How to Build a Simple Arbor

Arbors are used for weddings

An arbor adds an elegant touch to your landscape. These are trellis works that are supported by posts or columns on which climbing vines or flowers grow, producing natural beauty and shade. Arbors are built in many sizes and serve as an inviting entrance, a restful place to talk, simple pleasure for the eye and are used for outdoor weddings. Where garden space is limited, an arbor is put to work as a place to set and hang potted plants. Arbors, also called pergolas, can be movable or fixed. Building your own arbor is much less expensive than buying one already made.

Things You'll Need

• Two-by-two red wood
• One-by-one red wood
• Two-by-six red wood
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Deck screws
• Electric drill
• Hand saw
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. 

   Wisteria on an arbor decorate a doorway

   Use your tape measure to measure 9 feet on eight of your two-by-twos. Mark the length with your pencil. Make your cuts straight across with a hand saw.

2. 

   A resting place under an arbor

   Cut twelve one-by-one strips 26 inches long. Use six one-by-one strips to make one panel. Lay two two-by-two posts on the ground 24 inches apart. Position another set of two-by-twos 6 inches from the outside posts. Measure 2 1/2 feet from the bottom and lay a one-by-one across the two-by-twos. Allow the one-by-one to extend past the outside posts 1 inch on each side. Use deck screws to attach the one-by-ones to the two-by-two lengths.

3. 

   An arbor supports climbing vines

   Saw two one-by-one pieces to 7 feet. These are attached to the center of each side panel with deck screws. The bottom will touch the top of the ground when the arbor is standing; 6 inches protrude from the top and the bottom. Assemble all the parts of your arbor on the ground or work bench.

4. 

   A rose covered arbor at an entrance

   Build the roof of your arbor. Measure, mark and cut your two-by-six in a simple pattern for a tasteful design. Cut a 6-inch long wedge off each end of your two-by-sixes. The tips will be two-by-threes. Cut out a 2-inch deep notch in the two-by-six to insert the posts. Cut a 3-inch long wedge off six one-by-ones that run across the top of your arbor, leaving 1/2 inch at the tip. Place these 9 inches apart across the roof, leaving a 1-inch overhang on each side.

5. 

   An arbor is an elegant setting

   Sink 2 feet of the bottom of each panel into the ground. Stabilize the posts with rock or cement. Arrange for one or two friends to help you the position the roof of your arbor on the posts and secure it in place with deck screws. Sand your arbor to a smooth feel. Paint it or leave it to age naturally.

Tips & Warnings

• Use pressure treated wood to protect against rot.

• Decide where you will station your arbor before you begin building.

• Make a movable arbor that stands on top of the ground. Secure it in place with ties and tent pins.

References

• Grampa's Workshop: Grampa's Workshop - woodworking, woodworking projects, woodworking plans - Wind
• Black&Decker: Black & Decker Power Tools
• Build Easy: Entry arbor construction. The plans