How to anchor a PVC arbor in concrete?

A PVC arbor can add a beautiful, lasting touch to your garden or pathway. Known for its durability and low maintenance, a vinyl archway is a popular choice for homeowners. But to ensure your plastic trellis stands tall and withstands the elements, proper anchoring is crucial—especially when installing it on a concrete surface. 

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before you begin, gather everything you'll need to complete the job. Having all your tools ready will make the process much smoother.

Tools:

• Post hole digger or shovel

• Wheelbarrow or mixing bucket

• Drill with a masonry bit

• Level

• Measuring tape

• Saw (if you need to trim the PVC legs)

Materials:

• Quikrete or another fast-setting concrete mix

• Gravel or crushed stone

• PVC pipes or metal anchor stakes (often included with the vinyl garden arch kit)

• Water source

• Safety gloves and goggles

Step 2: Prepare the Arbor and the Site

First, assemble the top portion of your plastic garden arch according to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not attach the legs yet.

Next, identify the exact location where the arbor will stand. Using a measuring tape, mark the positions for the two legs. Make sure the distance between the marks matches the width of your assembled arbor.

Step 3: Dig the Holes and Prepare the Base

Using a post hole digger or shovel, dig two holes at your marked locations. Each hole should be approximately 2 feet deep and 10-12 inches in diameter. This depth is critical for stability.

At the bottom of each hole, add about 4-6 inches of gravel. This layer will help with drainage, preventing water from pooling around the base of the arbor and potentially causing damage over time.

Step 4: Set the Legs and Pour the Concrete

Now, you can attach the legs to the top section of your PVC entryway. Carefully set the arbor into position, with each leg in a prepared hole. It's a good idea to have a helper at this stage to hold the structure steady.

Using your level, ensure the arbor is perfectly plumb and straight. Once it's in the correct position, you can start mixing and pouring the concrete.

• Mixing: Follow the instructions on the Quikrete bag. Pour the mix into your wheelbarrow or bucket, add water, and stir until you have a thick, consistent mixture.

• Pouring: Slowly pour the concrete into each hole, filling it up to about 6 inches below ground level. This will allow you to cover the concrete with soil or sod later for a seamless look.

Step 5: Cure and Finalize

After pouring the concrete, double-check that the PVC archway is still level and plumb. Adjust it if necessary before the concrete begins to set. Let the concrete cure for at least 24-48 hours, or as recommended on the bag. Avoid putting any stress on the structure during this time.

Once the concrete has fully cured, backfill the remaining space in the holes with soil. You can now begin planting your favorite climbing roses, clematis, or other vines to create a stunning focal point in your garden. With the arbor securely anchored, you can enjoy its beauty for years to come without worrying about it shifting or toppling over.