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This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a garden arbor. If you want to learn more about building an a garden arbor, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article. There are many other designs and plans to choose from when building projects for your backyard, so make sure you take a close look over the related plans that are featured on our site.
There are many plans and designs to choose from, so make sure you take a close look over the rest of the arbor plans featured on our website. Plan everything with attention and adjust the size and the shape of the arbor to suit your needs. Plumb the legs and make sure the corners are right-angled before inserting the galvanized screws into place. Drill pilot or pocket holes to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
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Projects made from these plans
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How to Build an Arbor
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Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 84″ long POSTS
- B – 12 pieces of 1×1 lumber – 15″ long SUPPORTS
- C – 2 pieces of 1×10 lumber – 72″ long ARCHED TOP
- D – 9 pieces of 1×1 lumber – 16 1/2″ long SUPPORTSÂ
- 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
- 4 pieces of 1×1 lumber – 8 ft
- 1 piece of 1×10 lumber – 12 ft
- 2 1/2″ screws
- 1 5/8″ screws
- 1 1/4″ screws
- wood filler
- wood glue
- stain/paint
Tools
 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
 Post hole digger, Concrete mixer
 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses
Time
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Building an arbor
The first step of the woodworking project is about building the sides of the garden arbor. As you can easily notice in the plans, we recommend you to build the posts out of 2×4 lumber and the attach 1×1 supports, as seen in the diagram.
Top Tip: Drill pilot holes through the supports and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the posts. Pour 3′ deep concrete footings and secure the posts using metal anchors.
The next step of the project is to build the arched top of the garden arbor. Therefore, we recommend you to mark the cut lines on the 1×10 slats, as described in the image. Use a proper jigsaw to make the curved cuts and smooth the edges using fine-grit sandpaper.
Repeat the process and build the arched support for the opposite side of the garden arbor. Cut the ends of the components in a decorative manner, as to enhance the look of the arbor.
Align the components with great care, making sure they are perfectly horizontal and clamp them to the posts. Drill pilot holes both through the posts and through the arched components and insert 3″ carriage bolts.
In order to enhance the rigidity of the garden arbor and to add value to the woodworking project, we recommend you to fit 1×1 supports to the arched top. Cut the supports at the right size, drill pilot holes and secure them to the frame by inserting 1 1/4′ screws.
Make sure you place the supports equally-spaced in order to create a symmetrical appearance. Add glue to enhance the bond of the joints and remove the excess material with a damp cloth.
One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the pilot holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper.
Top Tip:Â If you want to enhance the look of the woodworking project and to protect the table from decay, we recommend you to cover the components with paint or stain. Place the bench in a proper location and move it whenever necessary.
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This woodworking project was about how to build a garden arbor. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. LIKE us on Facebook and Google + to be the first that gets out latest projects.
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