How to Build a Garden Arch?

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Garden Arch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A garden arch is more than an entry point. It not only acts as a focal point but adds to the beauty of your garden. However, it can’t be denied that it is quite expensive if you get it prebuilt or hire a professional to build it. A quality garden arch can cost you anywhere between $300 and $1000.

Fortunately, you can build a garden arch yourself.

And it will take 2-3 days to make a garden arch for a homeowner with average carpentry skills. However, the actual labor part is only a few hours while the more time is taken up letting concrete post to dry.

Let’s start it!

Things You Need…

  • 4 Pressure Treated Posts of 4×4 with 8′ long
  • 2 Front and Back Cross Pieces, 1x6s, 6′ long
  • 2 Wooden Ladder Trellises
  • 1/4-inch bolts, 6 inches long, with washers and nuts
  • 2 1/2-inch deck screws
  • Hand Saw
  • Drill and Bits
  • Concrete
  • Pencil for Marking

Dig the Holes for Posts:

First of all, determine the spot for the posts. Dig the holes by keeping a distance of 4 to 6 feet apart. The best depth of the hole is 2 to 3 feet. Make sure to contact your local building inspector to learn the guidelines regarding the post depth.

Install the Posts:

Here comes the most important part of the process. You need to ensure that the posts are installed correctly to achieve a perfectly upright and strong anchored. Do the things carefully.

  • Post the 4×4 posts in the holes.
  • Prepare a concrete in a mortar box. Make sure to keep the consistency dough-like—nor too crumbly, neither too wet.
  • Get someone’s assistance to hold the post upright, and then put the wet concrete into the hole up to ground level. Make sure to keep the post in a perfectly upright position.
  • Once the post is installed properly, don’t touch it. If the post shakes or is not able to stay upright, stake it with a rope. Repeat the same procedure for the other posts. Make sure to keep the fronts of both posts aligned.
  • Let the concrete to dry overnight.

Attaching Joists:

Joists or back/front pieces of 1x6s will go around each of the posts near the top. Screw them to the posts. Make sure they are perfectly level and aligned with one another. Once you are sure that they are perfectly leveled, drill a pair of ¼ inch holes through the posts through the joists. Afterward, insert lag bolts and attach it with washers and nuts. Use two bolts for each joist pair.

Attaching the Rafters:

Rafters give the arch effect to the structure and go across the joists. According to the dimensions of the structure, two 2×4 parallel rafters are best.

Attach the first rafter across the tops of the joists and mark the position on the edge of the rafter. Remove the rafter and mark the face for a ¾ inch wide x 11/4-inch deep notches at each rafter spot.

Make a depth cuts for each notch using a handsaw. Subsequently, remove the wood to complete the notch using a chisel. Do the same thing with the other rafters. Apply the five rafters onto the joists. They should be completely driven into the notches. Drive 2 ½ inch deck screws down through the top face of the rafters to fasten them to the joists.

Your garden arch is ready! While the process is simple and straightforward, don’t hesitate to call a professional handyman if you stuck in the middle of the process. What do you think? Want to share your ideas? Or you have doubt? Let us know by commenting below.

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