too much weight for arbor?

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rewolf

rewolf

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Jul 4, 2007
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This is the arbor I have to build. My structure is made from birch poles that basically sit in heavy umbrella stands. Nervous though about the amount of flowers the front portion will carry. How much do you think the foam and flowers will weigh? Can 3" birch poles carry the weight? If not, what kind of structure would you build? Thanks for the input.
 

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What will the height of the structure be? How will the entire arbor be tied together? I have used bricks to weight the back at the top, but the top of my arbor was covered in fabric and easy to hide the bricks.
 
You didn't say if this was to be out doors or inside, I would take some PVC and put the stuff on it as a precaution or even that of some slim metal poled the home depot has all of this, because if as pictureced it is preety heavy , also if they are using there own tallis some are very heavy...
 
rewolf said:
Height is 7' , width is 5' and depth is about 2'. I'm going to use wire tie-down that attach to spiral tent stakes that I screw into the ground.
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You shouldn't have any problem at all. Tying it down will do the trick. Please post pics so we can see the finished product. Good luck.
 
A.b.s.

The other kind of plumbing pipe I think it's called ABS it's black and has a thicker wall might work better, it's stronger than PVC.
 
Biscotti said:
The other kind of plumbing pipe I think it's called ABS it's black and has a thicker wall might work better, it's stronger than PVC.
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This is what I have used. They also sell the connector pieces and 90 degree elbows. It is also easy to drill through, so if you are using outdoor umbrella stands (like for a patio table) you can use a 6" lag bolt or piece of rebar to secure the 2 together. If you are using indoor umbrella stands (tall cylinders) you can plaster of paris the PVC into them and keep them for future use (plus, the plaster would be a great weight). FYI Menards & Home Depot sell plaster of Paris in 25lb bags for $5~$6...which is WAY cheaper than buying out every Michaels & Hobby Lobby (been there, done that!!!!!)
 
Just make sure to factor in any winds in the area. We have done several different types of arches, huppas, arbors with and without flowers and the wind factor is a biggie even if everything appears to be stable and strong.
 
With this much weight it must be anchored.

The size of the arbor is not as important as how its anchored to the ground. This looks very front heavy and could be a real disaster if not securely fastened to something. We have used several cement blocks in the back and also used heavy mono-filament (100lb. +) fishing line so that its invisible. Our number one rule, do not leave it if you "wonder" if its going to last, it won't.
Over plan and build, you will never regret it.

Keith
The guy who has to make designers honest.
 
We also use PVC pipe...and the elbows for the top/square. Ours are in decorative plastic
(or resin) urns, filled with Plaster of Paris for weight. We secured about a 2 ft section
of maybe 4" diameter (forget the exact width,sorry)..into the Plaster of Paris. Let harden.
Then the long poles are about 3" diameter, and slide down inside the wider short pieces.
Makes it much easier to carry the 7' poles in the van...then assemble on site.
I tried the umbrella stands years ago and found them to be not deep enough to hold the weight and not topple over...it was a disaster. BUT...if you do use them, then by all means put a concrete block on top of them to hold them down....hide with
fabric.
 
I wouldn't use PVC or any plastic pipe. Even schedule 80 pipe (which is expensive) would probably sag.

I would use either Bamboo or one of either of two types of steel pipe. If you use steel, you could use 3/4 inch Black or Galvanized pipe.

If you use plaster of paris, make sure you have a wide enough container with a good flat base.

Personally I prefer concrete. Bags of Quickkrete work great. The reason I like concrete is that concrete weighs more the Plaster of Paris which means you can use a smaller base and still get the support you need.
I assume this will be used outdoors.

I have used both plaster of paris and concrete.

I have gobs of concrete and plaster of paris bases that have bamboo kanes in them. I personally like the natural look of bamboo over pvc.

Bamboo is really strong. Also you could build up the bamboo. Instead of using one kane, you could tie three together. The advantage is a strong-light weight structure.

Remember, you need alot of weight at the bottom and a strong frame. The frame doesn't necessarily need to be heavy.

joe
 
Joe Mioux said:
I wouldn't use PVC or any plastic pipe. Even schedule 80 pipe (which is expensive) would probably sag.

Personally I prefer concrete. Bags of Quickkrete work great. The reason I like concrete is that concrete weighs more the Plaster of Paris which means you can use a smaller base and still get the support you need.

I personally like the natural look of bamboo over pvc.
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Great advice Joe. How are you joining the bamboo top rails to the vertical bamboo poles?
 
rewolf said:
Great advice Joe. How are you joining the bamboo top rails to the vertical bamboo poles?
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When I have done it in the past I used heavy wire. You may need to screw the frame together. If you go that route, predrill the holes. or bolt it together.

Joe
 
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