How to Make a Lattice Arch

Setting The Posts

• 1

  Mark out on the ground where the four posts will stand; it should ideally be 3 feet wide, making it easy to walk through, and 18 inches deep. Level the ground in the area if necessary.

• 2

  Make four holes in the ground with the post-hole digger, one on each of the marks, making each hole 24 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate a 4 inch by 4 inch post.

• 3

  Put 2 inches of gravel at the bottom of each hole so any water that accumulates can drain easily.

• 4

  Cut four 9 foot lengths of 4 inch by 4 inch pressure treated lumber. Place one length in each of the holes.

• 5

  Mix concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Fill each of the holes around the posts.

• 6

  Nail stakes to two side of each of the posts. Hold a level against the side of one of the posts and adjust the angle of the stakes in the ground until the post is standing completely vertical. Repeat for each of the posts.

• 7

  Leave for 24 hours so the concrete can set, then remove the stakes and nails.

Making The Arch

• 8

  Measure the inside width at the top of the arch – that is, the distance between the posts you’ll walk through. Cut two lengths of 4 inch by 4 inch lumber to this measurement to make the headers for the arch.

• 9

  On the outside of each of the uprights, measure down 2 inches from the top and draw a line. Measure and mark two spots on this line, each 1 inch from the edge of the wood.

• 10

  Drill through the wood at these marks, using a 1/2 inch bit. Insert a 6 inch by 1/2 inch screw bolt in each of the holes, tightening with a wrench. Stop as the tip of the bolt protrudes beyond the hole.

• 11

  Fit one of the header pieces between the top of the uprights. Check with the level and adjust if needed. Tighten the bolts on both uprights to secure the leader in place. Repeat with the other header and uprights.

Fitting The Lattice

• 12

  Measure the height from the ground the top of one of the uprights. Measure the distance between the outside edges of both arches, which will give you the depth of the archway.

• 13

  Cut two pieces of lattice to these dimensions.

• 14

  Nail one piece in place outside the two arches. Repeat on the other side to create the outside of the latticed archway.

• 15

  Measure the outside dimensions of the top of the arch. Cut a piece of lattice to size and nail in place.