Garden arch design ideas
A garden arch is an uncomplicated design for vertical landscaping or garden lighting. Forged and stone products look aristocratic, even majestic. Unusually, but at the same time, at the same time, wooden or wicker structures look. They are used both as an independent element of decor and in combination with other items.
Features of arches
Before starting work, you need to think about their purpose. In some cases, the owners of mansions use such structures as:
- Gazebo. Plants densely braid the items, creating a luxurious shade. So, under this shelter, you can put a table.
- Transitions... When the summer cottage is very large, then such transitions create the effect of mystery and serve as a wonderful addition to the garden.
- Separating zone... For example, when you need to delimit exotic varieties of trees or certain places of rest.
It should be borne in mind that the selected material and dimensions of the arched structure depend on the load that the weight of the plant or a set of light bulbs (lanterns) will have.
On some of them, the owners decide to attach hammocks, as well as children's swings. These interior items differ among themselves in the shape and width of the opening. 
The designers have created the following types of arches:
- classic (oval or semicircular);
- modern;
- triangular;
- trapezoid;
- romance (rounded edges);
- portal (sharp corners);
- abstract form (semi-arches).
Requirements
Such a structure is a real find for a summer cottage. It performs dozens of useful functions. In this regard, a number of important requirements are put forward for them:
- Material. It must be durable and not deteriorate from temperature drops or high humidity.
- Structural strength. The connections should be of good quality, without protruding sharp objects. Supports must be installed securely.
- The size. It shouldn't be too bulky. Firstly, it is life-threatening, because with strong gusts of wind, it can collapse. Secondly, large structures against the background of a delicate garden do not look aesthetically pleasing.
- Dimensions. Calculated taking into account the height of the tallest family member. The width of the opening can depend both on the size of the adjacent walkway and on the needs of the owners. Wheelchairs, carts, gardening equipment or work wheelbarrows should be allowed to enter the gate.
It can be installed between a fence or a decorative wall. Also, the plants should braid the product beautifully.
Materials for arches. Their features
The main task of this design is to harmoniously fit into the general idea of the front garden. To do this, you need to correctly calculate its size and determine the design. In the exterior of small and medium-sized areas, arches made of wood or other materials look original with the following parameters:
- height ranging from 2.3 m to 3.3 m;
- width - 1.5 m;
- the depth depends on the type of vegetation.
For small blooms, structures with a depth of 50 cm are suitable, and for large or fruitful plants - more than 70 cm.
If the area of the territory is large, then several structures can be installed along the path of the path.In addition, it is recommended to purchase more massive products for such areas. To make them yourself, you will need professional equipment and step-by-step instructions. Therefore, many people decide to simply order them. You can build an arch for climbing plants from:
- wood;
- vines;
- metal;
- plastic.
Brick or stone act as independent elements of the landscape interior. Unusual red brick compositions look original. The structure can have a twisted shape, which gives it pomp. At the same time, majestic arches of polished white stone create an atmosphere of medieval Europe, reminiscent of the castles of emperors. However, each material has its own characteristics.
Wooden arches
This is the most versatile type of material. Wooden structures fit perfectly into any artistic idea of the landscape. Among other things, they can always be supplemented with other items, creating the perfect composition of the exterior. So, a bench or table made of granite will make a good match for the wooden gates of paradise. However, the service life of such products is short. To make them last as long as possible, you need to do the following:
- Treat the wood with an antiseptic before painting. This is the prevention of mold, rotting and insect infestation.
- Use only well-dried boards and beams. Otherwise, after installation under certain loads (temperature drops), they will immediately begin to deform.
- When painting, use only high quality paint. You don't need to save on this.
In addition to natural wood, you can use sawn timber - MDF and chipboard. These are durable and waterproof materials. Their surface lends itself perfectly to decoration.
Thus, pergolas and arches made of wood for a summer residence occupy the first place in the ranking of a budgetary and universal design item. At the same time, they bring a special idyll to the personal plot.
Plastic
Manufacturers create hundreds of exquisite arch models from this material. The shape of the vault can be oval, square, diamond-shaped or rectangular. There are very few color solutions for such designs, mostly white or beige. Moreover, they are installed quite simply and quickly. The cost of such products is low, so they are very popular. The disadvantages of plastic include:
- short service life;
- not the strength of the material (it cracks in the cold, so you need to remove it from the yard for the winter);
- cannot be used as supports for a bench or mini-fence;
- insufficient weight of the structure (in a strong wind it may collapse);
- flammable material (mounted 10-15 m from the ignition centers - brazier, stove).
A plastic garden arch is unpretentious in maintenance, since it is not affected by rust and rot. Such constructions are easily washed with soapy water. They are also mobile, so they can be easily moved to different places in the front garden.
You can collect such props yourself. It is enough to find the right number of plastic pipes and strips. Then draw up a diagram and use special fasteners to assemble the product.
Metal
Exquisite patterns can be made from metal that will presentably blend in the lush thickets of the garden. When the plant wraps around an iron arch, you get an amazing composition. If you wish, you can order chic metal garden arches. They are made either forged or welded. These may include the following details:
- rods;
- metal sheets or profiles;
- tubes of different diameters.
It could even be homemade copies. It is enough just to bend the usual 2nd pipes (or thick wires) and get an arched vault. Individual decorated elements can be attached to it.
This type of decorative structure is driven into the ground using long pins. This increases their resistance to anomalous natural phenomena. Among the advantages of garden metal products are:
- Durability. Serves over 10 years.
- Strength. Withstand heavy loads. Does not deteriorate from snow or rain. They tolerate sudden changes in temperature.
- Amazing decor. Only from metal can one get luxurious patterns, and even plot decorations. At the same time, designers boldly combine metal bases with stone and wood. The result is majestic massive arches.
However, luxury items also have their drawbacks. If you do not regularly touch up peeled or rusty places, the product will deteriorate. To do this, you need to prime the surface once a year, and then apply at least 2 layers of paint or varnish. This procedure serves as a reliable prevention against corrosion.
Natural stone
Arched stone structures have served their owners for centuries. The only thing that can happen to them: they will be covered with moss or have some mechanical damage. Only a professional bricklayer can build such an architectural miracle (the shape of the vault is rounded or non-standard). To make a straight canopy yourself, you need to use special diagrams or drawings. For such structures, the following materials are used:
- natural cobblestones;
- artificial stones;
- facing brick.
These building masterpieces do not require additional decoration with flowers or other types of vegetation. They adorn ponds and garden alleys charmingly.
Designers do not recommend building them in small suburban areas. Among other things, they look bizarre and strange against the background of simple wooden houses.
Arches workshop
You can mount such an arch with your own hands with step-by-step instructions, the photo of which is given below. A home craftsman can have both wooden beams or boards, and metal rods. In addition, you need to have a set of tools, fasteners (screws, nails, screws and bolts), as well as the usual quick wits.
Installation of a wooden arch
At first, it is important to consider the desired shape of the vault. The most time consuming step is creating the arc. It can consist of several parts or be of one-piece type. First of all, you need to make a drawing or design diagram, then proceed with the selection of high-quality material. So, the following materials are used for work:
- spruce;
- deciduous trees (birch, oak);
- cedar;
- fir;
- softwood lumber.
In addition, you can make a structure from ordinary straight branches or trunks. The result will be a unique exhibit in country style.
These tree species are the least susceptible to rotting and are resistant to humid climates. Nevertheless, before painting, they must be treated with antiseptic agents. Then, step by step, the following front of work is performed:
- Preparation of materials. The bars should be up to 3 meters high or less. In the amount of 4-5 pieces. The section of the bar is from 100 mm. Seven or eight planed boards (80 cm each). Overlap will be made of them. Select even 4 slats (3 m each) and ten wedges for the side walls. Find metal pins up to 50 cm long. You will need them to attach the base to the ground, although you can also use slats.
- Formation of an arched bend. First, the bars (boards) must be connected in a circle. An oval shape should be cut out of cardboard. Securely fix the resulting template on top of the bars. Using an electric jigsaw, cut out the details for both parts of the arch (2 pcs.).
- Assembling the upper part of the frame. At a distance of 16 inches (1 "= 2.54 cm), nail the crossbars using small nails.
- Sidebar decoration. A grid of slats is made between the two bases. The number of vertical (≈3 pcs.), As well as horizontal (≈8-10 pcs.) Rails depends on the depth and height of the structure. You can arrange them in a straight or oblique line. As a result, the pattern will consist of either squares or rhombuses.
- Frame formation. The canopy is attached to the bases with self-tapping screws and strips. Before that, on top of each support post, it is worth attaching a knee (knee).
- Installation in the garden. Removable structures have a small platform under each support post. In stationary products, pins are provided (1-2 pcs. On each) so that you can stick them into the ground. In other cases, the posts need to be buried 50 cm in the ground.
It is imperative to apply an antiseptic compound to the wood to prevent decay.
Six steps and the masterpiece is ready to go. The wood needs to be sanded or sanded, and then several coats of paint should be applied. This structure will revive the front garden and give it a stunning look.
Plants for arch decoration
Owners need to decide what they want to see in their garden. This can be an arch for grapes (maiden) or ivy. Many housewives prefer the excellent clematis or a spectacular climbing rose. In such cases, you can successfully experiment with different shades of plants. In the upper part of the vault, a graceful morning glory can grow, which surprises with its fiery red (purple) flowers. Near the bases, on both sides, a white rose is planted. These two shades complement each other well.
Do not heap up graceful forged products with massive curly flowers. At the same time, a large arched structure with refined and delicate vegetation will look very rough.
Everything should be in the same style. Two, or at least three types of landscaping will be enough for one garden arch. As a result, everyone will be able to enjoy the lovely gateway to their paradise.