Simple Arbor Designs
In many ways building an arbor isn’t much different from how to build a pergola. Perhaps the most common difference is going to be in the scale of the construction. While pergolas tend to be relatively large structures, many arbors are lightweight and diminutive.
The same design principles apply to both though, even if the scale changes. Essentially an arbor is meant to allow vines to climb or be trained up over the lattice, giving a shape to the plant that otherwise would be difficult or impossible to obtain.
At the same time this can open up space underneath the plant canopy. This can simply be an aesthetic effect, or can also provide for functional shaded area for other plants or even to create comfortable outdoor living spaces.
The Simplest Arbor
The simplest arbor designs are generally vertical arbors which act much like a trellis. These arbors can be attached to walls, fences, or other existing structures. They are comprised of a lattice of wood in most cases, usually with some sort of framing to stabilize it.
This lattice can be purchased at home improvement centers, which makes it extremely easy to construct an arbor from. Nailing or screwing the lattice to a wooden frame, then attaching it to a vertical surface with standoffs to allow the plants to wind around the lattice, is all that’s really needed to create a beautiful and functional arbor.
These types of arbors are great for creating privacy screens between posts or along deck or porch railings. They will also provide some cooling effect by allowing the plant canopy to intercept sunlight. This can be a very green sort of structure (visually and effectively) on the side of a home, where it can greatly reduce the energy required to keep the house cool in the summer.
The great thing about this type of shading for the home is that in the winter when you want the heating effect of the sun, the plant canopy has died back, allowing the sunlight to pass through mostly unhindered.
Slightly More Complicated Arbor Designs
Sometimes an existing structure can’t be relied upon to attach an arbor to. In such cases the arbor has to become the structure itself. These types of arbors are very similar to pergolas and trellises.
A very common type of arbor is a horizontal one, kept off the ground with posts and set on crossbeams. The height of the arbor can vary quite a bit, and it’s a good idea to bear in mind the growth habit of the plants that will be trained onto it. Too high, and the vines or shoots may not reach high enough to cover the arbor.
In some cases you could integrate pots into the arbor so that plants which don’t normally climb high enough can still reach the arbor lattice. Often these sorts of plants are not climbers at all, and so the arbor needs to be built in such a way as to support the plants rather than provide a route for climbing tendrils.