Design a Great Arbor

Follow these five easy steps for your own garden getaway.

There's really nothing like an arbor to add a dash of romance to your landscape. A simple wood structure can create an outdoor living space and give your favorite vine something to climb. Perhaps that's a lot to ask from a few poles sunk into the ground and some rafters attached to the top, but it really is that easy.

Elements

Most arbors consist of the same materials: posts, beams, rafters, and laths. But from there, they can become as unique as your imagination allows or stay as simple as you need. Consider repeating elements from your house, such as the railing pattern, roof pitch, or paint color, to tie the arbor to the landscape. Or contrast the materials for a little whimsy.

Design

When building an arbor, first consider the big picture. Decide what you want the structure to look like and do. The materials and spacing you select for the beams will dictate the spacing and size of the rafters. The more shade you want, the closer together the laths should be. Don't forget that the sun's angle changes from winter to summer, so plan ahead to block harsh light from directly overhead.

Size

Most arbors are 8 to 10 feet tall, but this will vary depending on your situation. Just make sure you have plenty of headroom. Also consider that an arbor will make the space below seem smaller than it actually is. However, if you're planning on growing vines over the arbor, don't make it too tall, or it will be a nightmare to prune.

Construction

Once you've decided what the arbor should look like and how large it should be, you're ready to build. Always use rot-resistant wood, such as redwood, treated pine, or cypress.

Step 1 : Remember to grade the ground beneath the arbor. Make sure water drains away from the site. Pavers are a simple way to create a user-friendly and good-looking area. If you're planning on paving the area with concrete, pour the post footings and the pad simultaneously to save time.

Step 2: Put the posts in the ground using a post anchor sunk in concrete. Ensure the concrete footings extend below the frost line to prevent frozen soil from heaving the footings. Ask a local contractor or Extension agent how deep the frost line is in your area. Temporarily brace the posts with 2 x 4s so they stay plumb while you're bolting them to the anchors.

Step 3: When the concrete dries, install the beams using ¼-inch or thicker through bolts. Remember that the beams will carry all the weight, so make them secure. If the arbor is large, it's probably a good idea to double the beams on both sides of the posts.

Step 4: Attach the rafters to the beams either by using noncorrosive framing clips or by notching the wood pieces.

Step 5: Nail the lath pieces to the rafters. If you're using large laths, such as 2 x 4s, consider notching each piece to fit snugly into the rafters for more stability. Laths provide shade or a platform for vines to grow. It's also possible to substitute shade cloth made of woven reeds for the laths if you want more sun protection. EDWIN MARTY

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Apr 2005
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