Replacing An Old Arbor With Something Better  
 

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We were called to see what we might be able to do to rebuild this existing pergola, (left).  Many years old, it was basically falling apart owing to rotted wood and was extremely top-heavy as well.
 
 
 
 
Using massive 6" x 6" posts, (replacing the old 4 x 4's),  which we anchored to new poured concrete footings,  gave our new structure a solid base and a new sense of scale as well.

We then applied three coats of an opaque outdoor stain to protect the wood and tie the pergola in to the existing decking. 
The new benches and table were hand built as well and they, as well as the support girders for the shade structure are all anchored to the posts using 1/2" galvanized carriage bolts.

 

 
Pergolas, Arbors, Shade Arbors
 
 

We worked up a simple sketch in the computer, (lower left) and we designed it with only four posts instead of the six it originally had. 
We also designed planters to act as visual bases for the new posts as well as incorporate a new table and benches with better accessibility than the old ones had.

The result was an open, airy new pergola with much more interesting shadow lines and the addition of the planters provided a striking anchorage to the overall structure.

 
 
Shade Arbors, Shade Structures, Pergolas, Trellises
 

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