Yes, particularly if you are buying a wooden arbor.

Remember that, in Southern CA, subterranian termites are a big deal.
Wood, placed under ground, WILL rot out.

So if you are buying a wooden arbor, think about a way to keep the "feet" away from earth.

Over the years, we have replaced every arbor here with metal ones. They last a lot longer for us.

I don't know where in SoCal you are located, but there will be an OGR Pruning Demonstration this coming Saturday, at the Stagecoach Inn, Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park.

The arbor there is a good example of a wooden arbor sturdy enough to stand up for years.

Jeri

wouldnt metal get really hot in the summer though?

would putting cement or something at the feet solve the rot problem?

I'm in the Santa Clarita/Antelope Valley area, that's about an hour away from me, I'd totally go but this weekend I have guests. Thanks for the headsup though!

wouldnt metal get really hot in the summer though?

*** Doesn't here.
Might in Antelope Valley.

would putting cement or something at the feet solve the rot problem?

*** At least, it would lessen the problem.
They make metal fence-post supports. You sink the bottom of them in concrete, and bolt the wooden uprights to the top of them (see Home Depot) but they ARE made for fence-post-size uprights.
NOTE: The average commercially-made arbor will only last a few years. Even the upper parts of them.

Jeri

I'm looking for a few good arbors for my kitchen garden and I want to put roses on them, if possible. How heavy duty should they be for climbing roses? I've seen light weight tube metal (assemble-your-own) at stores. I'm afraid they won't hold up for roses. Any suggestions? I like metal since it will hold up better with our winters...long and snowy.

Jeri, we get up to 110 F, what do you think?

is this just something that I should be prepared to replace every few years...? or am I better off doing something else? I know nothing.

Well, we get up into the mid-90's, and I've never seen a metal arbor burn a rose.
Not even the ones that are in all-day sun on the south-facing hillside.

I would avoid a metal arbor, maybe, if I lived in Needles, CA, where it hits 125 on occasion. Otherwise, I wouldn't worry about it.

But if you are more comfortable with wood, or just like it better, keep in mind that, eventually, you will have to replace the arbor.
We have done it, and it wasn't a huge deal.
After 10 years, the rose is reasonably self-supporting.
You can dismantle the arbor, remove it in pieces, and slip a new one under the plant, with no trauma.

Jeri

Just for information purposes, I went through a wooden arbor and one of those plastic coated over metal arbors before getting tired of seeing my roses laying on the ground after a few years. I wanted something reputed to be impervious to ground conditions (rust, rot and termites)and our "tornadoish" winds. I also was concerned about the arbor heating up. After research I finally chose a Copper Arbor. That's been 10 years ago, and so far no problems. Even under blizzard conditions, with the roses laden with a heavy coating of ice, the abor came through fine. Although I couldn't find what I wanted locally at the time I ordered from this company, which is still in business and gave me excellent service. You might want to check them out and investigate a copper arbor as a long term investment for your roses.

Here is a link that might be useful: Garden Expressions-Copper Arbors.

Those copper arches are beautiful and they work.
I've built my own from copper tube as shown above, iron pipe and treated lumber.
They all lasted 10+ years and were still steady when I moved two years ago.
The key is making them sturdy.
If using copper I suggest 1".
Black pipe 1"
Treated wood 4x4 uprights with 2x4 over heads and as suggested above limit contact with the ground. It's easy to do.
Have fun and post some pics.

thanks so much, you guys are so awesome.

I guess I need to think about it a bit! I didn't realize!

Regarding Copper Arches,... (Their's look nice)
so I'd just put a separate bench inside...?
Does the copper arch need to be set somehow or supported somehow...?

what about Width of the structure?
if I want a bench or an attached seat inside..., how wide should I be thinking? (I'm going to be using Sombreuil and Gloire de Dijon on it. they'll probably get large...)

"so I'd just put a separate bench inside...?
Does the copper arch need to be set somehow or supported somehow...?"

*If you will look through Garden expressions catalog you will find an example of an arbor with a bench placed underneath the arch. Also they have varying widths to suit your needs. They are very nice to talk to so call them if you have any questions.

**You bury the legs of the arbor for support. They will send instructions. It's very simple to put up.

thanks maryl!

I'm just curious if the arbor needs to be bigger than a general bench,... meaning, are the roses going to get really fluffy and take up extra space? or is it more that they'll be outside, and I'll be pruning them, so I dont need to worry about that?

Much thanks you guys, I don't really know anything, so I really appreciate it.