An arbor is a garden feature composed of pillars supporting a roof of trelliswork that forms a shaded walk in your backyard. Adding this wonderful feature is a great way of creating an awesome venue for your family’s outdoor activities. Arbors upgrade your home environment by adding a new dimension of glamour in your outdoor home environment. They induce a state of relaxation that rejuvenates our minds and uplifts our spirits. If you don’t have an arbor yet, you may be missing on a lot of benefits that this wonderful structure can offer. So it’s about time to procure arbor plans.
Choosing arbor plans may be difficult for the homeowner. It may take considerable time and effort to find the most appropriate and ideal one. So how do you go about choosing the right arbor plans for your outdoor setting?
Here are 5 tips that will help you select from a variety of arbor plans.
1. Measure the area of your backyard/ garden.
The overall area of your backyard or the specific spot where you want your arbor installed is crucial in choosing a suitable arbor plan. Of course the arbor should fit well to the backyard setting; it should be of appropriate size, one directly proportional to the outdoor space; you wouldn’t want to purchase an arbor that won’t fit to your backyard at all.
2. Consider the design of your home.
Choosing the appropriate plan requires matching the design of your home to that of the garden arbor, so that they will complement each other and would produce a harmonious blending of themes and styles.
For instance, if your home’s architectural design is of Tuscan origin, you might also want to incorporate the elements of nature in your arbor by installing materials made of stone or brick.
3. Determine the purpose of the arbor
Arbors can either be functional or decorative; determining what purpose they will serve will guide you in going about the arbor selection process.
Whatever the purpose of the arbor, may it be for dining, reading or mere recreation; be sure to take this factor into consideration to have the arbor that does not only add beauty to your backyard but one that can also be functional and useful.
4. Choose the right type of wood.
Considering the ever- changing weather conditions, a durable and long- lasting wood material for the pillars as well as 
the roof should be selected. All of your time, effort and money would be put into waste if your arbor cannot effectively withstand the tests of time. For this purpose, redwoods are usually used as they are innately resistant to damage and insect infestations. Pine wood may be cheaper, but it doesn’t withstand adverse environmental conditions; leading to early decay and damage.
While treated wood may also be an option, it would not be recommended if the arbor will be constructed near the garden since they contain poisonous substances that can seriously harm the plants.
5. Take feasibility into account.
The most important factor is feasibility. You should only consider arbor plans which fit your budget and capability level. Don’t take the risk of choosing the ones that are too expensive and complicated for you.
For instance, patio arbor plans that involve installation of mortise and tenon joints create a wide range of complexities; and if you lack the required knowledge and experience, never ever consider having this one unless you have the financial means to ask assistance from arbor installation professionals.
If in the worst- case scenario arbor plans seem not feasible, arbor kits may prove helpful. Coming in predesigned styles, they can be easily installed to your backyard. Furthermore, they can be conveniently purchased online and immediately shipped right at your doorstep.
