You might find it difficult to believe, but building an arbor for your garden landscape can actually be quite inexpensive. If you keep the arbor relatively small, to a two-post size, you can have a very attractive landscape feature for a small cost. Even the novice landscaper can build a small arbor without too much trouble in about two days (probably three at the most). It can be a very rewarding project that provides a sophisticated sense of beauty to your overall landscape design.
When it comes to building your arbor it is sensible to think about it as five distinct phases. This will not only help you to break the project down into realistic goals but will also help you to accomplish the task more easily. Breaking any large projects down into sections always helps the landscaper, as he or she will find that the task does not seem quite so daunting when done in bite-sized pieces. Additionally, a sense of accomplishment at the end of each stage can help the landscaper stay motivated throughout the project.
The first stage in building your arbor is to prepare the site for concrete placed under the ground to secure the structure. In order to lay the concrete, you need to first get some things out of the way. Dig two holes where you want the posts to stand. The holes should be one inch wide and three inches deep. Put half an inch of gravel or crushed stone inside the holes. This will help water drain away, preventing cracks later on in the concrete. Set one post in each hole and lay a board on top of them. Use a carpenter's level to determine whether or not your posts are standing at equal heights. Adjust, if necessary, until the level shows that your posts are equal in height. If it will help you then you can use scrap lumber, nailed to the posts, to form temporary stabilizers.
The second stage is anchoring your arbor posts (they should be 4x4 posts) into the concrete. Before doing this, check again for equality in height with the stabilizers in place and make your adjustments to the stabilizers to adjust the height. Next, mix your concrete using concrete mix and water from a garden hose in a wheelbarrow; use a shovel to stir the concrete to ensure that you mix it well. Pour the concrete to fill each of the holes and then allow at least a day for the concrete to dry. You can remove the stabilizers once the concrete has hardened.
Stage three of building your arbor consists of laying two 1x6 pieces of wood along the sides at the top of the posts. These crosspieces should be perpendicular to the posts, and they will be opposite each other, one on the inner side and one on the outside. This creates a sandwiching effect for the tops of the arbor posts, as they are surrounded by the 1x6 pieces of wood. If you would prefer, you can cut designs into the ends of your crosspieces with a jigsaw for some added flair.
The next stage in the process, the fourth, consists of using 4x4 rafters to lie on top of your 1x6 crosspieces. These will be perpendicular to the crosspieces, and parallel to the line of the posts. There are five of them, only four inches long, so you will need to cut your 2x4s into pieces of the proper length. They should also be notched so that they fit tightly across the crosspieces. Notching can help you adjust for level differences in the rafters as well.
The final stage is the actual assembly of the arbor. Making sure that everything is properly aligned can help you as you bore the holes necessary for the arbor construction. You will need bolts that will go through the posts and the crosspieces on either side, making sure that the one bolt holds all three pieces of wood together. Additionally, you will need to secure the rafters in place and add any finishing touches you would like to add.
Obviously different plans for simple arbors exist, with variations on different themes and looks (using similar principles it is possible to build an arbor that has four posts). Looking on the Internet for plans and instructions is very simple, and can help you find an arbor that would complement your landscape design. Once you have found that, acquiring the lumber is simply a matter of searching for a good deal in lumberyards or warehouses. It is possible to get your wood for a reasonable price, and most of the other tools needed are commonplace and usually found around the house or are easily rented. Once you have your arbor, you can use it as a backdrop for intimate weddings and for entertaining. An arbor can quickly become one of the focal points of a very classy landscape.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Something eating my raspberry plants - the green ...
By: dkb | 22-07-2008
Something eating my raspberry plants - the green parts of leaves are being eaten - the stem and other harder parts are being left. I have ever bearing raspberries - I am worried that if the insect keeps going - I won't have any plants left in the next couple weeks. Any tips/info would be great...
Onions
By: dennis | 22-07-2008
all the tops of my onions dropped as if they were hit by hail ( no storms)
Where can I buy seeds for blackberries and ...
By: bigem62 | 22-07-2008
Where can I buy seeds for blackberries and rasberries?
Boy with baseball bat garden statue
By: Francine | 21-07-2008
I'm look for a small garden statue of a boy holding a baseball bat, pewter style finish to statue. Saw it in a Cracker Barrel store in SC, but all Cracker Barrels are out of stock and not expecting any more shipments. I don't know who the manufacturer is and Cracker Barrel won't release that info. Can anyone out there help me locate this item? - Thanks
Do I need to harvest my 'early' cabbage all at the ...
By: LizzyLizard | 21-07-2008
Do I need to harvest my 'early' cabbage all at the same time, or may I just pick as I need. Reason being, my first 2 cabbages were incredibly sweet, but with the 3 I'm noticing a slightly bitter aftertaste. This is in less than a week. I also noticed a greyness in some of the veins. The heads are not tight compact, like store bought, but looser. I planted them around the end of May, I'm in Canada and the weather is hot and humid at the moment. Thanks, Lizzie Lizard
When refering to growing giant pumpkins, info says ...
By: Heath | 21-07-2008
When refering to growing giant pumpkins, info says to cutt off all but one female flower from vine. Is there a difference in flowers? Male/Female, and how do you tell difference?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Gardening Articles
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
By: Dane | 26/07/2008
Austin is a city in love with nature. This article talks about the "Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center".
What to Do With Your Doggie Doo
By: Vera Pappas | 25/07/2008
Composting has also always been a part of our lifestyle, but poop was the one thing we couldn't put in our regular composter.
The Thing About Knockout Roses Is...
By: Art Gib | 25/07/2008
Knockout roses were first introduced in 1999 as a tough and hardy rose that is exceptionally resistant to disease and an ability to withstand a wide range of harsh conditions. As such, they require little attention from the gardener in order to produce satisfactory results making them perfect for a beginning gardener. This has made it one of fastest selling new roses when it was introduced.
How To Plant A Country Hedge - Preparing The Ground
By: Anna Stenning | 25/07/2008
Providing instructional information on how to do your planting at certains periods of the year, whilst dealing with weed.
Advice on Caring For a Bonsai Tree
By: April Kerr | 25/07/2008
Bonsai which is an interesting technique of growing the adult trees in a miniature form was originated in Japan a long time ago.
Is a Riding Mower or a Lawn Tractor the Right Choice For You?
By: Janet Ashby | 25/07/2008
If you have a large lawn that is getting too much to handle with a walk-behind mower you may be considering buying a lawn tractor or a riding mower. A lawn tractor may have various attachments available and can be used for hauling materials about your yard in addition to...
Need Increased Closet or Storage Area for Your Bedroom?
By: Robert | 24/07/2008
When people venture out to to look at homes to buy, there are two elements that are the first considered. These same two features are what can make a potential sell to fall apart. The The first is the kitchen. If this room is not inviting and modern, the home fails to draw interest. The Next in importance is the number and size of the home's closets.
5 Important Secrets for Your Bonsai Trees Now
By: Paul Zayer | 24/07/2008
Don't risk your bonsai plant's health on the basis of any assumption.
More from Paul P. Duxbury
How To Landscape To Attract Birds
By: Paul P. Duxbury | 22/01/2007 | Gardening
Many of us enjoy the sounds of birds singing and chirping in our gardens or yards. Not only are birds beautiful to look at, they also provide many with a real appreciation of nature.
How To Care For Your Kitten
By: Paul P. Duxbury | 22/01/2007 | Pets
Even if you have had years of experience with adult cats, taking care of a kitten is a whole new world.
How To Make The Most Of A Small Garden Or Yard
By: Paul P. Duxbury | 22/01/2007 | Gardening
The fact that you only have a small yard does not mean that it has to be devoid of landscaping elements.
How To Create A Budget for Your Landscaping Projects
By: Paul P. Duxbury | 22/01/2007 | Gardening
Any landscape project requires planning which including setting a budget to ensure that you do not spend money you have not got!
How To Keep Your Dog Warm In Winter
By: Paul P. Duxbury | 18/01/2007 | Pets
For many dog owners, knowing how to keep their dog warm during the cold winter months is a major concern. However, as this article will explain there are many ways to do this and to address your concerns.
How to Keep Your Dog Fit And Trim
By: Paul P. Duxbury | 18/01/2007 | Pets
In similar ways to us humans, one of the biggest health problems today for dogs is obesity. Many dog owners think that their pudgy dogs are adorable and cute. However, the reality is that they are extremely unhealthy.
How To Choose A Hypoallergenic Dog
By: Paul P. Duxbury | 18/01/2007 | Pets
For people that love dogs, yet have allergic reactions to them, there is a simple alternative. If you cannot do without a four legged friend, choosing a hypoallergenic dog is without doubt the best alternative.
How To Decide If A Dog Is Right For You
By: Paul P. Duxbury | 18/01/2007 | Pets
Early morning walks, cold noses waking you up. Are you really ready for all that a dog needs? Do you know where you local veterinarian is? What kind of dog do you want?
Home and Family 
