Installation Guidance
Our timber garden arbours come in a range of elegant and timeless designs. They can either be used as a simple arch or as a stunning centrepiece when covered with climbing plants. They can be used as a boundary or a standalone feature in your garden. Just follow these simple instructions to help you get set up:
1. Choose the right tools. Always refer to the instructions provided but these will include:
- Power drill
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Spirit level
2. Select a suitable location. We recommend that arbours are planted on firm soil, next to the plants that will be trained on the trellis. In order to achieve the best results the arbour should be located in a sunny spot. Check what type of garden you have – when does it get the most sun? Plan accordingly. You may choose to place your arbour on grass, but for dip-treated arbours this is not recommended as the posts may rot over time. Arbours will look best when placed on a solid, sturdy base such as patio slabs or timber decking. If that is not possible a gravel area will secure drainage at least.
3. Secure to the ground. Strong winds may topple some arbours if they are not properly secured to the ground. The fixtures used vary if the arbour is to be secured on grass or on a solid base. If using a concrete patio base, paving slabs or timber decking you can use bolt-down post holders to ensure that your structure is fully secured. These are bolted to your surface, and the arbour’s struts inserted into the holders.
4. Assemble the structure. As previously referred to above, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Depending on your garden structure additional assistance may be required when assembling the product. You will start by adding the sides, or cross-pieces, to posts. The roof may require assembling separately and will be inserted last. Use galvanised screws to prevent rust. Use of a spirit level at this stage helps to ensure that the structure is level. If you are inserting your arbour onto grass or gravel use post spikes. These can easily be driven into the earth with a hammer. Please check prior to purchase that you have the appropriate size for your arbour.
Maintenance Guidance
Most garden structures requires some maintenance over the winter months. Softwood timber is no exception, so in order to maintain your items in excellent condition just follow our simple tips below.
1. When should I care for garden structure?
Late summer / early autumn is the ideal time to care for garden structures when there is still some dry weather and sunshine. Maintenance can be undertaken all year round.
2. How do I care for my softwood timber garden structure?
To maintain good condition, and therefore a pleasant appearance of your garden structures all year long, we would recommend that you wash regularly and treat with an oil-based wood stain or paint. The advantage of using an oil-based solution to protect outdoor structures is that it prevents water, dirt and sunlight from ruining its integrity (and lasting longer). Any surface debris or mould that builds up from being outside can easily be removed with a stiff brush and washed off with a solution mixture of warm water and washing up liquid.
Ensure that you check the weather forecast before applying any stain or paint so that it is done in dry weather.
Avoid trying to apply wood stain in very hot weather because it prevents it from drying evenly.
Like paint, wood-staining products are available in a wide range of colours so please consider your selection bearing in mind the overall look you want to achieve in your garden.