How to Build a Fruit Arbor

How to Build a Fruit Arbor

• 1). Dig four holes 2 feet deep and 1 foot in diameter at the four corners. Save the sod and replace it when finished. Line the bottom of the holes with gravel for water drainage. Set the posts in the holes. Using a level, plum the posts and secure with diagonal braces. These braces are only temporary until the cement sets up, so use the 1-inch-by 2-inch boards. Fill the holes around the post with concrete, allowing a few inches at the top to cover with soil later. Allow the concrete to set up before proceeding.
  
  
• 2). Cut to length and attach header boards at the top of the post in all four directions. The top of the header boards should be flush with the top of the posts. Attach the header boards temporarily with 12 penny galvanized nails and assure they are level. Drill holes through the header boards and the posts and attach boards with 1/2-inch lag bolts.
  
  
• 3). Cut the 2x4 boards to length to fit between the two longer header boards. Using galvanized joist hangers, attach the joist board to the header boards, spacing them 12 to 14 inches apart. The top of the joist should be flush with the top of the header boards.
  
  
• 4). Cut to lengths and attach the 1x2-inch climber boards to both sides attaching them to the corner post with galvanized nails or decking screws. Space these climbing boards 18 inches apart.
  
  
• 5). Plant fruit vines along each side and attach them to the climbing boards as they grow.