Ipe Arbor

Whether you want an accent piece or some light shade, arbors can be the perfect touch to your garden or outdoor space. The most classic type of arbor is made of wood; so this how-to will give you everything you need to know about building your very own wood arbor. Once your arbor is built, you can choose to soften it up with vines and flowers or leave it. Either way, your arbor will become one of the reasons you love your home.

Materials List

• Basic tools
• Stakes and string
• Line level
• Posthole digger
• Reciprocating saw
• Paintbrush
• Wood screw clamps
• Concrete mix
• Gravel
• Wood sealer
• 10-ft. 4x4 post (4)
• 6-ft. 2x6 tie beams (2)
• Stainless steel nails
• 7-ft. 2x2 cross strips (7)
• 7-ft. 2x4 rafters (4)
• Stainless steel deck screws
• 3" lag screws (8)
• Rafter ties (8)

Step 1: Dig Holes for the Footings

A.) Lay out the location of the posts, 5 ft. apart, using stakes and string. Make sure the layout is square by measuring from corner to corner and adjusting the layout until these diagonal measurements are equal.

B.) Dig postholes at the corners to the required depth using a posthole digger.

C.) Fill each hole with 6" of gravel.

Step 2: Set the Posts

A.) Position the posts in the holes. To brace them in a level position, tack support boards to the posts on adjoining faces. Adjust the posts as necessary until they’re level.

B.) Drive a stake into the ground, flush against the base of each 2x4. Drive stainless steel deck screws through the stakes, into the 2x4s.

C.) Mix one bag of dry concrete to anchor each post. Immediately check to make sure the posts are plumb, and adjust as necessary until the concrete begins to harden. Be sure to let the concrete dry at least 24 hours before continuing.

Step 3: Install the Time Beams

A.) Measure, mark, and cut all the lumber for the arbor. Cut a 3x3" notch off the bottom corner to each tie beam, a 2x2" notch off the bottom corner of each 2x4 rafter, and a 1x1" notch off the bottom corner of each cross strip.

B.) Position a tie beam against the outside edge of a pair of posts, 7 ft. above the ground. Position the beam to extend about 1 ft. past the post on each side.

C.) Level the beam, and then clamp it into place with wood screw clamps. Drill two 3/8" pilot holes through the tie beam and into each post. Attach the tie beam to the posts with 3" lag screws.

D.) Use a line level to mark the opposite pair of posts at the same height as the installed tie beam.

E.) Attach the remaining tie beam, repeating the process described in B and C of step 3.

F.) Cut off the posts so they’re level with the tops of the tie beams, using a reciprocating saw or handsaw.

Step 4: Install the Rafters

A.) Attach the rafters to the tops of the beams using rafter ties and stainless steel nails. Beginning 6" from the ends of the tie beams, space the rafters 2 ft. apart, with the ends extending past each tie beam by 1 ft.

Step 5: Install the Cross Strips

A.) Position a cross strip across the top of the rafters, beginning 6" from the ends of the rafters. Center the strip so it extends past the outside rafters about 6". Drill pilot holes through the cross strip and into the rafters. Attach the cross strip with stainless steel screws. Add the remaining cross strips, spacing them 1ft. apart.

B.) Finish your arbor by applying wood sealer/protectant.

Your arbor is sure to bring you and your family memories for years to come. Now go enjoy precious family time in your new and improved outdoor space! Be sure to check out our other fabulous how-tos!