How to make a rebar arch

If you can weld rebar or have a buddy who can, here's an example of a well-crafted rebar archway I saw recently at a local botanical garden. Though it was supporting a Hoya, not a rose, it seemed very sturdy, and it was good looking. A rose, a clematis or any other moderate vine or climber would look great on it.

Materials needed:

-- rebar
-- a section of metal pipe cut into rings for the spacers
-- a couple of bags of quik-crete (post-setting concrete) to secure the rebar

Tools:

-- a hack saw to cut rebar and to cut pipe into sections
-- welding equipment (remember welding safety equipment also, of course)
-- a shovel to mix the quik-crete
-- a rebar bender for shaping the top area of the arch

The two bases: A circle of 7 sections of rebar secured in the ground by concrete:



Sections of metal pipe cut into rings act as spacers and stabilizers for the rebar. You can increase or decrease the girth of the arch by using larger or smaller diameter pipe. Depending upon the size of the pipe, you may need to add or subtract pieces of rebar. The spacers increase strength of the structure. Note the welds in the picture. Each spacer was placed 3' apart along the arch:



And here's a section of the top of the arch:



I think they used the longest rebar they had, and then welded another piece on, end-to-end, if they ran out of length--you can see a weld like this in the 1st picture.

I hope this gives you a good idea of how to build an arch for your own garden. Make friends with a welder! Rebar, a section of pipe cut into rings, and a bag or two of concrete are quite inexpensive in comparison to redwood or cedar lumber or a purchased arch.

Disclaimer: work at your own risk. I saw this and liked it. Your mileage may vary.

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