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How to Build a Garden Arbor for a Backyard Wedding Arch

Written by Cass

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How To Build A Garden Arbor For A Backyard Structure Or Outdoor Wedding @Remodelaholic Crop

Build a budget-friendly garden arbor from 2x4s and other inexpensive structural lumber following our easy building plan. This classic wood arbor is beautiful for a backyard wedding arch or just everyday backyard decor! 

A few years back, my sister asked me to build a garden arbor for her backyard wedding. So I got to work designing a classic wood arbor that is easily portable and built with 2x4s and other affordable redwood lumber. You can see more great 2×4 projects here in our 2x4andMore building plan series — plus this gothic arch arbor and vegetable trellis and outdoor coffee table with built-in drink coolers are favorites of mine.

How to Build a Garden Arbor from 2x4s and Structural Lumber

Get the woodworking plan here, then watch how I built this wood arbor for my sister’s wedding and reception – and be sure to subscribe to our channel for more DIY videos!

Backyard Wedding Arch Design

My sister gave me this wedding arch inspiration photo to work from: Garden Arbor @remodelaholic 201 2

She trusted me and knew that I would be able to come up with something great.  (Because that’s what #remodelaholic brothers do!) So I started to look at the inspiration design to see how I could build it. Based on that style, I also knew I wanted a few other features in this wooden wedding arch:

  • portable, to be built in sections and easily assembled at the outdoor wedding site
  • tall enough to stand under for the ceremony, reception, and photos
  • affordable, using inexpensive 2x4s and other structural lumber
  • durable redwood lumber, so we could continue using it after the wedding

I had built a gothic arch vegetable arbor before, so I had some ideas of how I wanted to build this mini pergola style arbor. I started sketching my version and this is what I came up with.

how to build a simple wood garden arbor as a portable wedding arch

As soon as I had a good idea of the design, I built a model in 3d to figure out how I was going to build it.  Given my list of requirements above,   I found that having a top and two side sections was to best option and corbels would end up holding it all together.

How to Build a Wood Garden Arbor for a Wedding

how to build a wood garden arbor wedding arch #remodelaholic

Wedding Arch Garden Arbor Dimensions

  • 120″ wide at the top
  • 85″ between outer edges of posts
  • 96″ tall
  • 19″ deep at the bottom, 24″ at the top

Materials

All pieces were made of redwood lumber purchased at our local hardware store. This post contains affiliate links. Learn more and read our full disclosure policy here. 

  • (3) 2x4x8 – Redwood (ripped down for the trellis pieces)
  • (4) 4x4x8 – Redwood Posts
  • (2) 2x8x8 – Redwood (for the corbels)
  • (1) 2x6x6 – Redwood (side bracket/beam support)
  • (2) 2x6x10 – Redwood (beams)
  • (4) Post Brackets (This is what we used to attach to deck.  You will have to find out what would work best for your situation.)
  • (50+) 2 1/2″ – Deck Screws
  • (20+) 1 1/4″ – Deck Screws
  • (1) Gal. – Stain ( I stained the pieces first then assembled it.  Pick the color that works best for you.)
  • Wood Glue (I used wood glue to hold the side trellis pieces together.

Tools

  • Circular saw
  • Table saw (for ripping 2×4 trellis pieces to width)*
  • Jigsaw
  • Orbital sander
  • Drill
  • Drill bits
  • Tape Measure
  • Pencil
  • Saw horses

*If you don’t have a table saw, you could alternately use 2x2s, 1x2s, or even smaller square dowels. Those aren’t as readily available in the redwood lumber, though, so ripping the material down was my preferred option.

Steps to Build a Wood Wedding Arch Garden Arbor

Purchase the woodworking plan with cut list and dimensions here in the shop.

 

1: Cut Out All The Pieces

Start by cutting out all the pieces as listed in the woodworking plan and shaping any ends.  Sketch out the pattern on some card stock, cut out the pattern and transfer it on the ends of the top trellis board.  Then cut it out using a jigsaw.

jigsaw to cut curves of 2x4 arbor wedding archAfter it is cut to shape, sand it with an orbital sander.  (I prefer to also sand the edges round for a softer look.)

cut and sand curved wood pieces for wedding arbor arch
After shaping all four ends of the top trellis beams, rip the trellis pieces to size (listed in the building plan) using a table saw. (I highly recommend my new table saw workbench for making cuts like this!)
After ripping to the two different widths, cut all the pieces to length according the the sizes listed in the building plan.
rip a 2x4 wood arbor wedding arch
Next, cut out the four corbels.  Draw out all the edges on the 2×8 board as shown in the building plan. To draw the arch, screw the corbel board to another longer board, centered.
how to use a string line to draw a curved wood garden arbor for a backyard wedding arch
Then use a chalk line (or string) connected to a center screw (as shown) and a pencil to draw a nice smooth arch from each end point on the pattern.
how to calculate and draw a curve for a garden wedding arch arbor
Then cut out the pattern with a jig saw and circular saw.
how to cut an arch for a garden wedding arbor
Creating a curved arch on a simple wood arbor for a backyard wedding arch
Finish up your cuts by sanding all the edges smooth.
cut and sand 2x6 for wood garden arbor wedding arch

2: Stain

Now is the easiest time to stain all the pieces, before assembling.

3: Assemble the Arbor Side Sections

Build the side trellis group for each side. I used a combination of wood glue and screws for a secure hold.
how to build an arbor from 2x4s
Next, attach the top side bracket — spacing and measurements listed in the building plan.
building a garden arbor wedding arch
Then attach the side trellis to the side posts.  Repeat for the opposite side of the arbor.
building a garden arbor using 2x4s

4: Assemble the Top Trellis Section

Now it’s time to build the third section of the garden arbor: the top trellis.  Lay out the shaped beams on their ends. Pre-drill holes on the trellis boards, to avoid splitting at the ends. Mark out the spacing of the trellis boards and screw them to the top of the beams with 2 1/2″ deck screws.
how to build a mini pergola arbor for a backyard wedding arch
Repeat until all the trellis pieces are attached, to look like this:
build a ladder trellis pergola arbor top

5: Assemble the Garden Arbor

Now it’s time to put the whole garden arbor together! Assembling the pieces separately and using the corbels to hold the arch together makes it really easy to move to a new location and assemble on-site at a wedding.
First, lean the top and side sections on their sides.

how to build a portable garden arbor wedding arch

Square these sections with one another, then drive two screws through the front of the beam into the post.
simple wooden wedding arbor tutorial
Screw both sides together at the top on one side. Have a buddy help stand up the arch, then screw the other side together.
how to build a 2x4 wood garden arbor for a backyard wedding arch
Before attaching the corbels, make sure everything is square. Measure the distance at the top of the posts, the bottom of the posts, and the two diagonals.

how to build a garden arbor and check for square

To attach the corbels, drive two screws in through the back of the corbel to the beam.
attaching a curved cross-piece to the backyard wedding garden arbor
Then screw the corbel into the post. Pre-drill a hole through the bottom, at an angle, and attach it to the post with a deck screw.
how to build a wood garden arbor as a portable wedding arch
There you have it.  This is what it looks like all built together.
2x4 Garden Arbor, Wood Wedding Arch

Installing a Garden Arbor on a Deck

My sister didn’t have a place for it after the wedding, so the garden arbor came to live on our deck:
how to build a wood arbor as a backyard wedding arch, portable and simple to build
We attached it using brackets like this:
how to attach a wood garden arbor to a wood deck
This is where it stayed until recently when we changed things up and added a different style of deck structure.  You can see that post here, if you haven’t seen that yet.
Garden Arbor@Remodelaholic 46
It even looks amazing in the snow.
Garden Arbor@Remodelaholic 45

So what do you think of our garden arbor?  Will you be building one for a wedding?  Where will you be putting yours?

October 2019: Reader Daniel B. sent us this photo of the arch he built for his sister’s wedding ceremony at the picturesque Castle in the Clouds in Multonburough, NH. Such a dreamy setting for a beautiful location wedding!

Portable White Wedding Arch Built By Daniel B 9oct19, Plans From Remodelaholic

If you’ve built something using one of our plans, we’d love to see photos! Email us at [email protected] or tag #imaremodelaholic on Instagram. 

See more 2×4 and More projects using inexpensive 2x4s and other structural lumber — we love showing off the versatility of readily available lumber. We even hosted a #2x4andMore Challenge with fellow bloggers to show the variety of projects you can build with basic boards — see all of the projects (and share yours) here. 

Check out all of the other 2×4 and More Challenge posts here:

  • garden arbor | Remodelaholic
  • 15 minute coffee table | The Ugly Duckling House
  • tiered corner plant stand | Charleston Crafted
  • single-board rolling bar cart | Woodshop Diaries
  • outdoor bench w/rope detail | At Charlotte’s House
  • wall planter and herb garden | Making Joy and Pretty Things
  • upholstered x-base bench | Frazzled Joy
  • jumbo tic tac toe | Ginger Snap Crafts
  • porch bench | Everyday Party Magazine
  • console table | Hertoolbelt
  • farmhouse patio table | North Country Nest
  • easy flower planters | Our House Now a Home
  • treadmill incline | Practical and Pretty
  • patio side table | Girl Just DIY

How To Build A Garden Arbor For A Backyard Structure Or Outdoor Wedding | This garden arbor is designed to be easily taken apart and transported, perfect for a wedding or other event. Plus, it uses readily available lumber sizes so it's easy to build on a budget to look great at an event and then in your backyard. Get the building plans plus video tutorial at Remodelaholic.com

Originally published 01 July 2017. Republished 22 July 2019. 
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Remodelaholic is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Please see our full disclosure here.

Published: July 1, 2017Filed Under: *Our Projects, $20 to $250, Beginner, Birch House, Build, By Level, By Material, By Tool, Circular Saw, DIY, DIY Project Plans, Drill, Gardening, Jig Saw, Outdoor Furniture, Porch and Patio, Sketches/Renderings, Table Saw, Wood and Plywoods Etc. Tagged: 2x4andMore, Arbor, backyard, Birch House Yard, building plans, Decks, Garden, Outdoor projects, outdoor spaces, Patios, trellis, wedding, woodworking plans

About Cass

Cassity started Remodelaholic with her husband, Justin, to share their love for knocking out walls together. Since then, Remodelaholic has become a great community and resource for all those wanting to know how to make their builder-grade home BEAUTIFUL on a budget!


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Comments

  1. Charlotte says

    July 1, 2017 at 8:11 pm

    Oh gosh… what a lovely project! So impressed you were able to keep track of all the angles… mine would have been completely off kilter. 🙂 Thanks for organized this fun challenge! xx

    Reply
    • Cass says

      July 5, 2017 at 11:27 am

      Thanks, Charlotte!

      Reply
  2. Ginger Bowie says

    July 1, 2017 at 10:28 pm

    Your arbor is beautiful!

    Reply
    • Cass says

      July 5, 2017 at 11:27 am

      Thank you, Ginger!

      Reply
  3. Toni | Small Home Soul says

    July 2, 2017 at 3:42 pm

    This is so beautiful, it looks fantastic with snow on it. I’d love to have one of these on my side yard as it’s the perfect size for that space.

    Thanks for hosting the challenge and giving me the courage to build my first piece of furniture 😀

    Reply
    • Cass says

      July 5, 2017 at 11:26 am

      Thanks for joining in, Toni! Your tables are wonderful!

      Reply
  4. Denise says

    July 5, 2017 at 9:56 am

    What a beautiful project and what a special gift! I love it!

    Reply
    • Cass says

      July 5, 2017 at 11:19 am

      Thanks, Denise!

      Reply
  5. Sarah says

    July 12, 2017 at 5:29 am

    Such a creative idea! I love the garden arbor. Thanks for hosting the 2×4 challenge!

    Reply
  6. Harold crawford says

    July 30, 2017 at 7:17 pm

    I’ll be getting started on this soon for my son’s wedding in September! Thanks for the great design and details!

    Reply
    • Cass says

      July 31, 2017 at 11:46 pm

      You’re welcome! We’d love to see photos when you finish. https://www.remodelaholic.com/share-brag-post/

      Reply
  7. Becky says

    February 19, 2018 at 8:16 am

    What color stain did you use and brand for the arch? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Justin says

      July 4, 2018 at 10:55 am

      I believe the brand was Thompson’s water seal acorn brown.

      Reply
  8. Bob says

    March 16, 2018 at 8:17 am

    Are the plans for the garden arbor still available? Looking forward to building the arch for my son’s wedding next month. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Cass says

      March 16, 2018 at 1:57 pm

      Hi Bob,
      Yes, there’s a button/link below in the post — click that and enter your email, and we’ll send you the printable plans. (or you can click here 🙂 https://remodelaholic.lpages.co/leadbox/14019ed73f72a2%3A10b2bf937f46dc/5735049026600960/)

      Enjoy! We’d love to see photos!

      Reply
  9. Jennifer says

    July 20, 2018 at 3:21 pm

    Thank you for sharing these plans. We are in the process of getting the materials to build this for our wedding and have a couple of questions. Are there 2x6x10’s that are needed but not included in the materials list? How long were the 2×4’s that you used? On the corbels, what is the length from point to point (lengthwise) and what is the length from the top of the board to the points at the bottom (the bottom of the arches)? Thank you for your help?

    Reply
    • Justin says

      October 2, 2018 at 10:30 pm

      Jennifer, the 2x6x10’s are for the top trellis of 120″ long. I had some wrong numbers in the cut list that were confusing but I fixed them. The 2×4’s are for the top trellis pieces that you have to rip in half. The corbels are about 32″ long. Send us a photo after you get it done. We would love to see it. Sorry about the delayed reply.

      Reply
  10. Woody says

    August 9, 2018 at 10:34 am

    This is a really good looking arbor, but there are some errors in your materials list and cut list. As a result there was another trip to the lumber yard for 3 2x6s. We had a finished product that was not a wide as your diagram as we didn’t figure it out until we had already made decorative cuts and didn’t want to pay for another pair of 2x6s of cedar, as they are spendy.

    Suggestions:
    The top trellis beams are 2×6 (5 1/2″ x 1 1/2) and are not included in the materials list. Although the beams are on the cut list and as (2) 96″ x 5 1/2″ x 1 1/2″, the diagram shows the top beams to be 120″.

    The Top Side Brackets are also missing from the materials list which also would add a 2×6 (5 1/2″ x 1 1/2).

    Reply
    • Justin says

      October 2, 2018 at 10:20 pm

      Thanks for pointing that out and sorry for the mix up! I’m excited you are building it. I would love to see pictures.

      Reply
  11. tina herman says

    August 10, 2018 at 10:25 am

    Hello, thank you for sharing all of your ideas/plans w/ us DIY’ers!
    We are going to be building 2 of the arbors(w/ slight mods) for a rose garden. Looking at the plans it seems that the cut list has a typ-o. The “top trellis beams” need to be cut to 120″ not 96″. Based on your drawing, those beams measure 120″.
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Justin says

      October 2, 2018 at 10:16 pm

      Thanks for the heads up I will fix that now.

      Reply
  12. HEather McGinvey says

    September 7, 2019 at 6:55 pm

    Good Evening,
    We are in the process of building the Arbor. But we noticed, thankfully before we cut wood, that the top rails are the wrong size on the materials cut list. But yet I’ve noticed many comments above with the same problem. Stating you will update the plans and fix the dimensions. Well…It’s not fixed yet! And we did pay money for these plans. We still got the old plans. Frustrating:/

    Reply
    • Justin says

      September 9, 2019 at 5:27 pm

      Heather thank you for letting us know. I am so sorry for the mix up. I will get the one for sale fixed. Should I send you a new one when I get it fixed? If you have the change could you email me a photo of the material cut list? [email protected]

      Reply
  13. John says

    September 28, 2020 at 9:53 am

    Hi – I ordered the DIY Garden Arbor & Trellis plans, to build one for my daughters’ upcoming wedding (3 weeks). The one thing I’m not seeing is a plan for finishing the ends of the beams. I watched the video also, but likewise didn’t see how he cut the original piece. Is there a template or something I’m missing that shows how to layout the cut for the beam ends?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Cass says

      September 29, 2020 at 6:01 am

      Hi John, Thanks for the comment. On page 6 of the plans, the photos of step 1 show the shape that Justin used for the ends of the beams. He traced the shape he wanted onto cardstock and then traced it onto each end of the boards. We don’t currently have a template available, but I will put it on our list!

      Reply

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Hey there, I am Cassity! Nice to virtually meet you!

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