Arbors can be a lovely decorative addition to your yard and can be used as a climbing structure for vines. The cost to have an arbor professionally installed ranges from $1,430 to $4,075, with most homeowners paying around $3,500.
People sometimes confuse arbors with other structures, such as pergolas. The main difference is in size: arbors are simple arches supported by one beam on each side, while pergolas usually have four columns supporting them and cover a much larger space.
In this article:
- Average costs
- Cost estimator by size
- Other factors that affect cost
- Related services
- Pro cost vs. DIY cost
- Cost by location
- FAQ
Average arbor costs in 2024
| National average cost | $3,500 |
| Typical price range | $1,430 – $4,075 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $115 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $12,835 |
Arbors can vary a lot in cost depending on the size, material, and whether it is prefabricated or custom-made.
You can buy prefabricated arbors for as low as $115, or you can have a professionally installed custom-made wood arbor that will cost you as high as $12,835.
Arbor cost estimator by size
Suppose you’re planning on building a garden arbor or having a professional build it. In that case, it’s essential to know that the bigger the arbor, the more it will cost.
The table below shows an estimate considering the arbors’ height.
| Height of arbor | Average overall cost (including professional installation) |
| 6 feet | $1,270 – $2,930 |
| 8 feet | $1,440 – $3,110 |
| 10 feet or up | $1,990 – $3,850 |
The larger the arbor’s width, the costlier it will be. In addition, as with anything personalized, custom-made arbors cost more than prefabricated ones, and the bigger the custom-made arbor, the higher your project cost.
Other factors that affect cost
Other factors should be taken into consideration when estimating the cost of an arbor, such as:
Custom-made vs. prefabricated
There are two ways in which you can get an arbor in your yard. You can buy a prefab kit and have it installed or install it yourself, or you can get a custom-made arbor specially designed to fit in your yard.
Prefabricated arbors have lower prices because they are mass-produced in factories and ready to assemble on your property with little to no modifications. On the other hand, custom arbors require labor and expertise to construct, making them more expensive.
| Type of arbor | Average cost |
| Prefabricated | $105 – $1,120 |
| Custom-made | $2,825 – $4,850 |
Attached vs. freestanding
Arbors can be attached to something (like a wall) or freestanding. It costs more to build freestanding arbors because they don’t have a structure that provides support, so they have to be made with a strong base and sturdy posts that will hold up their weight.
Attached arbors cost, on average, between $1,700 and $3,500, while freestanding arbors cost between $2,165 and $4,665.
Style
The arbor’s style also influences its cost. For example, there are arbors with a simple arch, with lattice, or with a flat top. Here’s a table with the average prices for an arbor, depending on the style:
| Arbor style | Average costs |
| Simple arch | $1,180 – $2,100 |
| Grape | $1,300 – $2,400 |
| Moon gate | $1,265 – $2,265 |
| Gabled | $1,500 – $2,865 |
| With a bench | $1,735 – $3,600 |
The taller and more complex an arbor design is, the higher the costs.
Material type
There is a wide variety of materials that arbors can be built with, and the costs will depend on these materials.
See below the average costs for arbors in different materials, not including the installation.
| Arbor material | Average costs |
| Wood | $330 – $1,425 |
| Metal | $95 – $745 |
| Composite | $400 – $850 |
| Vinyl | $120 – $925 |
| Brick | $750 – $1,250 |
Wood arbors
Wood arbors can be sold in prefabricated kits, or they can be custom-made. They typically cost between $330 and $1,425, not including installation. Logically, custom-made wood arbors will be closer to the high-end values shown, as the wood needs to be cut and shaped into the desired form and size, which requires more labor.
It’s also important to consider the type of wood you want. The most popular and cheaper wood types are cedar and pine. More high-end options are also available, including redwood, timber, and teak.
Metal arbors
If you want to spend less money but still want a durable option, consider prefabricated metal arbors. They can cost as low as $95, and you won’t have to worry about rotting or infestations, as you would with wood.
Metal arbors cost, on average, between $95 and $745, and they can be made of aluminum, steel, iron, or wrought iron.
Composite arbors
Composite is a combination of plastic and wood fibers. It’s lightweight, easy to work with, and doesn’t need to be treated like natural wood does. So, if you like the look of wood but would still like to keep your costs low, this is a great option.
Composite arbors cost, on average, between $400 and $850.
Vinyl arbors
Vinyl arbors are the most common ones, so it’s easier to find prefab kits. They’re practical, long-lasting, and don’t require maintenance. The only disadvantage might be that they don’t look natural like wood or composite arbors.
Prefabricated vinyl arbors are sold on average for $120 to $925, with varying prices depending on the size and level of intricacy.
Brick arbors
Brick arbors are not standard, but they can add a rustic look to your yard and require less maintenance than wooden ones. In addition, they’re more weather-resistant and probably will last a lifetime.
However, since brick arbors need to be custom-made, they can be costly. Their average costs are between $750 and $1,300.
There are ways to add shade and privacy to your yard other than with arbors. Here are some related services to help you choose the best structure for your yard:
| Type of structure | Average cost |
| Arbor | $1,430 – $4,075 |
| Pergola | $2,100 – $6,000 |
| Trellis | $60 – $350 |
| Gazebo | $5,365 – $9,025 |
Pergola
The difference between pergolas and arbors is that pergolas are bigger. Whereas arbors only have two beams, one on each side, pergolas usually have four columns supporting them. As a result, pergolas are often used for shading gardens and patios, while arbors are more commonly used for decorative purposes.
Most homeowners pay between $2,100 and $6,000 to have pergolas professionally installed, with a nationwide average of $4,000.
Trellis
Trellises are even smaller in size than arbors. Both arbors and trellises can be used to support vines, but where trellises are merely decorative and usually have to be attached to a wall or fence, arbors can be freestanding and are used as a tunnel or entrance.
Trellises usually cost between $60 and $350, or $200 per linear foot.
Gazebo
Arbors have no roofs, so the sun can shine through at any time of day. Gazebos, on the other hand, have solid roofs that can completely block sunlight. That means that if you want to enjoy the outside, even when it’s raining or snowing, gazebos are the best choice for you.
Gazebos cost between $5,365 and $9,025, with most people paying about $7,590.
Pro cost vs. DIY cost
Suppose you want to save money. Instead of hiring someone to install your prefabricated arbor, you can easily install it and save on installation costs. Prefabricated kits provide step-by-step instructions for assembling them in less than two hours.
Custom arbors, on the other side, require more expertise and should be left to professionals, especially if you don’t have experience with woodwork.
The table below shows the material prices to assemble and install prefabricated kits:
| DIY equipment for prefab kits | Average cost |
| Post hole digger | $60 |
| Level | $35 |
| Screwdriver | $15 |
| Ladder | $125 |
| 16-inch steel garden anchors | $20 |
| Pre-mixed concrete | $4.50 |
| Arbor installation kit | $115 – $1,120 |
| Total: | $375 – $1,380 |
On average, the total cost to build and install a prefabricated arbor kit ranges from $375 to $1,380. However, most homeowners already have a screwdriver, a ladder, and a level at home, so the costs can drop even lower.
One way to reduce DIY costs: The concrete and the garden anchors ensure the arbor stays in place, but you can choose to use the anchors without the concrete footing.
Cost of arbors by location
The costs for prefabricated arbor kits don’t vary much by location—they usually cost about $115 to $1,120. However, the prices for arbor installation and custom-made arbors can vary greatly depending on where you live.
If you live in a rural area, you can expect to pay less than in an urban area, where labor costs are much higher.
FAQ
When it comes to where to place an arbor, the answer is simple: anywhere. You can put an arbor on your pathway or entrance or install a bench arbor in the corner of your garden with flower beds so you can sit there to relax and admire them.
The safest way to install an arbor is to use 16-inch steel garden anchors to secure it in the ground. Most prefabricated kits already provide these anchors. However, if you live in a windy area and want to ensure it’s safe, you can use concrete footings to secure these anchors even more.
Arbors should be at least 6 feet tall, but if you want to be extra sure everyone is going to be able to walk through, you should aim for 8 feet tall.
Final thoughts
The bottom line is that a high-quality arbor can be a great addition to your yard, especially if you don’t have space for a gazebo or a pergola. Now that you can make an informed decision when choosing the right arbor for your yard, find a landscaper near you to install it!
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Photo by: Needpix
