How to Build Arbors
Adding an arbor to your garden or yard will add an unexpected and eye-catching detail and liven up your outdoor space. Although arbors can be purchased pre-made, it is more cost-efficient to build your own. With the right materials, you can build an arbor in a few simple steps. Plus, building your own arbor will allow you to customize it to your liking. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Concrete
- Gravel
- Saw
- Four 8-foot 4x4-foot boards
- Four 8-foot 1x4-foot boards
- 3-inch deck screws
- 2-inch deck screws
- Screws
- Drill
Instructions
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1
Create two holes in the ground as far apart as you want the the opening of the arbor to be. Create two more holes directly in front of those holes, exactly two feet apart. The holes should be about three feet deep and 18 inches high. Fill the holes with six inches of gravel to aid with soil drainage.
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2
Using a saw, cut the four 1x4-foot boards into pieces that measure 7-foot, 3-inches in length.
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3
Place each of the 2x4-foot boards into a hole. Next, place one of the boards that will serve as a rafter on top of the posts. On top of that, place a leveling tool. Make the necessary adjustments to the posts until they are level. Mix concrete according to the manufacturer's directions and pour around the posts. Allow the concrete to set for at least 24 hours.
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4
Lay the rails you cut into a length of 7-foot, 3-inches on top of the four posts so that the narrow edges are facing the sky. Screw the top rails into the posts using three of the 2-inch screws for each joint. Mark spaces four inches apart on top of the rails. In keeping with these marks, install the 13 pre-cut spindles that will serve as cross-rafters using the 2-inch screws.
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5
Finish the arbor with a coat of primer followed by outdoor paint or stain the arbor with an all-weather stain.
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Tips & Warnings
Plant climbing vines at the base of your arbor, such as morning glories, that will eventually cover the arbor, creating a beautiful centerpiece for your garden. Pre-made lattice cut to size can be nailed to the sides of the arbors for a decorative touch.
