Build a Garden Arbor

Build a Garden Arbor
A garden arbor is a popular feature in today's well-dressed landscape. (Dreamstime/TNS)
8/28/2022
Updated:
8/28/2022

A garden arbor is an inviting element in any landscape that makes a statement, whether it’s a welcoming entry to property or placed as a focal point lush with climbing clematis. It’s a popular feature in today’s well-dressed landscape that defines space and says the door is always open to visitors to enter and enjoy the shelter, plantings and environment inside.

And if you’re planning a home wedding in the garden, an arbor is the perfect setting.

You’ll find a wide range of sizes and styles of arbors, most measuring about 7 feet in height and 4 to 5 feet wide. The range of styles goes from charming wood or resin country design to an elaborate wrought iron with intricate scrollwork.

Installing an arbor varies on its weight and size. For a typical resin arbor, use post spikes driven into the earth. A heavier unit requires fasteners installed on a cement base to secure it. Follow the specifications of the arbor to know which is the best technique for a secure and stable unit.

Today you’ll find a dazzling array of vinyl garden products, including arbors, which are easy-to-assemble and provide years of maintenance-free outdoor living. You can buy a kit for an arbor that measures approximately 60 inches wide by 86 inches high, which is installed with post anchors in the soil. The kit includes the frame, arched top and side panels, end caps, anchors and adhesive to fasten it together.

A landscape contractor will charge $770 for the job, which includes the arbor and labor. You can buy a low maintenance arbor kit made out of resin – sold online and at home and garden centers – for $400, install it yourself and save 48%. You’ll find garden arbor kits sold online and locally at lawn and garden and home centers.

To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com.

Pro Cost — DIY Cost — Pro time — DIY Time — DIY Savings — Percent Saved

$770 — $400 — 9.6 — 10.5 — $370 — 48%

©2022 Gene and Katie Hamilton. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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