I’ve been working hard on my backyard! Here’s the last project I crossed off the list. A lot of the space looks great from last year, but there’s a whole section that needs lots of love. We’re going to address one of those by building a DIY arbor. The fun part of this project is that it mostly uses recycled materials I had on hand! I’ll share how to make one from scratch too.
how to build a diy arbor
SUPPLIES
- 4x4x8 Pressure Treated Post (you’ll need 4)
- 8 bags concrete
- 2x6x8 lumber for joists
- 2×2 lumber for rafters and lattice strips
- 2 1/2″ deck screws
step 1
Start by digging holes for the posts (a post hole digger works nicely for this). We did 2 feet between the front and back posts and 8 feet between the side posts. Make sure to dig holes so the posts can be at least 2 feet in the ground.
Once the holes are dug, put one of the 4×4 pieces of lumber in the ground. Place the post so it’s parallel to the house. Also use a level to make sure it is level. Once it’s where it should be, use two stakes to hold the post in place. Mix the concrete and then pour it in the hole.
For the next three posts, use the level and repeat. This is two person job to get the posts installed correctly. Let the concrete dry over night.
step 2
Next, attach joists (the long pieces) across the top of the arbor. For this, we actually used some wood we had from a past project. When we built our pergola, an extra box of wood was sent so most of this project was recycled! I love using what I have on hand to make something new.
If you don’t have recycled wood, use 2x6s around the posts at the top. Cut the ends of the joists on an angle before attaching them to the top with screws. Use a level to make sure they’re straight when attached. 
step 3
And now, it’s time to attach the 2×2 lattice strips on the sides of the posts. These go up the side so that the climbing roses we planted will have something to hold onto as they grow. Attach them with screws to the posts.
step 4
Finally, all that’s left is to attach the rafters (these are the wood pieces on top of the joists). For this I used 2×2’s and made sure they overhang slightly on the front and back. I used 8 for my long arbor. I think most arbors would shorter than 8′, but we wanted the option to move big items to the back of the yard, so hopefully this’ll be nice to have such a large arbor.
The rafters are attached with screws to the joists.
If you want, you can next paint the whole think white. Since I used lots of different types of wood, this unified everything. I used extra paint in the color Ultra Pure white.
after
square table / cafe chairs / rug
Ta da! Here she is all finished up! It’s the perfect walkway to our orchard area. Usually we wouldn’t have a table here, but I thought lunch would be fun under the new diy arbor. And I wanted some cute pictures as we celebrate it being done!
You can kind of see the roses we planted to climb this arbor. Hopefully in a few years they’ll make it to the top! I’m planning on adding lattice to the left side of the arbor to finish our delineation of the front “entertaining part of the yard” and the back “orchard” half of the yard. 
So what’s next for out here? A privacy fence and playhouse for Don are both on the agenda! Also, did you spy the roses I cut for my little lunch? I sure love having a yard full of pretty roses to cut from! 
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