Arbour assembly in Exeter
Professional arbour assembly services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£110-£210
Typical Duration
2-4 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Professional garden arbour assembly - securely anchored, properly levelled, and positioned perfectly for years of enjoyment.
Your Garden Retreat, Built Right
Got an arbour kit waiting in boxes? These are trickier than they look - heavy timber, pre-drilled holes that don't quite line up, and getting it level on real garden ground takes patience.
💡 The key to a lasting arbour? Proper ground anchoring. Devon winds and climbing plants turn an unsecured arbour into a liability.
Why Proper Installation Matters
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ DIY Disasters |
|---|---|
| Anchored solid to ground | Tips over in first storm |
| Seat level and comfortable | Slides you sideways |
| Trellis ready for plants | Panels pull away under weight |
| Looks straight and true | Visibly wonky from the path |
I've been called out to rescue more than one arbour that's blown over because it wasn't anchored properly. Don't let yours be next.
What You Get
🔧 Full Installation
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Parts check | Arbour kits are notorious for missing bits |
| Position | Final location and orientation agreed |
| Build | Frame assembled square and solid |
| Level | Seat comfortable even on slopes |
| Anchor | Ground spikes or bolt-down feet |
📦 Ground Fixing Options
- Ground anchor spikes for lawns and beds
- Bolt-down brackets for patio or decking
- Concrete haunching for exposed positions
Pricing Guide
| Arbour Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Simple arch style | 2 hrs | £110 |
| Standard with seat | 3 hrs | £160 |
| Large corner arbour | 4 hrs | £210 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after.
Perfect For...
✅ Garden focal points - Create a destination
✅ Climbing plants - Ready for roses and clematis
✅ Quiet reading spots - Your outdoor retreat
✅ End of garden features - Draw the eye down the path
Why Choose Us for Arbour assembly in Exeter?
Properly anchored to ground - won't blow over
Seat positioned level even on slopes
Trellis panels fitted for climbing plants
All timber joints tight and solid
What to Expect
Step 1: Check & Position
Full parts check (arbour kits often have missing bits), then we agree final position and orientation.
Step 2: Build & Level
Main frame assembled square and solid, seat levelled for comfort even on slopes, all joints properly tightened.
Step 3: Anchor & Test
Ground anchors installed, full stability test including a good wobble, packaging cleared away.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to tackle it yourself? Here's how to get it right:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Cordless drill with various bits
- Spirit level
- Rubber mallet
- Ground anchor spikes or bolt-down feet
- Spade (for ground anchors)
📐 Key steps
- Lay out ALL parts first and check against inventory
- Pre-fit main frame loosely before tightening
- Get someone to hold sections while you fix
- Level the seat before final tightening
- Install ground anchors last, once positioned
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Not anchoring to ground (biggest issue)
- Tightening bolts before checking level
- Positioning where ground slopes too much
- Forgetting timber treatment on untreated wood
💡 Pro trick: Assemble the frame loosely first, then position it exactly where you want it. It's much easier to adjust before everything's tight. Once you're happy with position, tighten everything and add the ground anchors.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🌿 Position it before assembly - once built, arbours are awkward to move. Think about the view, afternoon sun, and access to the seat.
Timber treatment:
- Pre-treated (tanalised) timber is ready to go
- Untreated timber needs preservative within weeks
- Annual treatment extends life significantly
For climbing plants:
- Plant 6 inches away from legs (dry zone at base)
- Tie in new growth loosely until it grips naturally
- Prune climbers back from seat area or you'll get tangled
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my arbour need fixing into the ground?
Strongly recommended, especially in Devon where we get proper winds. Most arbours are tall and top-heavy once plants grow over them. I use ground anchor spikes for soil, or bolt-down feet for patios. The last thing you want is it blowing over onto your prize roses.
Can you assemble an arbour on a slope?
Yes - most Devon gardens have some slope. I'll level the structure even if the ground isn't flat, adjusting leg heights or packing underneath. The seat needs to be level or it's uncomfortable, and the whole thing looks wrong if it's visibly leaning.
How long before I can grow plants over it?
Plant climbers straight away - the arbour just needs to be secure. Roses, clematis, or honeysuckle will start grabbing the trellis within weeks. I make sure trellis panels are properly attached to take the weight as plants mature.
Where's the best place for an arbour?
Somewhere you'll actually use it! Most people position for a nice garden view, or as a feature at the end of a path. Consider afternoon sun if you want to sit there with a cuppa. Worth getting right as they're not easy to move.
What if the ground is really uneven?
Not a problem - I deal with uneven ground all the time. Might need to dig out or pack up sections to get it level, but that's all part of the job. The finished arbour will be stable and the seat comfortable.
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