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.
I may earn a small commission if you purchase through some of the links in this post at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I use and trust!
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
Garden Webbed
I always enjoying seeing spider webs in the garden. It means there is some natural pest control happening! Anything interesting come out of your garden lately?
Careening: The Tale of a Runaway Lawnmower
Well you just know it had to happen. Another gardening season and another lawnmower incident. At least this time it didn’t involve flames! And I have to admit I am very thankful to have a nandina! How does a nandina fit in with the story?…
The Garden in February
This time of year there usually isn’t much to see in the garden. Lately we’ve been pounded with rain shower after rain shower. We’ve had so much rain that the Duck River south of us in Columbia is about to crest at 45 ft. which…
Daylilies in Bloom: Daylily Hybridizing and Dividing
It’s that time of year where the daylilies are becoming the showoffs of the garden. Daylilies (Hemerocallis) area very common collectable perennial here in the south. They propagate very easily through division and are a prime starter plant for people interested in learning how to…
The Home Garden Weekend Update
This week finally brought us some nice temperatures, or at least nicer temperatures. We’re still a little under the normal highs for February and will most likely drop down again next week but the warmer weather is definitely something to brighten the spirits. Not only…
Worst Weed Wednesday or Who Has the Worst Weeds?
Welcome to Worst Weed Wednesday! Today is the day that you can rant all you want about weeds, how much you despise them, how you would like to eradicate them (and do), and what kinds of things you say to them (please keep it PG…
Discover more from Growing The Home Garden
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
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.