Ideas for Fences and Decking With Arbors

Covered Deck

• Creating a covered arbor for a deck makes an ideal outdoor entertainment location. You can construct a temporary wedding-like arbor for a special event or add a permanent arbor roof for the the deck. For a wedding-type covered arbor, place wood posts on each corner of the deck. Adding dowel rods to each post gives the option of adding curtains to the deck. Slipping a tension rod through each curtain panel will let you hang curtains from the side of the arbor roof. Tying or knotting the curtains of one panel at the deck's door entrance invites people inside the tented arbor.

Gateway Arbor

• Arbors serve as gateways into gardens. Adding an arbor along a fence creates a gateway to a garden or lawn. Match the type of wood to the fence material--like cedar or pine--or make the trellis out of a contrasting material, such as vinyl or a softer wood.

Ornamental Planting

• When you have installed an arbor attached to a fence or deck, adding tall plants gives you privacy on the deck. Ornamental plants, like tall grasses, conifers--like blue spruce trees and fir trees--also protect your arbor and garden from gusty winds. Also, tall trees and grasses can add a bit of shade in warmer months.