Designing Wooden Arbors
When it comes to designing a wooden arbor, the aesthetic of the surrounding landscape needs to be taken into consideration. The accompanying plants, the color scheme, and the layout are all important features to keep in mind. Will the arbor serve as an entranceway, a decorative feature in a garden, or a support structure for winding plants? The purpose of the arbor really determines the style direction to take during the design process. The arbor itself needs to mesh well with its surroundings; that means designing it to meet certain specifications and fit individual needs. The arbor should highlight the beauty of the landscaping, and act as an accent to the features already in place.
The first item of business is deciding which style of wooden arbor fits best with the surrounding space. There are several options, such as Single Halo, Gardenscape, Newport, Elliptical, New England Pergola, Green Pond, Hybrid Roman, and many more. There are even kits that are sold that allow consumers to construct their own arbors. All of these options come in a number of size and color options, and it is up to the individual to decide what works best for their space. Most wooden arbors come pre sanded and ready to paint or stain.
To further enhance an outdoor living space, wooden arbors are the perfect addition. A do it yourself kit is a great way to save money, and requires minimal wood working skills. These kits come in a variety of packages, ranging from purely functional to stylish and functional. Many of these kits also come with the option of incorporating elements such as a bench, swing, gate, and planter boxes.
Once a style of arbor has been decided upon, the next step is to decide the type of wood to use and the pieces that are required. It would be helpful to draw up a diagram of the proposed arbor that includes necessary measurements and dimensions. It is integral that the exact materials needed for construction be determined. A good material for building a wooden arbor is red cedar or cypress, which is decay and rot resistant, pest resistant, as well as able to withstand harsh elements. Once this is decided, the finishing for the wood can be taken into consideration.
The final thing to address is the way the arbor will be anchored. This is a very important part of the design process, because the arbor should be built in a solid and sturdy manner to withstand the test of time. The type of support materials that will be necessary to install will depend largely on the dimensions and measurements of the wooden beams being used. Concrete poured into the ground will ensure that the arbor is firmly implanted.
With the anchoring of the arbor addressed, it is time to add decorative features to truly implement it into the surrounding landscape. A hanging basket of flowers is the perfect addition to a newly constructed wooden arbor.
