Creating A Wooden Wedding Arbor: A Step-By-Step Guide

A wooden wedding arch is a popular choice for couples looking to create a touching focal point for their ceremony. Exposed wood blends seamlessly with the natural environment, especially for outdoor weddings in forests or rustic settings. Building your own wooden wedding arch is a cost-effective way to achieve the desired atmosphere for your special day. With a few tools and materials, you can create a beautiful structure that serves as a blank canvas for decorations, such as flowers, greenery, and fabric. In this guide, we will outline the steps to make a wooden wedding arch, providing a detailed list of materials and instructions for assembly, so you can confidently create a stunning backdrop for your wedding vows.

Measure and cut wood to size

To make a wooden wedding arbor, you will need to measure and cut your wood to size. For this project, you will need:

• Two 10-foot 2" x 6" boards
• Two 10-foot 2" x 4" boards
• Three 8-foot 2" x 6" boards
• A hand saw or circular saw
• A mitre saw (optional)

Start by laying out all your wood so you can plan your cuts. The two 10-foot 2" x 6" boards will be your horizontal top pieces. On these boards, mark 20" in from each end and then 10 1/2" in from the ends. Using a straight edge, draw a line from the end of the board to the opposite side of the board at the 10 1/2" mark. Remember to draw your lines for the angled edges so that the ends point outward. You don't want the angled ends to point in the same direction.

Now cut along the line to make the angled edges of the top boards. Once you have cut all four angled ends, set those boards aside.

Next, we will move on to the vertical side pieces. Cut the two 8-foot 2" x 6" pieces down to 86" tall. Now, layer the boards to put together for the top part. Start by laying down one of the top angle pieces. Then, lay the vertical pieces on top of the angled horizontal piece, lining them up with the 20" line you made earlier, and square them up. Be sure to place them inside of the 20" line so that the space between the angle and the vertical piece is about 4". Screw them into place, being careful not to inset the screws too much so that the sharp ends don't come through the other side.

Now, place the other horizontal angled board on top of the structure. Screw these boards together, being careful not to screw into the same spots as the screws below.

Now we will move on to the base pieces. Using the remaining 8-foot 2" x 6" board, cut it in half to create the base pieces of the arbor. Mark the center of the baseboards so you know where to screw them into the vertical pieces. Screw the base pieces to the bottom of the vertical boards, making sure the screws go all the way in so that your base pieces sit flat.

Your arbor is now mostly constructed! The remaining cuts will be for the angled brace pieces.

For the brace pieces, you will need to cut 4 angled pieces (2 per side) from the 10-foot 2" x 4" board. Start by cutting 4 pieces, each 28" long. Then, using a mitre saw, cut a 45-degree angle on each end on the flat side of the wood.

Now, toenail the screw into the base pieces so they’re nice and secure. Both bases should now be complete!

Now we’re going to move on to the angled braces at the top of the arbor. If you don’t want these pieces, you can skip them, but they add stability and are a great anchor for fabric and greenery. For these pieces, you’re going to use the 2″ x 4″ board and cut two pieces that are 28″ long. Cut them at a 45-degree angle. On the other end of the board, cut the angle in the opposite direction. Then, measure 17 1/2″ down from the bottom of the horizontal piece on the top and mark it on your vertical board. This brace piece is going to be flush with the vertical piece but pushed up snug between the top two pieces of the arbor. Toenail the board in from the back so no screwheads are visible, and add a screw at the top in the horizontal board.

Assemble the arch shape

To assemble the arch shape, start by laying out your wood so you can visualise the process. You will need to cut your wood to the correct lengths and angles. For a 7ft arch, you will need three 7ft pieces and three 5ft pieces. You will also need two 8ft pieces for the base.

On the 7ft pieces, measure and mark 1ft from each side. Line up the vertical piece to the outside of the 1ft line. Secure with two diagonally placed wood screws. Repeat on the other side.

Now, take one of the 5ft pieces and cut it to 26 inches with a 45-degree angle on each end. You can use a mitre box to help you cut the correct angle. Repeat this process so you have six 26-inch brace pieces in total.

Flip the arch over so the back is facing up. Add the 8ft piece of wood as a flat surface in one of the corners. Line up the brace piece with the vertical piece and lay it on top of the horizontal top piece. Secure with two screws. Repeat this process on the other side.

Now cut the 8ft piece in half to create two 4ft pieces. These will be the bottom supports with braces. Mark the halfway point on the 4ft piece (2ft) so you know where the side piece should sit. Use a square to ensure the corner is exactly 90 degrees and add in your 45-degree angle piece until it is flat against the bottom and side pieces. Secure with screws. Repeat this process towards the back of the arch and then again on the other side.

Secure with screws

When securing your wooden wedding arbor with screws, it's important to ensure that they are attached diagonally and tightly. This will ensure the structure is stable and secure. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Start by laying out your wood so you can visualize the arch and identify the pieces that need to be joined. Mark the spots where the screws will go. For example, on the 2x4x12ft pieces, measure and mark 1ft from each side to determine where the vertical piece will be attached.

Next, take your wood screws (2 1/2 inches long is a good size) and secure the vertical piece to the horizontal piece with two screws. Ensure that the screws are added diagonally from each other to provide a strong hold. Repeat this process on the other side.

When attaching the brace pieces, it's important to pre-drill holes that are smaller than your screws. This will make it easier to screw at an angle and ensure that the screws go in straight. Again, add two screws to each brace piece for a secure hold.

As you work, be mindful of the placement of your screws. You don't want the screwheads to be visible, so try to avoid screwing into the same spots. For example, if you screwed the first set of screws into the corners, place the second set of screws in a north, south, east, west pattern to avoid overlapping.

Finally, when attaching the base pieces, it's a good idea to put your screws into the base piece first before screwing them into the vertical board. This will ensure that the base sits flat and provides a sturdy foundation for your arbor.

By following these steps and securing with screws properly, you'll be able to create a well-constructed and stable wooden wedding arbor.

Add base pieces

Now we’re going to move on to the base pieces. Using the remaining 8-foot 2" x 6" board, cut it in half to create the two base pieces of the arbor. Mark the centre of the baseboards so you know where to screw them into the vertical pieces. Screw the base pieces to the bottom of the vertical boards. It is best to put your screws into the base piece first before attaching it to the vertical board. Ensure that the screws are fully inserted so that your base pieces sit flat.

Now, we will add some angled brace pieces to reinforce the structure. For these, cut four angled pieces (two per side) from the 10-foot 2" x 4" board. Start by cutting four pieces, each 28 inches long. Then, using a mitre saw, cut a 45-degree angle on each end of the flat side of the wood. Now, toenail the screw into the base pieces to secure them.

Both bases should now be complete! You can now move on to the angled braces at the top of the arbor, or skip them if you prefer. These pieces add a nice touch and are perfect for wrapping fabric and greenery around the top of the arbor.

For the top angled braces, you will use the 2" x 4" board and cut two pieces that are 28 inches long. Cut them at a 45-degree angle, and then cut the other end of the board at the opposite angle. Measure 17.5 inches down from the bottom of the horizontal piece on the top and mark it on your vertical board. This brace piece will be flush with the vertical piece but pushed up snugly between the top two pieces of the arbor. Toenail the board in from the back so that no screwheads are visible. Finally, add a screw at the top in the horizontal board, again making sure that no screwheads are seen.

Decorate with flowers, fabric, or greenery

Once your wedding arbor is constructed, it's time to decorate! Flowers, fabric, and greenery are all excellent choices for adorning your wooden arch.

Flowers can be used to create a vibrant and colourful statement. Bright blooms such as orange, yellow, and pink can be used to create a bold and cheerful atmosphere. Alternatively, opt for pastel shades of flowers for a more subtle and elegant look. Wildflowers such as sunflowers, eucalyptus, and poppies are perfect for a rustic wedding with a cottagecore feel. For a unique touch, try using floral garlands or hanging bud vases to decorate your arch.

Fabric can be used to add a romantic and whimsical feel to your wedding arbor. Sheer, flowing fabric such as chiffon or gauze can be draped from the top of the arch, with greenery billowing at the bottom for a dreamy effect. A fabric with an Aztec-style or geometric print will add a boho-inspired flair to your ceremony.

Greenery is a perfect choice for couples who want a natural and organic look. Eucalyptus, Italian ruscus, and pampas grass are all excellent options for adding texture and a botanical edge to your wedding arbor. Greenery can be used on its own or in combination with flowers for a lush and vibrant installation. For a unique touch, try using dried palm leaves or wooden beams with sharp right angles to create a modern and minimalist look.

When decorating your wedding arbor, consider the style and theme of your wedding, as well as the natural environment of the venue. Whether you choose flowers, fabric, or greenery, your decorations will undoubtedly add a special touch to your big day.

Frequently asked questions