DIY Redwood Garden Arbor

Dig four holes, two feet deep and about one foot square, in the corners of an 8 foot by 8 foot square. Pour concrete into the holes to just below ground level. After the concrete has dried for a few minutes, press the steel bases into the concrete and hold them level until they are fully supported by the dried concrete. Make sure these bases are level with each other during the drying process and fix any inconsistencies with a hammer before the concrete is fully dried.

Soak the bottom two feet of each redwood support pillar with wood treatment chemicals designed to prevent rotting and molding on wood that is at ground level or below. Allow the beams to dry according to the instructions, usually overnight.

Set the support pillars in place on the steel bases and mark where the bolts will go using a pencil. Drill holes completely through the beam where the markings are, using a bit the same diameter as the bolts. Bolt the beams to the steel bases using washers on both sides to protect the wood. Make sure the pillars are level.

Place the two 10 foot crossbeams parallel across the support pillars with one foot hanging over on each side of the pillars. Pre-drill four holes in the top of the beams over each place where the beams meet the pillars. The holes should extend into the pillars and be slightly smaller in diameter than the wood screws. Drill four 6 inch screws into each beam, securing them to the pillars.

Place the 8 redwood boards evenly across the two crossbeams, with about one foot of space between each board, and between the end boards and the end of the crossbeams. Pre-drill two screw holes into the top of each board where it crosses the support beam, making sure that the holes enter the crossbeams. Drill a 5 inch screw into each hole.

Paint or stain the arbor using any stain that you wish. Make sure that the wood is clean of any sawdust or dirt before beginning to paint. Use smooth, even strokes. Allow plenty of time for the arbor to dry between coats, then give it multiple coats of sealant to protect the finish from the weather.