The next step to putting the arbor together after we set the posts was to assemble the top. The top section was made from 3 45″ 4″x4″ pieces set in a diamond position. The arbor top was designed to fit the 4″x4″ pieces into the notched ends of the posts and they would also go through the front and back beams into the diamond shaped cutouts. For a decorative effect I beveled the ends of the 4×4 pieces which would add an extra diamond effect to the front. The top was assembled on the ground which saved time. (Each piece was sanded and stained before assembly.) The 4″x4″ pieces were locked into place with the 2″x8″ front and back beams by using brackets made from 2″x2″s. Once the top was put together it was a simple two person job to lift the top onto the notches. The great thing about this design is that once we put the top on we could let go without attaching it. The notches completely held the top in place making it easy to attach with screws.
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The top slats came next. On the end of each slat (which were made from 48″ long 2″x4″s) I cut a small triangle out to give the ends a beveled appearance. I saved the cut triangles and used them as brackets to brace the inside of the top slates against the front and back beams. This worked great and was much easier than cutting a 1.5″ notch on each end of the the 2″x4″ slats.
Then came the sides. I put two 2″x4″ pieces that were about 29 inches long on each side. Then added the 2″x2″ vertically between the 2″x4″s. The hanging diamonds were the last part to add. I made three diamonds for each side, one whose sides measure about 7 inches and the other two are about 10 inches. I put these together with 2″ outdoor screws but I definitely recommend using small screws. The cuts were all at 45 degree angles which enabled them to fit nicely together. Then I pre-drilled holes for the screws and pieced them together. Next I added eyehooks at the center of the side 2″x4″ pieces and at the corners of the diamond frames and hung them on the black chains.
I was excited when the solar lanterns went up since that meant the project was almost finished! I used the leftover cut outs from the ends of the cross beams to make brackets and drilled 1/2″ holes through them then weaved the black chain through it. I screwed the black chain on what would eventually be the top and attached the bracket to the front posts of the arbor around 5 feet high. Then I hung the lanterns and stepped back to look at the scene!
I was so busy building the arbor that I just didn’t take enough pictures of the process! I tried to use the cropped pictures of various sections to illustrate the building process. As always if you have any questions feel free to leave a comment!
Part 1 of How to Build An Arbor
A Sidewalk Garden Layout
Over the weekend I put together a garden for the opposite side of my sidewalk. Here’s the layout of the garden. I did this layout after I planted the garden and it isn’t to scale. It is roughly 18-20 inches wide and probably 25 feet…
The Arbor Project: The Side Details (Sneak Peek 3)
Today’s sneak peak reveals a couple more features of the Arbor. The picture to the right reveals the sides but also offers a glimmer of the landscaping. I could have built solid sides for the arbor but I had an idea that repeats a diamond…
Tall Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea) Blooming in the Fall
Tall ironweed (Vernonia gigantea) is one of the few non-yellow flowering wildflowers blooming right now here in Tennessee. This extremely tall and purple member of the aster family can be seen throughout roadsides and fields in much of the country during the late summer or…
A Short Fall Garden To-Do List
There are probably a million things I could think of that need done around the yard and in our various gardens but here are a few that are bouncing around in my head at the moment. I’ve been distracted with the deer the last couple…
GB Fall Color Project: Cobblestone and Colors
Elizabeth over at Gardenrant, a well known writer and garden blogger, has posted some picturesque fall photos for the Garden Blogger Fall Color Project. What could epitomize fall more than cobblestone buildings and walls mixed with glorious maples in the rustic farmlands of Route 104…
What Causes Catfacing in Tomatoes?
Before I delve into the catfacing issue let’s clear up a big misconception: catfaced tomatoes do not actually look like catfaces! Now that we’ve covered that important fact that let’s talk about what catfacing is and what causes your tomatoes to look like deformed monstrosities….
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The detail is wonderful and you did a great job! On my way to vote now.
The arbor is gorgeous, and I love those light fixtures. Beautiful job, Dave. 🙂
Terrific job Dave. I love it. The lights just finished it off.
Oh my stars Dave! That’s a lot of work and boy howdy is it ever beautiful.