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How did you anchor the arbor?

12 years ago

We're looking into installing an arbor in our backyard, one that would be four-seasons, and permanent. We live in Chicago, where there is a lot of wind and quite a bit of snow. We were wondering: how much anchoring does the arbor need? It would be helpful if you'd share how you anchored this one. Thank you!

Howard Roberts · More Info

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Comments (2)

PRO
Liquidscapes
12 years ago
This arbor is sitting on a 3' concrete footing, we used 10" sono tubes. There are metal plates/anchors connected to the footing and cedar post, so the wood is bolted together and above grade.
Jeffrey Orosz
9 years ago
I've done the same with arbors I've built even larger than this one. If you're using 4x4 posts, you can use the 8" sonotubes to cut down on digging and concrete. You "should" go down 4' to get below the frost line in Chicago (I'm in MN), but you can get away with 2 or 3 feet. Just be aware that if you don't go below the frost line, winter frost would possibly heave all your footings up and down seasonally, so you wouldn't want it connected to anything else stationary. With the sonotubes you can pour quickcrete and use the L or J anchor bolts that you would set in immediately. Then use some Simpson 4x4 strong ties and you're all set!!

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