How to Choose The Right Garden Arbor

Adding a garden arbor or pergola is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to beautify a home's grounds. The problem is that few homeowners take the time to plan out arbor installations beforehand. When picking out garden arbors, it's important to mull the following before settling on a specific model.

Physical Dimensions


Selecting the appropriate width and height for an arbor is arguably the most important part of the process. A good arbor should be at least as large as a standard door. Furthermore, it shouldn't be so tall or wide that it stands seems awkward or out of place.

Architectural Style


A good arbor compliments the property that it graces rather than clashing with it. For example, a classic Victorian would look beautiful with an ornate arbor leading to the back garden. On the other hand, a Cape or saltbox would be better served by a simpler design.

Functional Considerations


While many arbors look just fine without any adornment, most homeowners plan on adding creeping vines at some point. Some plants are relatively heavy and need a beefier arbor to support their weight. Consider just how sturdy any given arbor will need to be over the long haul.

Materials & Construction


An arbor can be fashioned out of just about any material imaginable. Some are simply better than others for certain purposes and layouts. For instance, a wrought iron arbor can take a beating and support weight far better than a wooden one while providing design flexibility.

Cost and Overall Value


Last but not least, one must consider budget and life expectancy when picking out the best arbor possible. While most arbors are pretty cheap, some offer better ROI than others. For example, wooden arbors will require more maintenance than metal varieties and won't last as long.

An Arch for All Seasons


After carefully considering each of the preceding factors, the average homeowner should have a solid idea of what will work best for them. No matter how picky a homeowner may be, there are at least a few garden arbors out there that will suit their discriminating tastes.