Garden Arch
alternative methods of mounting

Full details of our garden arch, are shown on this page. This page includes suggestions for alternative methods of securing the posts - free standing and using metal stakes.

Where post sockets are not used, the posts should be lifted up off of any surface which may transfer damp to it - standing the posts on bricks should protect the bottom of the posts.

Free standing:

The basic structure is the same except for fixing the lintel to the posts and the corner braces which go across the outside face. In addition, the side braces are rearranged also to add rigidity.

Additional materials:

Treated timber:

• Alternative braces 4 off, 100x25mm 0.6 long
• Additional intermediate side braces - 4 off, 95x35mm, 1.5m long
  

Hardware:

• 20 off additional 6x100mm coach bolts plus large washers (for main braces)
• 20 off 6x150mm coach bolts plus large washers (for side braces)

Instructions:

• Cut the posts to the same length and cut out the recesses for the lintel.
• Cut and shape the lintels and with the posts flat on the ground, fit the lintels - make sure that the angle between is a rightangle - use 2 coach bolts per post to secure.
• Cut and fit the braces across the front faces of the posts and lintels as shown to the right. Secure each brace using 4 coach bolts - 2 at each end.
• Cut and shape the end rafters. Lift the two sides (posts, lintels and braces) into the vertical position and insert the end rafters.
• Cut and fit the side braces making sure that the posts are equally spaced and square.
  On each side, secure the upper brace about 300mm from the top, the lower brace about 300mm from ground level and space the middle brace equally between the upper and lower braces.
  Measure and cut the intermediate braces between the three horizontal braces as shown. Secure each brace using a coach bolt through the post.
• Secure the end rafters to the posts.
• Cut and fit the middle rafters using nails through the lintels into the end of the rafters.

Use short metal stakes:

The basic method is as described for using post sockets, the only difference being that instead of the post sockets, a flat (or 'L' shaped) stake is positioned next to each post and the post is bolted to it.

The stakes should extend about 200 to 300mm above the ground level and have at least two holes for securing the posts.

The stakes may be:

• Embedded in concrete - with about 200 to 300mm below ground and embedded in a similar manner to the post sockets, just position the stakes on the outside on the footprint. Splitting, or putting a few bolts through the stakes where they will be embedded in the concrete will ensure a good strong anchor.
  
  OR
  
• Just driven into the soil - with about 500 to 600mm below ground. The arch can either be made as 'free standing' and then the stakes positioned to suit, or the stakes driven into the ground first and then the arch built up from it.