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:
- Set the Posts in the Ground.
- Install the Headers.
- Install the Support Beams.
- 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.