How to Build a Wooden Archway

A wooden archway leading into your garden can be a stunning addition to outdoor décor. By using cedar or pressure-treated wood, a solid archway can last for years. It also can add to your garden's beauty by supporting attractive climbing plants, such as roses, clematis, grape vines or wisteria. Leave the wood unfinished to weather to a natural patina or paint it a solid color. Your archway shouldn't take more than an afternoon to assemble.

Things You'll Need

• 2 4-foot-long 3-by-3 inch boards
• 15 1-foot-long 2-by-2 inch boards
• Hammer
• Rust-proof nails
• 4 7-foot-long 3-by-3 inch boards
• 2 44-inch-long 1-by-2 inch boards
• 4 10-inch-long 2-by-2-inch boards
• Miter
• Hand or circular saw
• Shovel
• Concrete mix, optional
• Paint, if desired

Instructions

1. Piece together the top of the archway by laying the two 3-by-3 inch boards down, spaced a foot apart. Set the first 2-by-2 inch, 1-foot-long board between the other boards at one end. Place the next board 8 inches away and continue to place each board 8 inches from the previous piece. Keep the bottom sides of the boards flush with the bottom edge of the 3-by-3 inch pieces. Nail the trellis pieces to the frame.

2. Create one side by laying down two 7-foot-long posts, 1 foot apart. Place your first 2-by-2 inch, 1-foot-long trellis piece between the boards, 1 foot away from the ends. Because the posts are 3-inches-wide and the trellis consists of 2-inch-wide pieces, be sure to keep the trellis pieces flush to one side, leaving a 1-inch edge. Set the next trellis piece 1 foot away from the first and repeat the 1-foot spacing for the next two pieces as well. Nail into place.

3. Rest a 1-by-2 inch board perpendicular to the side trellis pieces and center it down the middle. Nail the side support to each of the four trellis pieces to secure. Place a final 1-foot-long piece along the top edge of the side and nail to attach. Repeat to create the other side.

4. Stand up the two side pieces with the support pieces facing in. Set the top over each of the sides with the flush sides and edge facing down. Be sure the alignment is square before nailing together. Once satisfied with the placement, nail through the top and into the side posts as well as the top 1-foot board.

5. Cut a mitered corner into the four brace pieces. The inside measurement between the angles should be 8½ inches. Set the braces up into the corners of the archway and nail to secure. There should be two braces on each side.

6. Dig 8-inch holes for the location of each post. Use concrete, if desired for extra stability, to secure the posts. Fill the holes with excess dirt and pack in tightly. Choose climbing plants to set on either side of the archway. Two large climbers can sit in the direct center of the sides, or four smaller climbers can be planted, one at each corner.

Tips & Warnings

• When digging the post holes, also dig the space needed for your plantings. This will avoid disturbing the newly mounted posts later.

• Choose your plants wisely. Some climbing perennial varieties need more time and attention than others.