Are you looking for an attractive yet functional arbor to add to your garden? The sky is the limit here. There are many astonishing garden arbors available on the market these days. Buying the right arbor is critical, as an inferior product may easily bend, crack, or break and thus might not last long. Why is it worth buying a garden arbor?
A garden arbor provides shade, shelter, privacy, and can serve as event décor. It can separate various areas of your garden or blend in with the landscape. The arbor’s roof and walls feature an open framework to support fragrant and colorful vines and flowers.
Below is a small guide to buying the best garden arbor for your backyard garden and never regret it.
Why Buy a Garden Arbor?
An arbor adds financial value to a home while also serving as a decorative element that may serve to define your garden area. Arbors enhance the visual attractiveness of backyard gardens while also providing a sense of quiet and serenity.
What to Consider When Buying a Garden Arbor?
There are many different types of arbors for backyards, so you should know what to search for. The style you want to choose will be determined by your tastes and the design of your yard. As a result, you must consider a number of aspects and criteria in order to make the best decision. These will assist you in making the right decision and avoiding critical errors that might be detrimental to your health.
1. Price
When looking for the greatest garden arbors, it’s also crucial to consider the pricing. They aren’t set in stone and differ from one brand to the next. It’s critical to understand that the pricing is influenced by a number of things, including the materials used and the size of the items. As a result, you must ensure that your budget matches the cost of the arbor you want to purchase.
2. Frame material
When it comes to garden arbors, you have three options depending on your requirements:
- Metal: Metal arbors for backyards are simple to handle. They usually survive a long time and are weather-resistant. These arbors are both basic and elegant in style, and they let you effortlessly grow climbing flowers and plants if desired.
- Wood: Wooden garden arbors may withstand the test of time if they are properly cared for. A wooden garden arbor’s unique design enhances the natural beauty of any outdoor setting while also adding charm. Many people appreciate the rustic charm it exudes. Furthermore, wood is an eco-friendly material.
- Vinyl: Vinyl arbors are great for extreme weather conditions. It won’t fracture or deteriorate quickly, regardless of the lowest or harshest cold conditions. This material is very popular since it’s simple to maintain. It really is generally low-maintenance, requiring simply a periodic washing with a water hose.
3. Warranty
When buying a garden arbor, the warranty duration is very crucial to consider because it demonstrates how confident the manufacturer is in the product. If an issue with your arbor occurs, you can find a solution by contacting the manufacturer. The warranty duration differs from one manufacturer to another, as well as from one product to another one. It might range from a 30-day to a 20-year return time.
4. Weather resistance
Purchasing a weather-resistant arbor is beneficial since it requires less maintenance. This makes it long-lasting and able to withstand the weather surprises.
5. Easy to assemble
Another important thing to take into consideration when buying backyard arbors is the ease of setup. This is important since it will decide how quickly you can assemble and install your garden arbor. Aim o buy a device that you can install on your own and that comes with simple instructions.
6. Style
Another important thing to take into consideration when buying backyard arbors is the ease of setup. This is important since it will decide how quickly you can assemble and install your garden arbor. We recommend that you get an arbor that you can install on your own and that comes with simple instructions.
7. Post size
The post size identifies the garden arbor’s height. The post size depends on the height you’re looking to achieve with your arbor. The post size isn’t fixed.
8. Weight
Lightweight garden arbors identify whether you’ll be able to carry your arbor from one place to another without any strain. Lightweight arbors might not be sturdy, though.
9. Dimensions
Another important element to consider when buying backyard arbors is the ease of assembly. This is important since it will decide how quickly you can assemble and install your garden arbor.
10. Color
Color is another crucial consideration since it’ll impact the aesthetics of your new garden or entranceway. You may select from a variety of hues, such as white, brown, green, black, and so on, depending on your tastes. Each of them adds individuality and distinctiveness to the design you wish to make. Don’t be afraid to compare them and select the one that best meets your needs.
How to Properly Anchor a Garden Arbor
The process of anchoring a garden arbor is pretty simple. You’ll need an anchoring set or braces and rebar. Each anchor set lists the product number of the garden arches along with instructions for installation.
Select a place for the garden arch in your garden or yard where it may be readily secured. The easiest anchoring is found on soft or medium grassland.
Using screws, fasten metal L-shaped bracing to the legs of wooden garden arches. When tied down, wooden arch legs may shatter in severe winds. The metal braces will protect the arch’s legs and serve as a foundation for securing the arch. Soft or medium grassland provides the most convenient anchoring.
Set the arch in the desired spot in your garden and double-check that it will remain there. The arch cannot be moved once it has been anchored without removing the anchoring device. Set the arch in the desired spot in your garden and double-check that it will remain there. The arch cannot be moved once it has been anchored without removing the anchoring device.
With a rubber mallet, hammer a piece of rebar over each foot of the L-shaped braces so that the curved end of the rebar secures the foot of the brace. Make sure the rebar is pounded all the way into the ground so that just the top arch of the rebar is visible.
To keep a garden arch in place adjacent to a fence, wire the base of the arch to the fence. As long as the fence is robust, anchors will not be required.
Cover the garden arch’s anchoring system. You can rebar can be camouflaged in a variety of ways, such by covering it with mulch or pebbles, or by planting plants at the arch’s base. Wrapping ivy and other climbing plants around the base of a garden arch tied to a fence with wire is a fantastic idea.
What’s the Difference between a Pergola and Arbor?
An arbor is frequently mistaken for a pergola. The size and roof construction are the main differences between a pergola and an arbor. A pergola is most commonly used to provide shade for a patio or concrete slab area.
The pergola usually has a roof-like grid structure that is meant to provide shade or cover. An arbor will serve as an accent piece or a peaceful location for a single person rather than an entertainment venue.
10 Best Garden Arbors
With a wide selection of garden arbors, here are some of the best ones for you to consider:
1. Vita Carolina Vinyl Arbor (Best Value) 
Are you searching for a high-end garden arbor arch? The Carolina Composite Vinyl model is the one to choose. The arbor is not prone to cracking, warping, or rotting. It’s a classic New England design that will enhance the elegance of your exterior, garden, or backyard. The wood grain on the arch is gorgeous. It’s built of a one-of-a-kind combination of repurposed wood and high-quality vinyl.
You’ll receive a sophisticated look and soft feel of wood grain, along with Carolina’s great warranty on vinyl/wood items. The arbor has one of the longest warranties available. The arch comes with a 10 or even 20-year warranty. You may contact the brand’s customer support if you have any problems with your arbor.
There’s a lot of room under this garden arbor. For your plants, the height and width specifications are suitable. As a result, plant climbers such as silver laces, roses, jasmine, and others love it.
Constructed from advanced high grade polymers, the Vita Carolina Vinyl Arbor is maintenance-free, water-resistant, and thus it can withstand almost all weather conditions. All you need to do is give your arbor a once-over with a garden hose to keep it looking wonderful year after year. It’s suggested to install this garden arbor in concrete for extra stability.
2. All Things Cedar Garden Arbor with Bench (Luxury Pick) 
Notable for its pergola-style sanded finish, the All Things Cedar Garden Arbor with Bench is an excellent choice for your backyard garden. It’s durable, rot-resistant, and simple to assemble. With a seat flanked by a wide arch, this garden arch is both stunning and functional.
Its robust construction and traditional design make the All Things Cedar Garden Arbor perfect for growing vines. Unlike the Vita Carolina Vinyl Arbor, the All Things Cedar Garden Arbor offers a 30-day limited warranty.
3. LeJoy Garden Metal Pergola Arbor (Affordable Pick) 
Do you want to grow a lot of climbing plants? LeJoy Garden Metal Pergola Arbor is the arbor you should be looking at. It’s capable of accommodating the extra weights of a variety of plants. As a result, it can also support heavy loads. The arbor is large enough to cover a whole garden while also providing excellent shade.
Pre-drilled and pre-cut holes make this arbor easy to assemble. Not to mention instructions that comes with illustration. Made from metal tubing, the LeJoy Garden Metal Pergola Arbor is coated in weather-resistant epoxy. The arbor is also excellent for important events, such as birthday parties, weddings, and other special events. This means you can use it as a garden arbor and an event arbor at the same time.
LeJoy Garden Metal Pergola Arbor requires plenty of space to mount, so keep it in mind when making your final choice.
4. Yaheetech Wood Arbor (Top-Notch Wooden Arbor) 
In case you’re hunting for a wooden garden arbor, the Yaheetech model is what you’re looking for. It not only has a lovely wood design, but it can also be useful for a variety of occasions and locations, including weddings, patios, backyards, and gardens. Its classic style and natural fir wood construction will appeal to you. It’s also ecologically friendly, making it more enticing to eco-conscious shoppers.
This classic lattice garden arch will boost landscaping in your yard with its pergola top and smooth and strong natural fir wood construction. It’s really well-constructed, with iron plates and several screws, and it’s protected against moisture with a weather-resistant varnish and high-temperature carbonization.
Assembling takes some time and effort, but the result is worth the candle. The numbered parts and screws along with preassembled side panels should help you with this process.
5. Athens Vinyl Arbor
The Athens Vinyl Arbor is available in a nice white hue that will help you create a stunning entrance to your garden or backyard. You’ll love how appealing it is with its trellis-like shape. Ultimately, this garden arbor has an appealing aspect and appearance, making it impossible to miss.
Additionally, it has a premium construction quality. It’s constructed from vinyl, a sturdy and solid material. This garden arbor is renowned for its high durability material used is also weather-resistant and maintenance-free.
The arbor doesn’t deteriorate under any weather conditions, and you do not need to strain yourself for its upkeep. No painting or maintenance is required. If you want to clean your arbor, just rinse it with a garden hose is enough.
This product has an astonishing 20-year warranty period so you can always receive help from the manufacturer.
6. Vita Florence Vinyl Arbor
Look no farther than the Vita Florence Vinyl Arbor if you’re aiming for a country cottage theme but want something with more formal features. It’s easy to maintain, made from weatherproof BPA and phthalate-free vinyl. The arbor’s beautiful white frame will stand out amid hedges, trees, and other plants.
With classical features capping pillars and a delicate sweep, the arbor’s top is what sets it apart. Another advantage is that it’s covered by a 20-year warranty. Vita Florence Vinyl Arbor comes with authentic architectural detail, forming the luxurious entrance to your garden. The garden arbor warranty protects against warping, yellowing, rotting, and cracking.
7. Better Garden Steel Garden Arbor with Gate and Plant Baskets
It’s great to have something anchoring the item on each side if your yard’s landscaping doesn’t have taller flowers or hedges adjacent to the location you’re planning for your garden arch. With side planters attached to the arching arbor, the Better Garden Steel Garden Arbor with Gate and Plant Baskets is excellent for potted plants or to line with wood to make actual planters for perennials.
This backyard garden arbor is made from steel tubing and covered with weather-resistant black epoxy. Better Garden Steel Garden Arbor can also work well as a unique side entry to your yard. By weaving your plants in and out of the scrollwork as they develop, this arch will train them to grow through the arbor.
8. DOEWORKS Garden Arbor
Is it possible that you just have climbing plants in mind? Well, we’ve got a special arbor for you! The DOEWORKS Garden Arbor is entirely for climbing plants. Your plants and other garden structures will benefit greatly from the arbor’s support and vigor. As a result, it might be used to showcase smaller hanging accents and other embellishments.
Made from metal tubing, this garden arbor is durable and ideal for lightweight climbing flowers and vines. Due to the sharpened ends of the metal arbor, anchoring them in the ground is easier. No screws are required to assembly the arbor.
9. Better Garden Steel Garden Arch with Seat
With a seat flanked by a broad arch with heart-shaped scrollwork, the Better Garden Steel Garden Arch is both appealing and useful. The bench has a slightly tilted back for extra comfort and is large enough to comfortably seat two people. The seat features broad slats and you can add a seat cushion.
The Better Garden Steel Garden Arch is made from steel tubing and is secured in the ground by the four posts at the bottom of the arch. With a touch of Southern charm, this garden arbor deserves plenty of attention. Only minor assembly is necessary, and instructions are included.
10. Evershine Metal Arbor Wedding Arch for Wedding
If you’re looking for a big-sized arbor for your backyard garden, consider Evershine Metal Arbor Wedding Arch. This charming garden arbor is notable for its clean lines and modern design. It’s simple to assemble, durable, and reasonably priced, albeit some customers reported they required to secure it with stronger stakes.
The arch can be used for a variety of recreational and related purposes. This is due to the fact that it may be paired with and complement a wide range of other related ornamental items. Evershine Metal Arbor Wedding Arch can work ideally as a side entry to your backyard.
Garden Arbor FAQs
What grows well on an arbor?
Apart from vines, you can grow plants and flowers like jasmine, rambling roses, honeysuckle, and clematis.
What plants are good for outside all year round for an arbor?
Star jasmine is a good choice if you want an evergreen vine with fragrant and spectacular blossoms. Star jasmine blooms throughout the spring and summer, displaying its star-shaped, fragrant blossoms. Other plants are Chinese Wisteria.
Can you build your own arbor?
Even a tiny garden arbor may be costly if purchased prefabricated or built to your specifications by a landscape carpenter, but thankfully, this is one of the easiest and cheapest landscapes do-it-yourself projects.
Can I leave my garden arbor outside all year, including winter?
If you don’t have access to a garage or outside storage area for your wooden garden furniture during the winter, it’s a good idea to invest in some coverings. The coverings will assist to prevent dust and filth from accumulating on the furniture while it’s not in use.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to take your garden’s design to the next level, choose one of these ten best garden arbors. They’re versatile, durable, and sturdy. They’re maintenance-free, and the majority of the aforementioned are also water-resistant.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.