How To Build Your Own Wood Garden Arbor

Building your own wood garden arbor can be done for a very reasonable price, especially if you are willing to shop around for the best prices on pressure treated lumber.

Following some basic instructions, you can create you own garden arbor that your neighbors will drool over.

To start, dig two holes as far apart as you want your garden arbor to be wide. Insert two 4x4 posts into each hole over some crushed gravel for drainage and cement into place. Ensure that the posts are level by laying a board on the top of the posts and using a level to make sure the boards are sitting the same height. Nail some scrap wood to each post to make a frame and hold the boards in place while the cement sets.

Have your design handy—you can precut the rafters and cross pieces ahead of time. You can add some flair and creativity to your arbor by cutting a design into the end of your cross pieces.

Attach your cross pieces between the two arbor posts. Ensure they are level and screw into place. They can be as far apart as you want them, but remember to watch for height!

Adding the rafters will require you to notch the wood, so they fit around the cross pieces. You can add some flair here by creating your own design for the rafter pieces by cutting them in a different shape, etching them or cutting them curved—your choice.

Assemble the rest of your garden arbor by attaching the rafters and securing in place. You now have a beautiful, home made and original garden arbor to grace your yard. Ensure your plans fit—measure and re-measure before screwing your pieces into place. You may wish to have a ‘dry run’ with your pieces before you cut and screw everything together.

Outdoor garden guides:
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