DIY Network

Redwood Arbor Define space or frame a favorite feature. From "Yard Crashers" episode DYCR-106

Create a perfect informal entryway.

There's a reason a simple arbor is a classic garden element: This elegant shape does a great job of defining an entrance to a space or drawing the eye to a favorite feature. The Yard Crashers put together this arbor quickly to create a stylish entrance to an entertainment center patio and define the top of a flight of redwood and stone steps.

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Redwood Arbor

Materials:

(2) 2x8 rough redwood crossbeams 4x4 rough redwood for decorative elements 8-inch galvanized bolts nuts and washers to fit bolts stepladder dry concrete water

bucket dust mask safety glasses post-hole digger measuring tape level string line

Note: This project requires the assistance of at least one other person to complete.

• Measure and cut lumber. Sketch out the design for the arbor, including measurements. Wearing safety glasses, measure and cut the redwood posts and crossbeams for the arbor.

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and use caution when working with a power saw or power drill.

• Dig post holes. Measure and mark the locations for the two 4x4 posts that will support the arbor. Since the arbor will act as an entry arch at the top of the steps, make sure the posts will be far enough apart to walk between. Dig holes 18 inches deep and wide enough to give 2 inches of clearance on all sides of the post.

  Note: This arbor design is fairly small and lightweight. If building a larger, heavier arbor – or if the arbor will have added weight such as large planters – dig the holes 24 inches deep for more stability.
  

  	Figure A
  	Figure B
  	Figure C
  	Figure D

• Dry-fit the posts. Pour dry concrete into the holes a couple of inches deep and level off the surface. Set one post on top of the concrete and have a helper set a second post in the other hole. Level and plumb the posts (figure A), and use a string line to make sure the two posts are in line with each other.
  
  
• Set the posts. With both posts plumb, level and lined up with each other. pour more dry concrete around the sides of the posts to fill the holes. Check again for plumb and level, then water down the concrete. Use an old shovel or a piece of rebar to compact the concrete and get rid of any air bubbles. Allow the concrete to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Attach crossbeams. Center one of the two crossbeams on the posts, check it for level, then tack in place with screws. Repeat for the other crossbeam (figure B), making sure the beams are lined up (figure C). With both beams held in place, drill two holes through the beam-post-beam "sandwich" at one end of the arbor. For each of these holes, slip a washer onto an 8-inch galvanized bolt, then fit the bolt through the hole. Add another washer and a nut, and tighten with a wrench. Repeat the process to secure the other end of the beams.

  Note: The crossbeams really set the style for the arbor; decorative end cuts or even scrollwork can give the entire arbor a more elaborate look. For this project, the Yard Crashers crew used simple 2x8 redwood crossbeams cut on a diagonal.

• Attach decorative elements. Arbors are the perfect place to display vines, decorative lighting or ornamental woodwork. For this project, the crew used eight short pieces of redwood with tapered ends, which were spaced equally along the top of the crossbeams to break up the straight lines and soften the overall look (figure D).