Building a Rose Arbor

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Robert J. Dolezal

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What’s old is new again – and that’s never been truer for garden arbors. These graceful garden entryways are sprouting up in back yards nationwide, and they never look more beautiful than when covered with sprays of colorful roses.

Imagine a blooming rose arbor welcoming guests to your garden!

This attractive rose arbor was made of redwood in just one weekend.

Building one requires average skills, some common carpentry tools and an available weekend for construction. Just follow the steps shown in the pictures and described in their captions. (The arbor shown below is made of clear heart redwood, but cedar or hemlock are good alternatives.)

Materials

Quantity	Item
4	10-foot 4 x 4 (for uprights)
4	36½-inch 2 x 4 (for crossrails)
5	7-foot 1 x 1 (for vertical lattice)
20	28-inch 1 x 1 (for horizontal lattice)
2	41-inch 2 x 2 (for mullion crossbars)
4	6-inch 1 x 1 (for short mullions)
2	8-inch 1 x 1 (for long mullions)
4	5-foot 2 x 12 (for arch stock)
4	4-inch lathe-turned-decorative-finials
6	8d galvanized finish nails
150	3d galvanized finish nails
40	No. 8 x 3½-inch tempered weatherproof deck screws
12	No. 6 x 1½-inch galvanized wood screws
8	3⁄8 x 6-inch galvanized carriage bolts
&bbsp;	band saw or jigsaw
1 pint	waterproof carpenter’s wood glue
½ pint	matching wood dough or putty
½ gallon	primer/sealer
½ gallon	paint/varnish

Rose Arbor Instructions

Rose Arbor - Step 1

Laminate arch stock: Rip a fillet from one edge of each piece of arch stock. Sand smooth. Apply waterproof exterior woodworking glue, align edges, then clamp. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours.

Rose Arbor - Step 2

Draw and cut arches: On paper, draw two concentric arcs with radii of 21 inches and 27 inches. Draw parallel chord lines 12 inches and 20 inches from the outer arc. Mark two points along each side of the top chord 10½ inches from the large arc, and along the bottom chord 8½ inches from the small arc. Use a square to draw a 3-inch line down from the upper mark. Join the line to the bottom chord with a 5-inch radius circle. Transfer the pattern to laminated arch stock. Carefully use a band saw or jigsaw to cut the arch.

Rose Arbor - Step 3

Reinforce the arch joint: Use a cordless drill with a 1⁄8-inch twist bit to drill pilot holes (top and bottom) through each joint. Enlarge the first 1 inch of each hole with a 3⁄8-inch twist bit. Fasten with No. 8 deck screws, tightened until their heads are recessed.

Rose Arbor - Step 4

Fit the arch mullions: Mark a line 4 inches above and parallel to the bottom of the back of each arch. Align the bottom of the crossbar to the line, glue and nail. Mark the crossbar’s center point and measure left and right 4½ inches, marking the two points. Mark the center point of the arch top and points measuring 9½ inches to each side on the curve. Extend lines through the marks. Center a mullion on each line, flush to the arch top. Mark the short mullions’ bases and cut bevels. Glue and side-nail mullions to the arch; only glue it to the crossbar. Reinforce bottom mullion glue joints by drilling 1⁄32-inch nail holes through the crossbar underside into each mullion, fastening each with an 8d finish nail.

Rose Arbor Arc Detail

This diagram details how the arch components fit together.

Facts

If you use pressure-treated lumber, be aware it’s far from furniture-grade. Be prepared for some wacky grain and knots, and just be patient.

Tips

Use the best grade and species of lumber you can afford for garden projects. Think of the extra cost as an investment toward longevity, durability and good looks.
When mixing concrete in a wheelbarrow at the site, have a garden hose handy. Wash out the wheelbarrow and any tools as soon as you’re done so they’re not stuck encased in concrete.

Faqs

Q: Do I need power tools for this project?
A: You can probably finish the project without them, but they certainly make it go faster and easier. If you don’t own your own tools, check with your local home-improvement center. The large stores often rent power tools.
Q: What kind of roses grow on an arbor?
A: Climbing roses are perfect for arbors. Often they’ll need to be trained, but once they’re up and growing, they’ll cover the wooden form gracefully and beautifully.

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