Building a Garden Arbor

It's summer again and landscaping is at the top of everyone's list. If you're in need of a beautiful piece of outdoor architecture, a garden arbor may be just what your landscape needs. Used as a focal point, an entryway to your outdoor wonderland, and a sturdy support for your climbing plants, a garden arbor adds beauty and grace to any piece of land.

Find the following materials for your arbor at any home store:
2 1x6s
8 2x4s
16 1x1 lattice stops
2 pieces of lattice
5 2x2 purlins
mitered trim
exterior grade glue
exterior grade wood filler or 3/8-inch hole plugs
trim-head screws (1 1/4-inch, 2 1/2-inch, 3-inch)
ground screws for 4x4 posts
exterior paint

Make the Arches:
1. Cut, glue, and screw two staggered layers of 1x6s, cutting the ends at 22.5 degrees and the longer sides at 21 inches, making the shape of an arch.
2. Trace a half circle curve onto the wood and use a jigsaw to cut through the two layers.
3. Repeat with the second arch (use the first arch to trace the curve).

Assemble the Side Frames:
1. Attach two crosspieces between two 2x4 legs, all set on edge.
2. Attach lattice stops to the frame's interior 1/4 inch from the top edge.
3. Flip the frame over and lay a piece of lattice onto the stops.
4. Place a second set of stops on the lattice, and secure them to the frame on all sides.
5. Attach a shorter 2x4 to each leg to form posts (these should be flush at the bottom).
6. Repeat all steps to make a second side frame.

Install the Purlins:
1. Lay the arches on top of each other and drill pilot holes for 2x2 purlins through both arches.
2. Attach the 2x2s between the arches with glue and with 1 1/4-inch trim-head screws through the pilot holes.
3. Plug or fill the holes.

Assemble the Arbor:
1. Set the arch assembly on the shorter 2x4 legs.
2. Attach it to the longer 2x4s.
3. Use mitered trim to cover the joint between the arch assembly and posts.

Paint your arbor any color you wish using exterior paint, then install it using ground screws for 4x4 posts. Expect to pay around $250 if you use cedar, a good choice since it's rot-resistant. The skill level for this project is medium, so if you've done any woodworking before, it will probably take you around eight hours to assemble. A great weekend project, this arbor is sure to add the perfect touch to your outdoor space.