DIY Network

Outdoor Kitchen: Installing Arbor Posts From "Build an Outdoor Kitchen" episode DBOK-104

	The outdoor kitchen features a wooden arbor that provides shade and an open but sheltered feel.
	Homeowner Jim Howard assisted with the construction of the arbor, as well as the other phases of the outdoor kitchen project.

In this episode, Build an Outdoor Kitchen host Jay Baker and homeowner Jim Howard build a functional and decorative arbor that will provide shade for the outdoor kitchen. In this first segment, work begins on the arbor with the installation of the support posts.

Materials:

cordless drill
hammer-drill
circular saw
miter saw
wedge anchors
hammer
palm nailer (optional)
tape measure
level
carpenters square
air compressor
2x2 lumber
6x6 posts
3/4-inch plywood
post brackets
carriage bolts
joist nails
liquid-nails adhesive
caulking gun
paint, paint rollers, paintbrushes
clamps
grout
grout bag
safety glasses

Important: Included in this segment are the steps in this outdoor home-improvement project as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable for similar construction projects. For any construction projects, there may be procedures, specifications, equipment, etc. that are specific to the specific site and circumstances. There may also be variations according to the type and brand of materials you select. Always consult local building codes when undertaking significant home-improvement projects, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with any materials, tools or equipment you decide to use.

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Figure A

Installing the Arbor Posts

• The arbor will be constructed of wood and galvanized wood-fasteners. For simplicity, paint all of the wood components for the arbor before starting construction. The simplest and quickest method for doing this is to lay the lumber pieces out as shown, and paint them all together using a paint roller (figure A). To provide good protection against the elements, we used two coats of heavy-duty latex primer followed by two coats of paint.

Tip: We used untreated lumber for building our arbor since treated lumber has a tendency to twist and warp as it cures.

• The posts for the arbor are anchored using galvanized anchor brackets (figure B). The brackets are anchored to the stone and concrete floor using screws and bolts with wedge anchors. One you have determined the positions of your posts, following your plan as a guide, use one of the anchor plates as a template to draw a pattern for placement of the posts and their fasteners (figure C).

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G

Figure H

Figure I