Here’s what you’ll need to build an arbor: Four 7-foot-long sticks for poles (3 inches in diameter) Four 7-foot-long sticks for poles (3 inches in diameter) Four 60-inch-long diagonal sticks for support (1 1/2 inches in diameter) Ten 8-foot-long decorative branches for trim (1 inch in diameter) Six 4-foot-long sticks for top (2 inches in diameter) Two 60-inch-long sticks for top supports (2 inches in diameter) Nine 40-inch-long sticks for roof slats (1 1/2-inch-diameter) Four 18-inch-long sticks for corner braces (1 1/4-inch diameter) Four 3-foot-long metal stakes, utility wire Nails (4d, 6d, 8d, and 10d sizes) Hammer, loppers, pruning shears, diagonal cutters (for cutting off nail heads) Editor’s Tip: Place nails at least three fingers width from the end of each stick to prevent splitting. Learn how to use a nail gun here. Editor’s Tip: Select nail sizes based on the branch size (the thicker the wood, the larger the nail). Editor’s Tip: You can use nail cutters to clip exposed nail tips. Editor’s Tip: Recruit a second set of hands to help with this step. Editor’s Tip: Extend the life of the arbor by spraying it with a mixture of 2 parts linseed oil and 1 part turpentine. Use a pump sprayer and clean the tip when finished. Explore more rustic and simple arbor ideas here.
