Easy Grape Arbor Against a Wall

The Basic Arbor

• A basic grape arbor has a rectangular shape and consists of four posts and a lattice structure on top as well as two narrow sides. Its two wider sides are left open for access under the arbor, and the two sides with the lattice are each planted with a grapevine that grows up and over the arbor. In order to make the carpentry as simple as possible, the posts should be 8 feet apart on the open sides and 2 feet apart on the sides with the lattice. Using that design with an overall height of 6 feet makes good use of commonly available sizes of lumber, which minimizes measuring and cutting. A grape arbor needs to last for decades. Pressure-treated lumber is rot-resistant and is a suitable choice if the arbor will not be painted or sealed. Use only new pressure-treated lumber because it was treated with arsenic in the past, making it unsuitable for use near food plants.

Simplified Frame Assembly

• Laying the first two posts on the ground so they are parallel to each other and exactly 8 feet apart can begin the project of building the arbor. Then place a 2-inch-by-6-inch-by-12-foot board across the posts so each end extends exactly 2 feet past the posts and the top of the board is flush with the top of the posts. The board needs to be attached to the posts with galvanized lag screws. Another 2-inch-by-6-inch-by-12-foot board must be attached to the other side of the posts in the same way. The posts will be sandwiched between the 2-by-6 boards. In order to form the arbor's sides, use exterior-grade wood screws to attach a 2-foot length of 2-by-4 wood to the inside of the posts just under and perpendicular to the 2-by-6 boards on each side. Two more 2-by-4s on each side will complete the frame; put one at ground level 6 feet below the 2-by-6s and the other at the midpoint on each side. Have one person hold the side of the frame with the 2-by-4s against a wall, and position the other side of the frame so the 2-by-4s can be screwed into the other two posts in the same locations.

A Firm Foundation

• The arbor posts need to be set about 2 feet in the ground or 6 inches below the location's average frost line, whichever is deeper. Using 8-foot-tall posts means an arbor height of 6 feet is possible without cutting the posts in all but the coldest climates. The posts should be set in concrete in 8-inch diameter holes, spaced to line up with the location of the posts. With the help of another person, set the frame into the holes, and ensure it is level before adding wet concrete. The lowest posts can be lifted slightly and gravel added underneath until the frame is level from left and right, as well as front to back. Then fill the holes with wet concrete, and allow 24 hours for the concrete to cure.

Finishing Touches

• A sheet of lattice can be cut to fit between the posts on the narrow side and attached to the 2-by-4s. On top, screw 4-foot-long, 2-by-2 wood boards into the 2-by-6s every 2 feet so they extend exactly 1 foot beyond the 2-by-6s in each direction and are parallel to each other. After you attach lattice to the top of the 2-by-2s, the arbor is complete. Plant a grapevine at the base of the lattice on each of the two narrow sides, and train the vines to the frame as they grow.