As most people know that having a patio arbor constructed for you can be expensive. Generally two thirds of the cost is applied towards labor. You can, however, build your own for a fraction of the price. The structure does not have to be built of Cedar Wood, as illustrated in magazines. A patio constructed with Treated Lumber will do the job just as well and will last for many years to come. Having built several patios on my property, I will demonstrate how to construct a simple design. This particular design does not have a solid cover. It is designed to allow air flow and light for planters.
The approximate cost of materials for this size arbor of 20'x20' is $1,700. With most homes already having a cement foundation on the backyard, you can use this as a guideline for the size that you determine. If you do not have a foundation, added costs in constructing a deck would need to be considered.
This arbor will require three 6"x6"x12' posts. They will support the beams on one end. The posts can be secured to the cement slab with anchor bolts or be cemented to the ground at least two feet deep. As in most structures I have built, I prefer the patios be open and free of center supports. That being the case, you will need to order three Glue Laminated Beams, which are a cheaper alternative. For this size of structure the beams must be at least 4 ½" thick by 7 ½" height by 20' in length. The thickness of the beams can also vary due to different composites being introduced in the market. The construction desk at your local lumber supplier can assist you in determining the dimensions of the beams based on your needs.
This type of structure can either be free standing or be secured to the house. I recommend securing it to the house for better stability. You would need to remove the facing board from the house and attach a 2"x6"x16' board with galvanized screw bolts. Depending on the design of your house, you can also attach a board under the overhang for added strength. Next would be to attach the beams to the board with Joist Hangers.
Though the manufactured beams are not treated and cannot be because they are laminated, I highly recommend that you put at least three coats of stain for protection. Oil based stains will last approximately 3 years, as long as it is not an area that will be walked on such as decks. For decks, no matter what type of stain you use, you will need to resurface yearly.
The following step is to toe nail the 2"x6"x20' boards crosswise 2' spacing on the beams. The task that is a bit time consuming is securing the 2"x2"x8' board crosswise to the 20' boards. The boards are to be spaced 2" apart. This will allow for a well ventilated patio which is much more receptive to potted plants or hanging ferns. You will require at least two large boxes of 2 1/2" Deck Screws. Since the boards are only eight feet long and the beams are twenty, it is practical to do a two tier level cover. This way it not only provides a distinctive look, but you will have minimum material waste.
What I have done with all my structures is install Rope Lighting. By providing lighting, you will not only enjoy their use during the day but also for evening functions. Most homes have one single light for the back patio. I took out that light and attached the Rope Lighting directly to that wire. One thing to keep in mind is that based on safety, you are not to attach any more than 100 feet of Rope Lighting per outlet.
For an example of this type of structure and a materials list, go to http://mygardentoday.com/. This patio arbor that I constructed over 10 years ago has stood the test of time. It is not a difficult structure to build and provides a great satisfaction of accomplishment
I am a landscape enthusiast and enjoy constructing landscape structures to compliment a garden. My website is a knowledge based site that will demonstrate on how to build garden structures. Photos and a material list are provided for each project. http://www.mygardentoday.com/
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