Evaluate how well a Garden Arbor meets your needs and compares to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in a garden arbor and you've learned about the different features of arbors. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of garden arbor - will best meet your needs. Now you are going to continue that process, but in greater detail.
In this step you will
evaluate the arbors available on the market to determine how well they meet your personal needs and establish, by a process of elimination, an initial short-list of contenders. Then you will compare these short-listed arbors to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well an Arbor meets your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available garden arbors in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any arbors that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any arbors that clearly exceed your price limit.
Often an arbor is covered in flowering vines and foliage and is used as an entrance or focal point in a garden. An arbor can be a delightful addition to any backyard. They can be simple arches or elaborate wrought iron scrolled creations and can be designed with the addition of gates and benches. Arbors come in a variety of materials including wood, plastic and various fine metals.
The placement of the arbor is of personal preference. Many individuals choose to showcase a specific area of their yard, while others select a model with a gate to create a dramatic entrance. Many arbors come with additional seating for a quiet area to sit and enjoy a book or listen to nature on a summer day. Others have areas for added plantings with the addition of planter boxes.
In addition to thinking about the area where the arbor will be used, consider the type of plant that you will be using with the structure. Your arbor must be strong enough to withstand inclement conditions as well as the weight of the plant. It is also important to bear in mind how well the unit will blend into its surroundings.
Tip:
If you will be using a plant that is particularly heavy, select an arbor that has a wider base. This will provide the strength and stability needed to accommodate the weight and size of the plant.
It is important to carefully choose the type of plants you will be using with your arbor. There are a wide array of fruit bearing and floral options to choose from. Faster growing plant varieties include, Clematis Montana, Honeysuckle, Russian Vine, Virginia Creeper and Grape vines. For a seasonal change of pace, consider using an annual planting. These include Sweet Peas, Nasturtiums, Climbing Black Eyed Susan and Morning Glories.
Tip:
Keep in mind that climbing vines grow anywhere from 4 to 80 feet depending on type and regional climate. Pay close attention so that your vine does not become unmanageable, however, no matter what variety of plant you choose, pruning will be necessary to keep the area looking neat and attractive.
If your arbor will be located in an area that has a significant amount of shade, consider using Clematis, Climbing Hydrangea, Ivy, Winter Jasmine or roses. Roses also add a nice fragrance to the area. Other fragrant plant varieties include Wisteria, Honeysuckle and Sweet Peas.
In order to keep your arbor looking its best, some maintenance might be necessary. While cedar is generally maintenance free it can be painted and stained to complement the colour of your home or the surrounding structures. Paint or stain should be reapplied every 5 to 8 years. If you choose to leave the cedar unfinished, it will weather to a silver or grey appearance.
Metal arbors, particularly iron will need to be refinished periodically to minimize the risk of rusting. The application of rust resistant paint or lacquer will greatly guard against this threat. A vinyl arbor is virtually maintenance free, however, it will require cleaning at least once a year so that the structure will continue to look fresh.
Arbors can be a stunning addition to any outdoor space as well as a quiet oasis to drink in the nature around you. When care is taken to choose the right planting materials and maintain the structure, it will be a thing of beauty for years to come.
When you were considering your requirements in an arbor it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as material type, arbour design, size and cost as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various arbors meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Materials
- Wood - including: red cedar, pine, teak, pressure treated lumber
- Vinyl, plastic
- Metal - brass, copper, wrought iron, powder-coated aluminum
Arbor types
- Narrow Path
- Wide Path
- Arched
- Gable
- Wedding
- Pergola
- Nantucket
- Grapevine
- Victorian
- Gothic
- Manchester
- Flat roofed
- Bench arbor
- Gated
- Planter
Size
- 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) wide
- 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.6 meters) high
Usage Considerations
- Privacy
- Shade
- Seasonal Colour
- Fragrance
- Fruit bearing
- Attract birds and butterflies
Vine Types
- Climbing - tendrils, twining, clinging, climbing roses,
- Flowering - Honeysuckle, Wisteria, Passion, Trumpet, Clematis, Vinca, Morning Glory, Cardinal Climber, Cypress
- For attracting birds - American Bittersweet, Grape Vines, Carolina Coralbead, Virginia Creeper, Wild Passionflower, Boston Ivy, Japanese Creeper, Nasturtium, Sweet Peas
Installation Tools
- Gravel, crushed stone
- Concrete
- Bolts, nuts, screws, washers, decking screws
- Hammer
- Screw gun
- Tape Measure
- Wrench
- File
- Step ladder
- Wood chisel
- Spade bit
- Circular saw
- Jig saw
- Shovel
- Level
- Wheel barrow
- Garden hose
Miscellaneous options
- Benches
- Lighted
- Gated
- Planters
- Side extensions
There are a lot of ideas and features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of them impact on your arbor needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require in an arbor.
Once you have finished evaluating the arbors available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the arbors one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well an Arbor compares with competing Arbors
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of arbors that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of arbors that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which arbor on my short-list can best meet my needs?
Which of these arbors has the best value for money?
Which of my short-listed arbors has the best warranty?
Which arbor is the easiest to install and maintain?
Which of the arbors seems of the highest quality?
Which arbor best suits the style of my garden?
Which short-listed arbor do I like best
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating arbors that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short-listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing the arbor, you need to find an opportunity to examine an example of the product to evaluate how well it is made, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. This is the time to examine the quality of the materials, and how well the arbor is put together. Check the assembly - is the arbor solidly constructed? It's also important to examine the arbor from the perspective of ease of use. How easy is the arbor to maintain? Will it be suitable to the type of plants you want to grow on it?
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Materials - quality, appearance
- Assembly - all parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Solidly constructed - stable, no loose components
- Proper fit of removable parts - easy to remove and replace, fit snugly
- Size - appropriate for surroundings and purpose
- Appearance - well finished, appropriate color, neat fittings etc
- Easy and comfortable to use
Warranty Conditions
Similar products may be available with significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Parts and labor are often covered under separate warranties, for different time periods; sometimes there can be a significant difference in the warranty offered with one model compared to that offered with the next model up. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty, such as if you use the incorrect stain or rust treatments to those recommended.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Parts, Labour
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories and Extras
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what additional items are necessary, and whether these are included with the purchase. What other extras are required - do you need paint or stain, for instance?
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost?
- Compatibility issues - will it work with your existing products?
- What else will you need to fully benefit from your arbor?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of arbors that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
Video Links
Buyz123.com Research Links:Price ComparisonPrice comparison of garden arbors in timber and aluminum