![]() I used 2×6’s for the main cross piece at the bottom of the arch. I ended up going with an overall depth of 35″. Step 5: Determine the width of your wedding arch and cut your cross pieceīecause we were planning to use ours as a wedding arch, I didn’t want it to be too deep. ![]() This will soften the look of the whole arch/arbor/pergola and can make for a stunning statement. Beautiful but requires the right build if order for the design to work.ĭ. A much more decorative example of an angle brace. Similar to the straight 4×4 angle brace, however, this time they have included a curved edge with sharp straight ends.Ĭ. Not only do I like the clean square look, but it will go best with the theme of our wedding, as well as our house afterword.ī. This is the simple angle brace that I used. Here are a few examples of other angle braces that can be made.Ī. It all depends on what look or design you are after. I went with 4×4’s but you could also use 2×6’s with a straight or rounded cut. There are many options for creating angled braces. I know everything is square when all of my edges fit flush together. I opted for 4×4’s with a mitred 45 degree cut. This step not only creates some added visual interest, but it also helps brace your posts and cross members, helping to keep them square. Step 4: Cut the angle braces for the top corners Once fastened, I stood my posts up and used a trigger clamp to hold them to my work bench. This is where you will start to see your wedding arch take shape. Once they are fit together, fasten them with either a wood or decorative black screw. You may need to use a rubber mallet if your notches are on the tighter side. I laid my posts on the ground and then inserted my cross member (u-notches facing one another). ![]() Step 3: Assemble the posts and cross membersĪssuming all of your notches were cut accurately, this should be relatively easy. You will notice how my cross members have two notches in them- one for each post! Once all of your lap joints are complete, they should look something like the photo below. Check out my video to see how I made my U-notches (lap joints): ![]() This is a simple trick to remind you of where the cut(s) need to be made. I ALWAYS make a small x where I intend to do the cutting. Tip: You will notice in the photo that I have little X’s inside of my markings. A mitre saw allows you to cut accurately, and almost all of them will a have depth gauge you can set to prevent you from cutting to deep. There are many ways in which you can cut out your notches (lap joints)- I find a mitre saw to be one of the quickest and most accurate. This meant that my notches would all begin 6″ inward from the end of the 4×4. For example, I knew I wanted 6″ of overhang on all of my posts and cross members. This is one of those times where having a plan makes the whole project much easier. Step 2: Mark out the U-notches for your wedding arch (creating lap joints) The best tool for this would be a standard mitre saw (I still love with my Dewalt DWS780 as much as the day I bought it). I decided on 54″ wide- I knew I wanted about 3 feet of internal space between my beams, and 54″ would give me that. The length of your cross members will depend on the width you want your wedding arch to be. I started off by cutting all of my posts to exactly 8′. DIY wedding arch build steps Step 1: Cut the main arch posts and cross members to lengthĮven though I bought 8′ posts, they are not always identical. So prices will obviously vary depending on your location. I picked up everything from Home Depot for a shade under $200. (I also had these in the shop)Įverything is readily available at your local hardware store. Decorative black wood screws – This is your choice, but I chose to use them on the front face, where they would be visible.Pack of 4″ wood screws (had in the shop).Pack of 2 1/2″ wood screws (had in the shop).10′ 4×4″ cedar post (1) – I bought a 10 footer because I wanted the width of my wedding arch to be about 54″.This project doesn’t require much in the way of material: I love the look of cedar, even as it ages to grey and somewhat weathered looking. The materialsįor this project I decided to use natural western red cedar. So that’s exactly what I did, and I figured I’d share exactly how I built the wedding arch with all of you. It would be a unique meaningful piece, that could then be repurposed in our garden afterword. What’s going on guys and gals! If you haven’t noticed from the many different posts in the last week, I am getting married! I had the idea a few months back that it would be a great idea to build a DIY wedding arch for our ceremony.
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