Build an Arched Entryway for Your Backyard: 20 Step-by-Step Instructions

Whether you’re planning a backyard event or just want to enhance your outdoor space, a backyard arch can serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Our carefully selected collection combines elegant designs with durable materials, so you’ll find an arch that matches your style and needs.

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84 in Metal Garden Arch

This stylish black arch adds a touch of elegance to any garden while providing perfect support for climbing plants like ivy, roses, and clematis. The double doors at the entrance add a charming decorative touch.

All Things Cedar Garden Arbor

With its arched design and natural Western Red Cedar construction, this garden arbor adds both elegance and functionality to your outdoor space. The included bench provides a comfortable spot to rest while enjoying the shade, though assembly requires some patience – plan for a whole afternoon with a helper to get it just right. The lattice panels and arched header create a beautiful backdrop for climbing vines, transforming the structure into a pleasant centerpiece for your backyard.

43.25” Metal Arbor with Whole House Views

This elegant metal archway adds a touch of vintage garden charm to any outdoor space, from backyard patios to ceremony settings. Train climbing roses and vines to cascade gracefully from the arched frame, creating a magical entrance feature that doubles as a botanical display.

YardCraft Mount Vernon Arbor

The YardCraft Mount Vernon Arbor brings a touch of natural elegance to any backyard, with its arched design and rich canyon brown finish. Made from high-quality wood sourced from environmentally responsible American companies, this sturdy arch combines natural beauty with practical durability. The included rust-resistant hardware ensures it’ll look great for years to come, while the option to paint or stain lets you customize it to match your space.

DTnature Metal Garden Arbor

Create a grand entrance for your outdoor celebration with this versatile garden arbor. Choose between two elegant archways – a wider option standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and 7 feet 6 inches wide, or a taller version measuring 7 feet 10 inches high by 4 feet 6 inches wide. The lightweight metal design makes it simple to move and assemble, with pre-drilled holes and detailed instructions to guide you through the process.

Real Sized Metal Decoration Arch

This bright white metal arch adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor space, measuring a generous 94 inches tall and 57 inches wide. Perfect for weddings or garden parties, it’s designed to support plenty of decorations like flowers, tulle, and lights. The weather-resistant construction makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, though some assembly is required.

59.1” W x 15.7” D Metal Arbor

This metal arbor brings a touch of Southern charm to any backyard or garden with its arched design and black epoxy coating that resists water and UV damage. The 82.7-inch width provides just the right amount of space for climbing vines or flowers to showcase, creating a natural focal point for your outdoor space.

6.5 ft Round Hammer Tone Green Metal Garden Arch

Stand out at your next outdoor gathering with this elegant, weather-resistant metal arch. The 6.5-foot green structure adds a touch of sophistication to gardens and party backdrops, while its sturdy legs ensure it holds up in various settings. Perfect for creating picturesque photo spots or serving as a striking centerpiece.

Metal Garden Arch

The metal arch provides a solid framework that can support climbing plants and decorative elements, with two height options to suit different spaces. The powder-coated finish and steel construction ensure it’ll stand up to outdoor weather, while the pre-cut design makes it pretty straightforward to put together. It’s earned an average rating of 4.2 across 102 reviews, though some have noted minor quality issues with the screw holes.

Dura-Trel Elmwood 85” Vinyl Arbor

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This USA-made arbor brings a touch of elmwood charm to your backyard, standing tall at 85 inches with a generous 42-inch walkway. The maintenance-free PVC construction handles whatever weather comes your way, while the pre-drilled steel ground anchors make installation a breeze. Perfect for supporting climbing vines and twining plants, this arbor adds natural beauty and structure to any outdoor space.

Gardman USA Nature Arch

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The Gardman USA Nature Arch transforms your backyard into a botanical paradise with its intricately crafted leaf and vine pattern. The bronzed steel structure adds warmth to any space while its natural curve creates an inviting entrance. While some find it slightly flexible in heavy wind, the ease of assembly and affordable price point make it a popular choice for garden entries and patio decor.

ProductWorks 88in Lighted Archway

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The ProductWorks archway brings a touch of elegance to outdoor gatherings with its warm white LED lights and clear floral caps. Standing at just over 3 feet tall, this lightweight structure installs easily with all necessary hardware included. When set up, the pre-lit arch creates a beautiful canopy of 500 lights, perfect for weddings, parties, or garden decor.

OUTOUR Metal Garden Arch with Graceful Curve

This backyard arch features a graceful metal frame with elegant scrollwork and multiple curved bars for plant support. While the basic structure looks impressive even without climbers, the real magic happens when you train vines and roses to weave through the delicate scrollwork. The stake-mounting system makes it simple to add this stunning focal point to any garden space.

Robust Steel Garden Plant Support

The steel frame arch has a solid, military green finish that will weather well in outdoor conditions. At 9.8 feet tall, 84 inches wide, and 72 inches deep, it’s the largest size available – though all six sizes from 6.5 feet to 19.6 feet feature the same proportions. The frame needs minimal assembly with instructions included, making it a practical addition for supporting climbing plants like grapes, cucumbers, or ornamental vines in your garden.

SLanC Metal Garden Arbor with Black Finish

This sleek black metal arch brings an elegant touch to any outdoor gathering, effortlessly transforming your space for weddings and celebrations. The modular design makes it simple to adjust the height and reuse for future events, while the heavy-duty construction supports climbing plants and creates a natural green canopy.

85 in. Gold Metal Garden Arch

This elegant garden arch stands a generous 6 feet 7 inches tall and spans 5 feet 5 inches wide, creating a natural entrance to any outdoor space. The metal construction features a weather-resistant epoxy coating and comes fully assembled with pre-drilled holes for easy setup. The versatile arch looks stunning when adorned with floral archways, tulle, or festive decorations, making it perfect for weddings, celebrations, and garden parties.

Black Metal Garden Arch

This elegant black metal arch adds an extra touch of romance to any outdoor space, whether you’re planning a wedding or just wanting to create a special gathering spot in your garden. At nearly 7 feet tall, it provides plenty of room for guests to walk through while plants climb up the sides. The durable metal frame can handle both indoor and outdoor use, making it a practical addition to your backyard decor.

Titan Arch by Gardener’s Supply Company

This lightweight yet durable arch brings a touch of rustic elegance to your garden, measuring 7 feet tall by 12 feet deep while tipping the scales at just 8 pounds. Made from plastic-coated steel tubing, it’s strong enough to support climbing plants like roses, clematis, and beans without the bulk of solid steel. A popular choice for both vegetable gardens and ornamental plantings, it’s installed easily and pairs beautifully with lattice panels or simple plantings.

Gardman Gothic Rose Arch

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The steel construction makes an impressive focal point for garden entries or pathways, though some users have noted it’s best suited for lightweight plants. With proper assembly and grounding, it provides a sturdy frame for guiding climbing plants through its gently arched design. The powder-coated black finish resists weather damage while complementing various garden styles.

6.5 Ft Round Metal Arch

Crafted from durable weather-resistant metal and painted white, this 6.2-foot arch comes with everything you need for quick assembly – including support legs to keep it sturdy in any setting. Perfect for adding height to your outdoor space or creating a natural arch for climbing plants to follow. Get creative with its versatile use as a garden focal point, outdoor backdrop, or indoor event centerpiece.

Buyer’s Guide

A backyard arch creates an instant focal point while providing a natural canopy for gatherings. When selecting one, consider material durability, overall size, and installation requirements to ensure it meets your needs and complements your outdoor space.

Material Options

The arch’s material significantly impacts its durability and maintenance requirements. Steel and aluminum offer lasting strength with minimal upkeep, while wood provides a natural aesthetic but needs regular sealing and painting. Vinyl can be an attractive, low-maintenance choice, though it may not age as gracefully as natural materials.

Size and Proportion

The arch’s height and span should complement your outdoor area’s scale. As a general rule, the arch’s height should be at least 75% of your standing height to allow comfortable passage underneath. The width should accommodate your typical gatherings, with at least 12 feet recommended for social settings.

Structural Considerations

Proper foundation is crucial for an arch’s longevity. Steel and aluminum tend to handle ground anchoring more effectively than wood. Consider the soil type and drainage when planning your installation site. Most arches require concrete footings, and heavier structures might need reinforcing support or footings.

Installation and Maintenance

DIY installation is possible for many backyard arches, especially for smaller models, but larger or heavier structures may require professional assistance. Regular maintenance includes checking for loose connectors and inspecting the structure for signs of wear, particularly in weather-exposed areas.

FAQ

What is a backyard arch?

A backyard arch is an arched structure that can be freestanding or built into a wall, ranging from simple decorative elements to functional passageways through outdoor spaces. They can span various widths, from just a few feet to several yards.

These structures are often made from materials like wood, metal, brick, or concrete, with designs that may incorporate lattice work, glass panels, or decorative stones to enhance their visual appeal.

How much space do I need for a backyard arch?

The minimum required space depends on the arch’s width and how it’s placed. For freestanding arches, calculate a square footage that includes the arch’s diameter plus walking space on either side.

When building an arch into a wall or fencing, ensure there’s enough room for the arch’s base to sit flush with the wall or be set back slightly for proper support.

What materials are best for backyard arches?

Wood, particularly pressure-treated or premium-grade wood, offers good durability and can be treated with resistant sealants. It’s relatively lightweight and easy to work with.

Metal arches, especially those made from weather-resistant steel or aluminum, provide long-term durability and come in a variety of styles. They’re ideal for coastal or highly exposed locations.

How do I maintain a backyard arch?

Regularly inspect wooden arches for signs of rot, splitting, or insect damage. Apply sealants and repaint as needed to maintain their appearance and protect against weather.

Metal arches should be checked for rust and corrosion, especially in humid environments. Apply appropriate coatings to prevent degradation and maintain the structure’s integrity.

What styles of backyard arches are available?

Traditional arched designs are popular, featuring classic lines and symmetrical shapes. These can range from rustic wood cottages to elegant metal gateways.

Modern arches incorporate clean lines and minimalistic features, with options for sleek metal frames or minimalist wooden structures. Some designs include built-in planters or decorative elements for added visual interest.

How much does a backyard arch cost?

Installation costs vary based on material choice, arch size, and any additional features like glass panels or decorative elements. Premium materials and complex designs will typically increase the price.

DIY projects using basic materials can start at $200-$300 for a small wooden arch, while professionally installed metal arches with extensive features might cost $1000 or more.

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