How to build an arbor with pitched rafters.

Building instructions continued

Cut the arborA shelter of vines or branches or of latticework covered with climbing shrubs or vines. A walk through Garden structure that can support plants and generally complements the landscape. rafters

Cut six 900mm (36″) rafters out of 100×50 (2″x4″) stock.

Make one end of each rafterStructural member of a roof that supports the roof load and runs from the ridge to the top of the side walls. curved and cut the other end 18.4° off squareA line across the face of a piece of wood (at right angles to the length) is a square line. A line deviating from the square line is off square. Off-square refers to how many degrees the off square line is in relation to the square line. For example, a line at a 5 degrees angle to the square line, is 5 degrees off square..

Refer to the arbor plan for dimensionsAny of the three linear measurements, length, breadth and depth..
Cut the curved ends in exactly the same way as the beamA supporting member. ends were cut.
See previous page.

Do not worry about making the seat cut in the rafters at this stage.

Join the rafters together and add the laths

1. On an even surface nailA short nail with a large flat head used for securing roofing felt, plasterboard, sheet metal to wood etc. the tops of two rafters together making a pair. There will be three pairs of rafters altogether.

2. Nail the bracing pieces to each pair.

3. Lift the three pairs of rafters onto a workbenchWork table. A sturdy table with drawers and other conveniences. A strong worktable suitable for a carpenter. (see drawing above), and spread them out evenly.
Refer to the plans for dimensions.

Nail the 50mm x 50mm (2″x2″) laths to the rafters. Begin the first lathA narrow thin strip of wood. Laths are the vertical and horizontal or diagonal strips of wood used in latticework Also wood strips used as backing for plaster. 30mm (1 1/4″) down from the tops of the rafters and space all the rest
100mm (4″) from center to center.

Mark and make the seat cut

Make a marker piece by cutting a length of 50mm x 50mm (2″x2″) woodTimber, lumber. The hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees 1100m (44″) long.

1100m (44″) is the exact width of the arbor from the outside of one beam to the outside of the other beam.

Stand the arbor top on edge and place the marker piece on top of a pair of rafters.

Position the marker piece so that both ends are sitting 40mm (1 1/2″) onto the rafters and also ensure that the marker piece is central.

Mark the ends of the marker piece on the rafters and then remove the marker piece.

Do the same thing to the other two pairs of rafters.

All the seat cuts are now marked.

Cut them out with a handsaw.

Might as well paint it now

It’s a lot easier to paint the arbor top while it is still on the ground!

FixTo secure with nails or screws. the arbor top in place

Now it’s just simply a matter of lifting the arbor top onto the beams.

The seat cuts should sit neatly on the beams.

Position the top so it is equal distance front and back and nail in place.

Finished!