Redwood Arbor

[Ljohnsaw]

I answered a listing on my local Nextdoor Neighborhood web site for a custom arbor and separate bench.  The lady has a very tiny backyard but has done a great job of landscaping it.  She already planted two 10' clear 4x4 posts and wanted it all built of clear heart redwood (read $$$$).  So I drew this up for her thoughts:


  I also did a version with overhangs on the ends.  Calling around, there was only one place to get clear heart.  She had two more 4x4s so I used those for the legs and cross members and planed some down for the braces.  I had to buy eleven 2x6 rough planks at $4.39/linear foot (or $4.39 bd-ft)!!!  So, $420 later for 88 bd-ft of redwood, I made this and installed it this morning.

 I only charged her $200 for labor but in hindsight, it should have been at least 1 SGU since I spent 10 hours on it.  She will be oil sealing it.

I had to wait a week for the lumber yard that specialized in redwood to order the redwood.  I needed to complete the project quickly or I would have complained.  Since when does "clear heart wood" have white sap wood and a few knots? >:(  I was able to cut around it.

I guess this is a new designer wood like Denim Pine - they also offer "Blonde Redwood" :D

[teakwood]

Very nice work, you charged cheap SGU's for your labor

[Ljohnsaw]

I had some scraps from cutting the tops off the 4x4s and doing the half laps.  She asked if she could keep them ???  It was her wood, I said sure.  Then I said I had more cut-offs from the bench slats.  I said I could make her a side table.  She liked that idea.  So I finished it this morning and texted her.  She had to go to work but left me a thank you envelope and left the gate unlocked.  Here is the arbor with the new side table:


 Sorry it is so overexposed.  The top is the same slats used on the bench but turned 90° and butted up tight.  I made it as tall as I could with the remaining wood (25½") but might have to trim it down if she wants.  She left me a $100.00 tip!  So I made a whole SGU on this job (10 hours of labor).

[Magicman]

 Good Job! 

[Bruno of NH]

Looks good

[Bruno of NH]

Looks good

[DPatton]

you did good ljohnsaw, looks great.