Could you do it on one Saturday? Yes, but don't plan on it unless you have experience in construction. Two saturdays should do the trick. The main things you need to do are to buy the right screws and ties. And, use a hammer drill for the cement. Timberlok landscape screws are a lifesaver (available at Home Depot). They are long, go in wood well, and will help hold cinch up the whole thing. In addition, get square headed Phillips screws. For the ties, get Simpson ties from Home Depot or Loews unless you want a more deluxe version. If so, check you local specialty lumber yard.

You will need the following tools: square, crayon, chalk line, tape measure, skill saw, drill, level, hammer drill, mason line, wrenches, screwdrivers, and reciprocating saw or jigsaw. Material list: Phillips Square Head Screws, posts, beams, lateral wood, post holders, and mounting hardware.

Step 1- Locate Where You Will Put The Posts.

Ten feet is the maximum distance for posts. You will get a sagging beam with further spacing. It will be best to try and keep the posts 8 feet apart or less. Measure your patio. You will put the posts a foot or two from the edge furthest from the house. Use this same distance to correlate the other two posts. Measure for the posts and put a crayon mark where you have decided the posts will go. Then, take your post holder and place it on the crayon mark. Draw the square shape of the post holder. Then, just for safety, pull a chalk line to make sure they look evenly spaced and straight. It can't hurt to measure a second time, either. If you are going over 10 feet, just use extra posts.

Step 2- Drill and Set Post Holders

Use a hammer drill to drill a hole for each post holder. Each post holder will come with a cement screw that will screw down into the cement. Screw the post holders down. You will need a wrench to get it tight so make sure you have a wrench or socket to fit the screw head. Tighten it down and make sure the posts holders are straight with each other. If in doubt, get a long square board to lay on the patio and butt it up against the post holders and use a level to see if it's perfect.

Step 3- Put you posts in the post holders.

Use your screws (usually 2") and screw the post base to the post. Be careful, because the posts aren't very secure yet. Use at least a four by four post. I would recommend six by six posts out of cedar or redwood, if you have the cash to spare.

Step 4- Install Top Beams Using Ties, Notching, or Both

It will look a lot like the post base. Once again, use your two inch screws. You should use the Phillips Square Headed Screws because they won't strip out. Regular screws are much more difficult to get in because the head strips out continually. Another option is to notch out the beam. To notch out the beam, you can use a reciprocating saw with a long wood blade. Cut at a diagonal, at first, so you can get into the wood. For strength and beauty, I like to notch out the beam and use the Simpson Tie as well. There are other better looking ties. Check with your specialty lumber supplier to see what the options are. The upper beams should be the same size and number as the posts.

Step 5- Measure, cut, and screw in the top cross pieces.

Here is what makes it look like an arbor. You will cut each board, at the end, at a thirty degree angle. A jigsaw or reciprocating saw will do the job. Cut the angled cuts first. That way, if you make an error, it may be easier to fix. Use two by fours or two by sixes; depending on your preference. The bigger wood looks better, but is more expensive and harder to work with. Once again, you will use Simpson Ties, specialty ties, notching, or both. If you notch these boards, you can use Timberlok Landscape screws coming down from the top. They will hold them in nicely. If you use ties, just use some Phillips Square Head one inch screws. These top boards will be space about every 1.5-2.0 feet.

Step 6- Screw on secondary cross pieces.

Use 1*2 or 2*2 boards as secondary cross pieces. Space them every ½ -1.0 feet apart. Set them straight and screw from the top down with your one inch screws.

Step 7- Fasten the arbor cross pieces to the house.

Simply use a Simpson tie and screws. It will make the arbor a little more sturdy.

Step 8- To protect the wood, put a wood stain on that repels water.

When you are finished, have a big patio party!