How to Build Garden Arbors
A garden arbor is basically a trellis built in the shape of an arch. It can provide shade or look attractive arching over a path. An arbor can lend a formal or informal feel to a garden, depending on the materials used. The key is to build it strong enough so that it will hold the weight of climbing plants. If the arbor is to last for several years, then it will need to be weatherized as well. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 4 8-foot 2x4s
- 4 2-foot 2x4s
- Tape measure
- Wooden trellis panels
- Hammer
- Nails
- Saw
- 2 5-foot 2x4s
- Shovel
Instructions
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1
Take two of the 8-foot 2x4s and two of the 2-foot pieces. Lay the longer pieces parallel and nail on one of the shorter boards crosswise two feet from the bottom edge of the longer pieces. Then, nail the other shorter board to the top of the parallel boards. You now have one of the side frames made. Create another one for the other side.
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2
Cut a piece of trellis 2-foot by 6-foot. Nail it to the frame and complete the other side the same way.
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3
Nail the 5-foot boards to the top of the side frames. Take the other 5-foot piece and nail it across the other side. This should form a door shaped structure. Cut another piece of trellis panel that measures 2-foot by 5-foot. Nail this across the top of the arbor.
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4
Dig four holes that will line up with the legs of the arbor. They need to be eighteen inches deep.
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5
Back fill the holes with dirt and stomp it down so it is very compact. This will hold the arbor in place.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember that this is an outside structure and prone to damage from the weather. Use exterior paint or stain on your arbor to waterproof your structure before planting your climbing plants. Between growing seasons, you might want to touch up the paint or stain on your arbor to extend its protection and keep it looking great.
Make sure that the arbor is anchored. Another anchor option is to purchase concrete anchors. The legs of the arbor should be bolted into these above-ground anchors for a firm foundation.
