Arched Garden Pergolas

A arched pergola gives a garden a focal point, and it can carry roses, clematis or grapes overhead. The hard part is picking a size and a wood that fit your yard and your plans. This page walks through the styles on offer so you can decide before you buy.

Compact red cedar arches for small gardens

The smallest arches, from 8' x 8' to 8' x 12', suit a short path, a gate entry or a single seating spot. Red cedar is the material here, and it gives a warm look that suits climbing plants well. A small footprint is easy to place and easy to plant around. If you want one clear feature rather than a whole garden room, start here.

Long red cedar arches for walkways

Narrow and long shapes such as 10' x 16', 10' x 20' and 10' x 24' work as a covered walk. They line up well along a garden path, a lawn edge or the side of a house. Plant a climber at each post and, over time, the whole length becomes a tunnel of leaves. Pick the length that matches the path you already have.

Square and near-square red cedar arches for garden rooms

Sizes like 12' x 12', 14' x 14' and 14' x 16' give you a roomier space underneath. They suit a table and chairs, a pair of loungers or a quiet reading corner. The shape feels like an outdoor room rather than a passage. Leave space around it so you can walk in from more than one side.

Large red cedar arches for big yards

The biggest models run from 12' x 24' up to 14' x 32'. These are for wide lawns, large patios or gardens where a smaller structure would look lost. They can cover a dining area or a long planted border. They also need the most ground, so measure carefully and picture the full length in your yard first.

Treated pine arches

If you want the same arched look in a different material, there are treated pine versions in 12' x 14', 12' x 16', 12' x 28' and 14' x 24'. Pine is a plainer choice than cedar and suits gardeners who want the shape and the space without choosing red cedar. Check the product page for care notes, and follow the manual when you assemble and maintain it.

How to choose

Start with the job. A path wants a long, narrow arch. A seating spot wants a squarer one. Plants alone can be happy with a small one.

• Measure the spot, then add room around it for walking and for plants to spread.
• Choose the material: red cedar or treated pine, as named in each product title.
• Match the length to what it will cover, whether that is a path, a patio or a lawn.
• Think about the ground. A flat, level site makes installation simpler.

Questions people ask

What size suits a walkway?

A long, narrow size such as 10' x 16' or 10' x 20' is a natural fit. Pick a length close to the path you want to cover.

Can I grow climbing plants on it?

Yes, that is a common use for an arched pergola. Choose plants that suit your climate and sun, and train them up the posts.

Which size works as a garden room?

Squarer sizes such as 12' x 12' or 14' x 14' leave more floor space under the arch for furniture.

Do I need to follow the instructions when building?

Yes. Follow the manual that comes with the product for assembly and anchoring.