight over the rafters and attach the crosspieces to the rafters. Put 1 crosspiece on each roof end by placing them in position then glue and screw together to stable the arbor while adding the posts. Add the rest of the crosspieces once the posts are in place.

5. Make 4 five by eight posts from two by fours and cut a 23-degree angle on an end of the arbor posts. After cutting four 5-inch pieces of two by fours for short-corner braces, cut a 23-degree angle at the brace top and 45-degree angle on the brace bottom. Glue and screw a brace on each post.

6. Flip the arbor upside down and finish adding the posts and braces with glue and screws. Sit the arbor upright and in position. Check that the arbor is level and align the posts then add the front posts to the rafters. Attach 2 two by fours cut down to 3 feet in length between front and rear post bottoms on both sides. Then cut down a two by four 6-feet in length and nail to the arbor back.

7. Nail the lattice to both sides of the arbor. If adding a plant to the lattice arbor screw a ladder to the back. Jiggle the arbor into the holes until in the right position and add more gravel or two bags concrete mixed according to the package to secure the lattice arbor. Paint or stain the lattice arbor to finish the project.

Tips & Warnings

• The amount of material used, such as the number of screws and concrete amount are approximate. Use whatever you need to complete the task.