Phil Aynsley
Arbours and arches are great features for dividing up garden spaces, whether they’re covered with climbing plants or left bare. This DIY metal arbour is as simple as they get, with a rusty texture that adds a contemporary look.
The metal arbour itself only takes two steps to create – the rest of this design makes a feature of it. It’s also likely to save you money on buying a ready-made arbour. And, once you realise how simple it is to make this one you could create even more intricate designs with different types of metal and materials.
Gather your supplies
- Trench mesh, 6m x 200mm (2)
- Metal tie-wire
- Treated pine sleeper, 1.8m x 200mm x 100mm
You’ll also need
- Garden soil mix
- Decorative pebbles
- Shovel
- Rake
- Pliers
- Power saw
Step 1
Beginning at one side of garden bed, dig a hole 600mm deep. Insert trench mesh and pack firmly with excavated soil. Bend mesh over to create arch (you will need two people), mark the position on ground and dig another 600mm hole. Secure other end of mesh. Repeat the process with a second length of mesh, overlapping the first piece at the top.
Step 2
Where the two lengths of mesh cross over, secure in several places using tie-wire.
Step 3
Beneath the centre of the metal arbour, excavate 100mm of soil where the steppers will go. Using power saw, cut sleeper into three 600mm lengths. Position lengths between the 2 paved areas.
STEP 4
Infill area between steppers with soil mix, then rake to level. Fill remaining garden section with soil mix.
Step 5
Compact soil between steppers using back of the rake, then spread decorative pebbles over top. Tread down to firm up area.
What is the difference between an arbour and a pergola?
Size is one of the biggest differences between an arbour and a pergola. For example, the metal arbour here is more like a doorway inviting you into a relaxing garden space, while a pergola would typically be a larger structure providing shade over the bench seat. If that’s what you want to build next, check out our step-by-step guild to building a pergola.
