How To Use The 3D Oak Garden Arch Designer
Using the Garden Arch designer is straightforward, but if you need help, call us. We’re happy to assist. By using the designer, you'll have a hands-on approach when designing a bespoke garden arch.
There are two types of garden arches we offer; the 4-post arch and the 2-post arch. As you shape the design, the 3D model changes in real-time, displaying a projected illustration of what your garden arch will look like once assembled.
Here's what each control does and how it changes the design of your garden arch.
Arch Type
Type
The type control lets you switch between the two different arch options. The 4 post arch will feature crossmembers, whereas a 2 post will be joined by a single headplate.
Size
Regardless of the type of arch, you can alter the size. When adjusting the 4-post arch, the width, length and clearance are changeable. The width range is between 1 metre and 1.9 metres. This measurement is the space from outside of post to outside of post of the arch that you'll walk through while the length is the trellised sides and can span anywhere between 0.9 metres to 1.9 metres.
Clearance relates to height from the ground to the underside of the top plate and this can be anywhere between 1.9 metres and 2.9 metres. All measurements are changeable at 0.1 metre intervals. For the 2-post arch, only the width and clearance are adjustable.
Braces
The braces control includes curved braces between the upright post and top plate. For a 2-post arch, this will add two braces and for a 4-post arch four braces. Braces add stability the the structure and increase strength, if you don't want braces, simply select 'No Braces'.
Trellis
A trellis is a framework fixed to the sides of the arch. They are most commonly used to support the growth of climbing plants. You can add a trellis for 4-post arches but not for 2-post arches.
Posts
Thickness
The thickness control relates to the cross section size of beams and head plates. You can pick between 120mm, 150mm, 175mm and 200mm. The thickness has no correlation with durability or longevity, but rather, a matter of aesthetic preference.
Footings
If you've selected a 2-post arch, then the designer selects 'Into The Ground' as default. This is the only way to keep a 2-post arch stable and adds an extra 600mm to the post length to embed into the ground or concrete footings.
However, with a 4-post arch, you have an additional choice of 'Normal Posts' or 'Staddle Stones'. Staddle stones are non-porous stone blocks with a steel protrusion. By creating a hole in the bottom of oak beams the arch sits on top protected from standing water.
Crossmembers
Profile
The profile control relates to the ends of the crossmembers and headplates. With four profile choices you can pick from; square, chamfered, rounded and the most decorative, ornate.
Crossmembers
A 2-post arch doesn't have any crossmembers. Yet with the 4-post arch selected, you can choose the number of crossmembers. If you're unsure, select 'Set To Recommended' which will apply a suitable amount of crossmembers.
Overhang
The overhang lets you set the size of the overhang on crossmembers and headplates. For an arch without overhang, set it to 0m. When you want an overhang, the measurement you enter will decide the overhang on all sides.