Step 1: Dig footing holes

Step 1: Dig footing holes to create an arbor «»
Dig each footing hole about 18-inches-wide and 24-inches-deep, or to the frost line, whichever depth is greater. Fill each hole with concrete, then insert a 42-inch-long piece of ½-inch-diameter galvanized-metal pipe. (The pipe has an outside diameter of 1 ½ inches) Leave 18-inches of pipe sticking up from the middle of the footing. Allow the concrete to cure at least 24 hours. Next, use a long, 1 ½-inch-diameter auger bit or spade bit to bore a center hole into the bottom end of a post.
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    Tools List

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    • bit auger
      Auger bit
    • drill
      Drill
    • 30-foot tape measure
      Tape measure
    • finish hammer
      Hammer
    • router
      Router

    Shopping List

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    1. 8x8 POSTS

    6 required



    2. 2x8 CROSS BEAMS

    6 required



    3. 2x6 RAFTERS

    7 required



    4. 1x2 LATTICE STRIPS

    9 required



    5. 1x3 TRIM

    applied around tops of each post



    6. 3/4-INCH-DIAMETER X 42-INCH-LONG GALVANIZED-METAL PIPE

    used to hold posts in place



    7. PRIMER AND PAINT OR STAIN

    8. 2- AND 3-INCH DECKING SCREWS

    9. CONCRETE MIX

    for creating poured-concrete footings



    10. 2 1/2-INCH GALVANIZED FINISHING NAILS

    used to attach 1x3 trim to posts



    11. WOOD PRESERVATIVE

    used to treat the ends of the posts



    12. 1/2-INCH PRESSURE-TREATED PLYWOOD

    cut into 7 [FRACTION 1/2]-inch-square fastening plates