Step 1

Step 1: Select Proper Doors

Step 1: Select Proper Doors

In order to resist the elements, solid wooden doors need to be used for this project; however, the two doors can vary in heights and finishes as long as they have the same width. In order to ensure a level installation, both doors must stand at exactly the same height. Heights can be easily adjusted by using a measuring tape and a pencil to mark the doors to size, then cutting the doors to the exact same height with a circular saw.

Photo by: Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Select Proper Doors

In order to resist the elements, solid-wood doors need to be used for this project; however, the two doors can vary in heights and finishes as long as they have the same width. In order to ensure a level installation, both doors must stand at exactly the same height. Heights can be easily adjusted by using a measuring tape and a pencil to mark the doors to size, then cutting the doors to the exact same height using a circular saw.

Step 2

In order to make the arbor open and airy, cut openings into the tops of each of the doors. Doors with recessed panels simply require cutting around the inside edge of the paneling using a circular saw. When using solid wood doors without paneling, measure and mark the intended opening size with measuring tape and pencil, then cut with circular saw. Tip: Standard exterior entry doors are 36” wide. An excellent size opening based on proper scale and proportion of two doors placed across from one another is 24”, leaving approximately 6” of door on each side of the opening.

Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Once the majority of the side panels have been cut out, remove any leftover wood corners with the hand saw.

Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 2: Cut Side Panels

In order to make the arbor open and airy, cut openings into the tops of each of the doors. Doors with recessed panels simply require cutting around the inside edge of the paneling using a circular saw. When using solid wood doors without paneling, measure and mark the intended opening size with measuring tape and pencil, then cut with circular saw. Tip: Standard exterior entry doors are 36” wide. An excellent size opening based on proper scale and proportion of two doors placed across from one another is 24”, leaving approximately 6” of door on each side of the opening.

Photo By: Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 2: Cut Side Panels

Once the majority of the side panels have been cut out, remove any leftover wood corners with the hand saw.

Photo By: Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Cut Side Panels

In order to make the arbor open and airy, cut out the top panels of the doors. Doors with recessed panels simply require cutting around the inside edge of the paneling using a circular saw. When using solid wood doors without paneling, measure and mark the intended opening size with measuring tape and pencil, then cut with circular saw.

Standard exterior entry doors are 36 inches wide. An excellent size for the opening, based on proper scale and proportion of two doors placed across from one another, is 24 inches, leaving approximately six inches of door on each side of the opening.

Step 3

Measure and mark the opening of the newly cut door directly to the strip of 1’ x 3’ x 6’ lumber, allowing enough space for a 1” overhang on both sides to accommodate a decorative ledge.

Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Use a hand saw to cut the strip, then place it along the bottom of the door opening. Secure the ledge into place using wood glue, nails and a hammer. For a more decorative look, add pressure-treated crown molding under ledge.

Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 3: Attach Decorative Ledge

Measure and mark the opening of the newly cut door directly to the strip of 1’ x 3’ x 6’ lumber, allowing enough space for a 1” overhang on both sides to accommodate a decorative ledge.

Photo By: Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 3: Attach Decorative Ledge

Use a hand saw to cut the strip, then place it along the bottom of the door opening. Secure the ledge into place using wood glue, nails and a hammer. For a more decorative look, add pressure-treated crown molding under ledge.

Photo By: Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Attach Decorative Edge

Measure and mark the opening of the newly cut door directly to the strip of 1x3 x 6’ lumber, allowing enough space for a one-inch overhang on both sides to accommodate a decorative ledge.

Use a hand saw to cut the strip, then place it along the bottom of the door opening. Secure the ledge into place using wood glue, nails and a hammer. 

For a more decorative look, add pressure-treated crown molding under ledge.

Step 4

Step 4: Reinforce with Rebar

Step 4: Reinforce with Rebar

On the bottom of each door, add a 1/2” hole 6” deep and 4” from each side with a 1/2” drill bit. Next, hammer a 12” piece of rebar into each drilled hole.

Photo by: Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Reinforce With Rebar

On the bottom of each door, drill a 1/2” hole that is six inches deep and four inches from each side. Next, hammer a 12” piece of rebar into each drilled hole.

Step 5

Step 5: Determine the Arbor Width

Step 5: Determine the Arbor Width

Determine exact distance for each of the two doors to be spaced properly apart using measuring tape, then jot down the dimensions. This will be the overall width of the arbor.

Photo by: Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Determine Arbor Width

Determine exact distance that the two doors will be spaced apart. This will be the overall width of the arbor.

Step 6

On the 2' x 6' plank of pine or cedar, mark the width of the door span, adding one additional inch to each side to account for proper overhang.

Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Cut a notch in the wood using a jigsaw.

Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Use a wood chisel and hammer to remove the appropriate width necessary to accommodate the doors.

Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 4: Mark and Chisel

On the 2' x 6' plank of pine or cedar, mark the width of the door span, adding one additional inch to each side to account for proper overhang.

Photo By: Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 6: Mark and Chisel

Cut a notch in the wood using a jigsaw.

Photo By: Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 6: Mark and Chisel

Use a wood chisel and hammer to remove the appropriate width necessary to accommodate the doors.

Photo By: Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Mark and Chisel

On the 2x6 plank of pine or cedar, mark the width of the door span, adding one additional inch to each side to account for proper overhang. Cut a notch in the wood using a jigsaw, then use a wood chisel and hammer to remove the appropriate width necessary to accommodate the doors.

Step 7

Create a quarter circle template by tracing a round edge onto two pieces of scrap pine or cedar boards, then cut the pattern onto the 2' x 6' plank.

Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Cut a notch in the wood using a jigsaw.

Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 7: Trace and Cut Template

Create a quarter circle template by tracing a round edge onto two pieces of scrap pine or cedar boards, then cut the pattern onto the 2' x 6' plank.

Photo By: Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 6: Mark and Chisel

Cut a notch in the wood using a jigsaw.

Photo By: Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Trace and Cut Template

Create a quarter circle template by tracing a round edge onto two pieces of scrap pine or cedar boards, then cut the pattern onto the 2x6 plank using the jigsaw.

Step 8

Step 11: Attach First Two Arbor Top BoardsPosition the outside pieces of wood so that they are flush with the edge of each door. Tap wood with hammer to secure a snug fit, then attach with 2 1/2â outdoor wood screws using drill.

Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 11: Attach First Two Arbor Top BoardsPosition the outside pieces of wood so that they are flush with the edge of each door. Tap wood with hammer to secure a snug fit, then attach with 2 1/2” outdoor wood screws using drill.

Brian Patrick Flynn

Once the outside pieces are secured into place, measure for the center, and install the third board.

Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

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Step 11: Attach First Two Arbor Top Boards Position the outside pieces of wood so that they are flush with the edge of each door. Tap wood with hammer to secure a snug fit, then attach with 2 1/2” outdoor wood screws using drill.

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

BPF_original_pergola-from-repurposed-doors_step11b_4x3

Step 11: Attach First Two Arbor Top Boards Position the outside pieces of wood so that they are flush with the edge of each door. Tap wood with hammer to secure a snug fit, then attach with 2 1/2” outdoor wood screws using drill.

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 8: Attach the Arbor Tops

Once the outside pieces are secured into place, measure for the center, and install the third board.

Photo By: Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Attach the Arbor Tops

Position the outside pieces of wood so that they are flush with the edge of each door. Tap the wood with the hammer to secure a snug fit, then attach with 2-1/2” outdoor wood screws using the drill.

Once the outside pieces are secured into place, measure for the center, and install the third board.

Step 9

Create four corner braces from planks of 2' x 8' pine or cedar by cutting each plank at a 45 degree angle with the circular saw.

Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 14: Attach Corner BracesPre drill braces using 1/8â drill bit, then attach them using 2 ½â wood screws.

Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 9: Cut and Attach Corner Braces

Create four corner braces from planks of 2' x 8' pine or cedar by cutting each plank at a 45 degree angle with the circular saw.

Photo By: Image courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn

BPF_original_pergola-from-repurposed-doors_step14b_4x3

Step 14: Attach Corner Braces Pre drill braces using 1/8” drill bit, then attach them using 2 ½” wood screws.

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Cut and Attach Corner Braces

Create four corner braces from planks of 2x8 pine or cedar by cutting each plank at a 45-degree angle with the circular saw.

Pre-drill the braces with a 1/8” drill bit, then attach them using 2-1/2" wood screws.

Step 10

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BPF_original_pergola-from-repurposed-doors_beauty-b_3x4

Add unexpected architectural flair to your garden with a repurposed wooden door entry arbor.

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

Paint, Dry and Enjoy

Wipe all surfaces of doors and arbor top with a damp cloth or sponge. Prime and paint the doors, decorative ledge and arbor top with exterior latex paint using a paintbrush or roller.