Simple arbour

An arbour can frame a view, be an inviting gateway or provide a lush boundary for a patio or deck.

You'll need: (refer to figure below)

For an arbour 925mm x 425mm by 2100mm high you'll need the following materials. Adapt this plan to suit your own needs.

Part Material Length
post (4) 90 x 90mm treated pine 2100mm
bearers (2) 70 x 35mm treated pine 605mm
seat slats (5) 90 x 35mm treated pine 925mm
beams (2) 190 x 45mm treated pine 1500mm
battens (7) 45 x 35mm treated pine 760mm
post trims (4) 90 x 35mm treated pine 375mm

You'll also need: post brackets (4), 45mm x 35mm treated pine to make screen frames (4 x 450mm lengths and 4 x 1225mm lengths), 30mm-wide lath strips for the lattice (18mm x 425mm and 8mm x 1200mm), bolts, nails, screws, 8mm x 150mm bolts. In general, use galvanised hardware and fill and seal nail and screw holes. Use stainless-steel fasteners and fittings in areas affected by salt-water spray.

Here's how:
1. First paint or stain the timber before you erect the arbour. You can always touch up the joints and cut ends after assembly. A coat of preservative to all joints prior to assembly will protect the timber from insect and water damage.

2. You'll keep the posts up off the ground by bolting them to post brackets. For stability we suggest a 1200mm x 650mm x 100mm brick and concrete slab beneath this structure. Pour two 150mm-deep strip footings across either end and set the post brackets in place using the dimensions on our diagram (925mm x 425mm) to set them apart from one another.

3. Prop the posts in place and leave the concrete to dry for 24 hours.

4. Now shape the ends of the beams as well as the post trims (see detail above). With a little patience and a number of spare blades, you should be able to manage this with a simple coping saw. A band saw is an easier alternative.

5. Drill and bolt the beams to the outside of the pair of posts. Include the seat bearers next, as these will brace the back and front posts relative to one another.

6. Now attach the decorative brackets. You'll have to skew drill these at the bottom.

7. Drill and screw the five seat slats and the seven roof battens, spacing both sets of components evenly.

8. We enclosed the sides of the structure with lattice screens. Make the frames using the lengths of 45mm x 35mm treated pine, mitring the corners. Tack evenly spaced vertical and horizontal lath strips to the back of the frames and finish with a second lath frame on top. Position lattice frames on the posts by drilling and screwing through the outer frames and onto the posts.