The Arches

Once climbing flowers are established, the arbor will be an eye-catching, softening feature. The overhead arch, cut from 2x8s, is easier to build than it might look. And with 4x4s as the primary framing members, the arbor has a substantial appearance.

Choose lumber that will stand up to your weather conditions. (Remember that if you are going to have plants climbing over the structure, they will tend to hold moisture on the arbor.) If you plan to treat or paint the arbor, consider doing so before you build -- painting the crosspieces in place is difficult and time-consuming. In addition to basic carpentry tools, rent a heavy-duty saber saw for cutting the curved pieces. You will need to enlist a helper to assemble the arches.

• 4 4x4x8-foot for posts
• 2 2x6x8-foot for arches
• 1 4x4x8-foot for arch braces
• 1 2x4x6-inch for arch braces
• 11 1x3x12-foot (if 1x3 is unavailable, substitute 1x2 or 1x4)
• 1 pound 3-inch galvanized deck screws
• 6 3x3/4-inch mending plates for temporarily holding arch pieces together
• 3 pounds 1-5/8-inch galvanized deck screws
• 1 pound 1-inch screws for temporary bracing
• Gravel for the postholes