vita Westhaven 57 inchW x 88 inchH Vinyl Arbor

This was delivered in a super-long, super-heavy, rather intimidating box, so it sat behind my couch for a really long time until I decided I was going to have a garage sale. With a "it's now or never" mentality, I decided to either put this beautiful beast together or sell it to someone who would.I'm 43 years old, about 5'1", and about a firm 7 on a scale of 1-10 as far as "how handy are you with power tools etc." I tackled this project alone on a Saturday afternoon: here's what I discovered.The arbor was packed securely, and the instructions were easy to find upon opening the box. I read everything first, laid out all the pieces on the driveway, and only had one spot where things got confusing and I had to backtrack and take some pieces apart for a redo. I didn't realize that the screws are meant to be on the outside of the arbor, but it makes sense now: the "inside" of the arbor, the pass-thru part, is designed to be the pretty side.Assembly took me about two hours and I was/am really, really happy with how it turned out. I initially had it in one area but then moved it to the backyard. I didn't use the boots...until it blew over in a moderate wind. I buried the boots into the ground, packed them in tight, lifted the arbor in (with help), and it's good as gold.I love this arbor. It's truly stunning. It gives a really beachy vibe to my backyard, but your mileage may vary. If you're going for a cottage look, I could see that, too. Best of all, it's durable, heavy-duty, solid, level, and was pretty easy to put together by myself - I just needed some milk crates to hold one side up while gluing the caps on.I would recommend this set and this manufacturer to anyone. This is a quality piece that was wayyyyy less expensive here than going through any local "big box" store. Along with their in-writing, twenty-year guarantee, you're not going to find a better arbor at this price. This will hold whatever you're planting and will look swell, too.

I put the arbor together easily. Installation was more challenging. Because we get high winds in our area, I decided to mount it in concrete footings. I dug post holes to depth I wanted, added gravel for drainage, put concrete form tubes in place to receive quickset concrete. The next steps were the most difficult- getting the arbor level and perpendicular. I did not have a helper. I place a four foot level on the top of the arbor, and could read the gauge from below. I used other levels for uprights. The problem was, that in spite pre- measuring the depth of the post holes the base of the arbor posts were not level. I adjusted gravel levels in the bottom of the holes several times without success. What worked for me was to build a frame to suspend the arbor at the correct height and level. The arbor spans our entrance walkway. First I made sure that the sidewalk itself was level. I then laid two by fours across the sidewalk, pre cut to the distance between arbor posts. I then build two u shaped frames, measured exactly to the height of the arbor cross beams. By placing the open end of the frames on the level 2x4s on the sidewalk and using the cross piece of the u shaped - really n shaped frame, I was able raise slightly the height of the arbor so it was perfectly level on both sides. I used a separate n shaped frame on the other side. Perpendicular measures were easy at this point as the posts were in essence hanging from the arbor. I added a bit of gravel to post holes where needed to fill in spaces around the posts and to hold perpendicular measures in place. Next I added concrete to fill the form tubes. The tubes were placed in the post holes at a height which left the concrete below the sidewalk. I wanted six inches of dirt on top of the concrete. After the concrete had cured, I added dirt on top and leveled the space between the arbor posts and added mulch to blend with our garden.The result is beautiful. Although having an assistant would have made the process easier, I found that the 2x4 frames I used were just the helper I needed.

First, I deducted 1 star because I think it could have benefited from a few more predrilled holes or at least marks on where to drill. While the instructions were easy to follow, I'd have appreciated having the holes marked so I didn't have to measure.Now, other than that, I am very happy with this arbor. Putting it together was not a simple task. There are a lot of parts and I was putting it together alone. I previously scoffed at a review that said it took 4 hours. I apologize, fellow Amazon member, I think it took me longer. I was also thrown off by the R vs L pieces. Apparently each arbor side has a R and L. I interpreted it as one arbor side was L and the other arbor side was R. I was incorrect. The world didn't end, it's fine.Once assembly is complete, it's awesome! It's a little wobbly when moving but it has a significant weight. It is very sturdy. I created some concrete feet so the arbor could be free standing as well as raised up 16 inches. I included a picture of how I made the "feet" but if you'd like more detail, just ask. Basically I set the included anchors in concrete. But to get the extra height, I included a cut section of 4x4 fence post in a flower pot to get the extra height.I've placed this in a window with bird feeders and 2 Bougainvilleas which will, hopefully, take it over. It took a window with a view of my neighbors house to the best window seat in the house! I also love that it has the simplistic large squares but just a hint of curve at the top of each side. Very happy with this purchases.

Great product, easy to assemble and looks like the pictures!Would buy it again if i needed it! prompt delivery also

I have purchased 2 of these for my front garden. We have assembled one and have it insitu. East to assemble as long as you follow the instructions and don`t try any shortcuts!! 2 people required and plenty of room. This is a large substantial arbour once assembled and far superior to other arbours available in the UK with no maintenance required. I was fed up with my metal and wood arbours rotting at the feet and having to replace them every few years, these vinyl ones not only look striking but will not need replacing. Worth every penny.

Had these for two years now, still looks great solid

Fantastic,easy to assemble now we have climbing plants around it it and makes the front of the house look loverly

Excellent quality