Tuesday, June 5, 2018

The Arbor Project

 Some weeks ago, before the rains of May hit us, we ordered a super nice cedar arbor from Wayfair.
We had considered a large pergola to be placed in the backyard, but we simply could not locate a spot that would have tons of sunshine for the Wisteria vines we wanted to cover it one day.
So, I chose a spot in the front yard, and instead of a large pergola which would have looked too large and out of place there, we instead ordered the arbor.
It arrived in two boxes and needed to be constructed from all of the pre-cut pieces of cedar.
Luckily I have a husband who loves projects and was more than willing to put the arbor together in his basement workroom.

 Then the arbor sat on the front porch while my husband dug the holes to pour in concrete for footers since the arbor had to be kept from blowing over in a windstorm.

And once that was done it was time to erect the arbor
A wonderful neighbor friend came over after my husband had attached the two sides and the top to make it into one structure,
 and together they lifted it into place and attached it to the four footers which would keep it in it's place on high wind days.... we hope.

The four wisteria were planted, one at each corner, and they already seem to be growing quite well with all of the spring rains we have had. 
 Next we placed furniture beneath the arbor to get an idea of the look we want at the end of the project.  A neighbor gave us this three piece set, but the metal chair legs sink into the soil and would easily tip over, as would the love seat.... it's a very sweet set, but in the end we decided that this look would be a bit 'over the top' in the front yard, and would most likely never be used as a social seating area anyway.  
We do like the love seat without the cushions, and without the two side chairs....
so we decided to keep it simple.
The chairs would not be used

 We both liked the simpler look of just the four foot love seat, so in order to keep it from tipping over we decided to order the cobble stones and mulch.  There is a small concrete square beneath each leg hidden beneath the mulch so this sitting space can be used without fear of tipping.
This look also means that my husband will not have to use a small mower or weed eater under the arbor.  He can just stay on the riding mower and go around the arbor area which means less hassle for him.
 Here are some shots of the final look of the arbor.



 The look as you come up our driveway in the evening.

 We are very happy with how this project turned out, although the cost was more than just the arbor itself.

Arbor
Four Wisteria plants
Concrete footers
Cost of upgraded nuts and bolts 
Weed netting
Cobbles
Mulch

And someday I think I want a cedar bench rather than the wrought iron one.







5 comments :

  1. Beautiful Arbor . . .
    It does look like the Wisteria is growing and ready to twist around and up.
    I look forward to watching!

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  2. That turned out really nice!
    Very attractive. :)

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  3. The new arbor provides a very welcoming view from your driveway. Very nicely done.

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  4. Love it! An arbor just adds something sweet to a yard. Your grass looks amazing, by the way.

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  5. Lovely! Can you smell the cedar? Have you purchased other things from Wayfair?



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