At the end of the blooming season, plan to compost annual vines after frost knocks them down.
Cedar and redwood are excellent choices for minimal maintenance, and both weather beautifully.
Fill with 6 inches ofgravel for drainageto prevent the wood from rotting.
Credit:BHG / Sydney Saporito
Cut the four 1x4 top rails (B) into 7-foot-3-inch lengths.
(We beveled 2x2s in the arbor shown in the photograph.
Cut the common lath (D) into 24 pieces of 3 feet each.
Credit:Peter Krumhardt
Push them together side by side.
Then nail on the lath pieces almost the way you would construct a ladder.
(For durability, use construction adhesive at all joints.)
Credit: Illustration by Carson and Connie Ode
Continue with the remaining six pieces of horizontal lath for that side of the arbor.
If the lattice cracks, predrill holes before nailing.
After the horizontal lattice is installed, nail on the diagonal pieces (E).
Repeat the process to assemble the other side of the arbor.
Set the two assembled ends into the holes, keeping them level, square, and properly spaced.
Step 6: Assemble the Top
Lay the four top rails so narrow sides face up.
implement the marked top rails (B) using three 2-inch screws per joint.
To paint your DIY arbor, first coat with a primer followed by exterior latex.
