Garden Arbors and Arbor Designs

Garden arbors are structures that you can walk through and make a beautiful accent for outdoor gardens and landscapes. Strategically planted flowering plants and climbing vines will cling to arbors as they grow.

They are available in a variety of styles, such as modern or classic, formal or informal.

Garden arbors can be geometric or arched in shape. They make an elegant addition to outdoor weddings, parties, and celebrations.

Choose an arbor design based on the style of your garden, home, and landscape. 

Arbor Designs – What Are Your Choices?

Traditional Styles are made out of wood, have clean lines, and are white or brown in color. They are usually flat on top, and can have two or four legs. Traditional garden arbors are old-fashioned and romantic, or rustic and warm.

Metal Arbors come in a variety of material, such as steel, iron, and bronze. They require little maintenance, and do not need to be painted. Metal arbors are ideal for sectioning off areas in the yard. Gates and fences are easily attached to these arbors.

A Garden Arch is a good choice for sectioning off pathways and specific areas. These arches can stand alone or be stacked together to form a tunnel. Place a garden arch between two shrubs, or trees to create an entryway.

Vinyl Arbors are a low-maintenance, long-lasting landscape structure. The vinyl material has the look of wood and the durability of metal. This arbor design is available in many colors and styles.

Some arbors come with special, built-in features such as benches, trellises, or gates.

Garden Arbor Placement Tips

Arbors are versatile landscape structures. Where you decide to place them will depend on the structure of you garden or landscape.

Follow these tips for choosing the best location:

• Highlight the entrance and/or exit to and from a garden or outdoor space.
  

• Accent a walkway in a front yard or back yard.
  

• Group garden arches together to create an attractive passageway to walk through.
  

• Place an arbor near an area used for socializing and entertaining to add style and beauty to outdoor celebrations and events.
  

• Create shade in an area that receives a lot of bright sunlight.
  

• Add color and style to an area that is boring and drab.

How to Build an Arbor

Arbors can be bought online or in stores and some are sold in ready-to-assemble kits. Installation instructions should be included with any kit you purchase.

Basic steps for building an arbor with a kit:

1. Set the Posts in the Ground.
2. Install the Headers.
3. Install the Support Beams.
4. Install the Shade Bars.
   

You can also search for free arbor designs, plans, and building tips online if you want to learn how to build an arbor from scratch.