Open Arbor How-To

1. Download the free plan for this project. (Downloading requires Adobe Acrobat software.)

Open-Air Arbor plan

Download Adobe Acrobat

 

Open-Air Arbor diagram.

2. Follow Step 1 of "Stepped Fence" instructions for staining wood, antiquing pipes, and -- using configuration on the detail drawing --setting posts. (Before setting in concrete, mark posts 89 inches above ground, remove from hole, and trim excess.)

3. Secure bottom rails (D) to posts by angling 3-inch screws (or toenailing) through the sides of each rail and into a post. Do the same with the middle rails (C), positioning them 48 inches below the tops of the posts. Use screws to secure one 1x2 cleat (F) to each bottom rail (D) to serve as a brace for the 1x4 slats (I); secure one 1x2 cleat (E) to each middle rail (C). Secure 1x4 slats to middle and bottom rails, using 2-inch screws and spacing slats 1/2 inch apart. Use 2-inch screws to secure the additional 1x2 cleats (E and F) over the slats.

4. Use a spade bit to drill holes into 2x2 pipe rails (G and H) for accepting 1/2-inch pipe. Space holes as shown above. Slip pipes into holes in top pipe rail (G) and bottom pipe rail (H). Screw top pipe rail (G) to top rail (B). Screw bottom pipe rail (H) to middle rail (C). To finish the top of each side of the arbor, notch top of each post to accept 2x6 beams (K). Screw crosspieces (J) between posts, just behind the top rail (B).

5. Bevel ends of 2x6 rafters (L). Taper 2x6 ridge (M) as indicated. Working on the ground, assemble the rafters and ridge. With a helper, lift the assembled roof atop the arbor; screw into place. Add decorative molding (P) to the front of each rafter (L).

6. Working on the ground, bevel 2x2 ridge cleats (N) and crosspiece cleats (O) to hold 1/2-inch copper pipe. Drill 1/2-inch holes in ridge cleats (N) and crosspiece cleats (O) to hold ends of copper pipes, spacing holes as shown. Slip pipes into the holes, and with a helper, lift the assembly in place on the roof and secure it with screws.