DIY Wedding Arch Plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about DIY wedding arch plans. If you want a bohem wedding, this wooden arch is the perfect complement. My woodworking plans will help you build this rectangular arbor in one day, using common tools and materials. You can build this arbor under $150. This project requires basic tools and materials, so that any person with basic skills can get the job done in less than a week. See here all my Premium Plans.

Work with good judgement and don’t forget to take a look over the rest of the related plans, as there are many designs and woodworking projects to select from. Work with attention and don’t forget that a good planning will save you from many issues and it will keep the costs within the total budget. Invest in high quality materials, such as pine, redwood or cedar. Drill pocket holes before inserting the galvanized screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

DIY Wedding Arch Plans

Building-a-wedding-arch

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Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Free pergola plans
• Free gazebo plans

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How to build an arbor swing

Posts

The first step of the project is to build the posts for the arbor. Make the notches to the top of the 6×6 posts using a circular saw. Make parallel cuts inside the marked area and them remove the excess with a chisel. Smooth the recess with sandpaper.

Top-beam

Build the support beams out of 6×6 lumber. Cut both ends in a decorative manner, by using a circular saw (45 degree cuts). Next, make the recessed with a circular saw. Mark the cut areas and then make parallel cuts inside. Remove the excess material with a chisel and a hammer. Smooth the recess with sandpaper.

Post-trim

Next, we need to attach the 1×8 decorative trims to the base of the posts. Make 45 degree bevel cuts to the boards (notice the width of the boards is 7″). Fit them to the base of the posts, add glue and insert 2″ nails. Leave no gaps between the boards.

Outer-post-base-trim

Next, fit the outer 1×8 trims to the base of the posts. Make 45 bevel cuts to the boards and insert 2″ nails to lock them into place. Add glue to the joints.

Top-base-trims

Use 1×2 lumber for the top trims. Make 45 miter cuts to both ends of the boards. Fit the trims to the base of the posts, as shown in the diagram. Add glue and insert 2″ nails to lock them into place tightly.

Fitting-the-base-board

Next, we need to attach 1×8 boards to the 6×6 posts. Center the boards to the posts, making sure there are equal overhangs on both sides. Insert four 2 1/2″ screws through the board into the posts.

Fitting-the-base-trim

Fit the 1×6 boards to the wedding arch base. Center the boards into place, add glue and insert 2″ nails to lock them into place.

Top-base-trim

Center the top 1×2 boards to the 1×6 boards and insert 2″ nails to lock them into place. Add glue for a better bond. Repeat the process for both sides.

Fitting-the-top-beam

Next, we need to join the two posts together by fitting the top beam. Fit the posts to a level surface. Align the edges and make sure the corners are square. Plumb the posts with a spirit level. Next, drill pilot holes through the posts and insert two 5″ lag screws. Countersink the head of the screws.

Fitting-the-diagonal-braces

Fit the diagonal braces to the top of the structure. Drill pocket holes, as shown in the diagram, and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place. Center the braces to the frame, leaving 2″ on both sides. (*the premium plans feature instructions and a diagram for cutting the braces)

Wedding-arch—dimensions

Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood putty and let it dry out for a few hours. Smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Apply a few coats of paint / stain to protect the arch and enhance its look.

Wedding arch plans – front view

Wedding arch

This is a free standing arch that is made out of lumber. If it’s windy, you should consider locking the 1×8 base boards to the ground with a few stakes / long screws.

This woodworking project was about rectangular wedding arch plans. 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, follow on Youtube and Instagram to be the first that gets out latest projects and to hep us keep adding free woodworking plans for you.

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