Do it Yourself Cedar Arbor
- Decide on the location and dimensions of your arbor. Arbors can be any size, but the larger they are, the more difficult they will be to build. More specifically, a larger overhead framework will require larger and sturdier beams for support. Also, decide whether you want the arbor to stand alone in your yard or garden, or whether you want to use it as an entryway. Traditional arbors were built as entryways to outdoor spaces.
Next, decide on the materials to use. Cedar is a great choice for arbors for two important reasons. First, cedar is considered a softwood, which makes it easier to cut and work with. Also, cedar has properties that repel insects. This means you will have no worries about bugs burrowing into the arbor to make a home. - The first step to building the arbor is to install the posts. Traditional arbors have four posts that are of equal distance from each other. All four of these posts will hold up the lattice framework. The height of the arbor is up to you. Just purchase 4x4s and cut them down to the length that you want. Each of the posts will then be placed in the ground. Dig a hole at each of the four corners and place the post in the hole. The depth of the hole depends on guidelines provided by your building department. Contact your building department for details.
With the posts in the hole, pour concrete up to the ground level. You will want to brace each of the posts, so that they are level and upright. Wait for the concrete to harden overnight and then continue the process the next day. - The next step is to install the beams, joists and roof slats. Four beams will be used in total. Two of the beams will be installed on the left side of the arbor, while the other two will be installed on the right side. Each beam will be placed on the inside and outside of the two posts and nailed into place. If done correctly, you will see that the two posts will be sandwiched between the beams.
Run several joists in the opposite direction on top of the beams and nail them in place. The number of joists will depend on how large your arbor is. When all of the joists are in place, you will have a rough framework. Now, just install roof slats to the top of the joists. These slats will be nailed into place and run in the opposite direction of the joists. Allow all of the joists and the slats to run over the frame of the beams, but make sure that they are all the same length.
