Metal Garden Arches

Solid bar iron arches are the strongest option for UK gardens. Hollow tubular arches bend under the weight of mature climbers, especially when foliage is wet after rain. All our arches use solid iron or heavy-gauge steel construction. Deep-frame rose arches and trellis arches are the most rigid designs because the extra bars brace the frame against wind loads.

Yes, every arch in our range supports wisteria and other heavy climbers. Wisteria is one of the heaviest garden climbers, with mature stems reaching 30kg or more. The solid metal construction of our arches handles this load without bowing. We recommend concreting the legs 300mm deep for wisteria, as the twisting growth puts lateral stress on the uprights.

Use bolt-down base plates fixed directly to the paving slabs. Most of our arches include bolt-down plates for hard-standing installation. Drill into the slab with a masonry bit, insert rawl plugs, and bolt down each leg. This gives a permanent, stable fixing that handles wind load without any digging. On loose gravel or decking, you may need to concrete a sub-base first.

A tunnel is an extended arch that creates a covered walkway. A standard arch is a single frame you walk through, typically 40-60cm deep. A tunnel extends that depth to 2-3 metres, creating a planted corridor effect. Our Parisienne tunnels are ideal for rose walks and covered paths, while the Bronze Gothic tunnel at over 3 metres creates a dramatic garden feature.

The rust finish is a controlled patina, not active corrosion. Our rusted arches are treated to develop a stable oxide layer that protects the underlying steel. This natural rust finish actually slows further corrosion, the same principle as corten steel used in architecture. The colour deepens slightly over the first year, then stabilises. No treatment or painting is required.

Allow at least 1.2 metres internal width for a walkable path arch. Climbing plants reduce usable space by 15-25cm each side once established, so a 1.2m arch gives roughly 70-90cm of clear passage. For wheelchair or mower access, choose an arch over 1.5m wide. Our arches with gates range from 1.2m to 1.5m internal width.

No, garden arches fall under permitted development rights. Freestanding garden structures under 2.5m tall (within 2m of a boundary) or 4m tall (further from boundaries) do not require planning permission. All our arches fall within these limits. The only exception is if you live in a conservation area or listed building, check with your local planning authority in those cases.