It can be difficult to choose the perfect folding arbor for your garden, especially when you see how many models exist on the market. Not sure which one to choose or what features to look for so you don't buy something that may not be suitable? Read our guide to the best folding arbors to make your decision easier.
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Our selection
"The Greaden Eco Briso folding arbor is perfect for use in the garden or on the patio. It is waterproof and will protect well from…"
"In addition to its elegance with its burgundy red color, this arbor is very practical for the garden or the terrace. Stable, it does not…"
"This folding arbor is solid, waterproof and aesthetic. It keeps you safe from the sun, wind and rain. However, in windy periods, give the arbor…"
"If you're looking for a versatile folding arbor for your garden, patio or other outdoor activities, we recommend this TecTake signature freestanding folding arbor."
The Greaden Eco Briso folding arbor is perfect for use in the garden or on the patio. It is waterproof and will protect well from the rain. Plus, it is easy to assemble and disassemble.
101 £ on ManoManoThe Greaden Eco Briso has a light but very strong frame. This folding arbor has an epoxy coated (anti-corrosion) aluminum and steel frame of 3 x 3 m with a thickness of 30 mm. This anti-corrosion treatment guarantees an excellent resistance to wear and tear. The roof of this gazebo is even more robust as it has an internal support bar for extra reinforcement. The waterproof tarpaulin is a 220 g/m² density polyester fabric with PVC coating, it has reinforced & heat-welded seams which are additionally reinforced with sealing strips.
The roof offers optimal protection against rain and sun (index 30+). Be careful, this folding arbor will not protect you from a heavy rain, and even less from a shower or a storm. Equipped with a scissor mechanism with a clip system, this arbor can be assembled and disassembled in a flash. It comes with a set of pegs to stabilize it on the ground: you can indeed reinforce the anchoring to the ground thanks to the drilled legs of your tent.
In addition to its elegance with its burgundy red color, this arbor is very practical for the garden or the terrace. Stable, it does not fear the rain, but you must be careful if the wind rises.
55,92 £ on Amazon
This folding arbor is solid, waterproof and aesthetic. It keeps you safe from the sun, wind and rain. However, in windy periods, give the arbor some ballast so that it does not tear.
192 £ on AmazonThis folding arbor has a 3 x 3 m base with 2 sides. It is part of the premium lite range of the Toolport brand. This model has a tarpaulin with a weight of 300 g/m² and sprayed with PVC. This tarpaulin allows the arbour to be waterproof thanks to its heat-welded seams. The frame of the arbour is made of aluminum and the square profiles have been reinforced to a thickness of 32 x 32 mm. They are also treated with anti-UV and anti-corrosion.
The assembly and disassembly of the Toolport PES300 are easy and you will have assembly instructions in French. Indeed, unfolded, it proposes 5 heights of adjustment, while folded, the arbour takes very little space for an easy storage. Moreover, it is provided with a storage bag. This arbour can be fixed to the ground in an efficient way thanks to the anchors and stays included.
If you're looking for a versatile folding arbor for your garden, patio or other outdoor activities, we recommend this TecTake signature freestanding folding arbor.
159 £ on ManoManoThe TecTake self-supporting folding arbor has a stainless steel frame and a polyester roof with PVC coating. Easily transportable and light, it can be assembled and disassembled in a very short time. It is really the ideal arbor to accompany you for your relaxing moments in the garden, on your terrace or for your outdoor activities. It can even be used as a stand. The canvas that makes it up is waterproof and protects from UV rays.
This TecTake arbor is equipped with curtains with windows that are attached with hooks and Velcro. These curtains will also protect you from the wind and a little rain on a cloudy day. But even if it is designed to protect you from the wind, it will not be able to withstand heavy rain or strong winds. So it's best to store it in the provided storage bag in case of bad weather, to avoid any potential damage.
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The best folding arbor in 2021
The best entry-level folding arbor
The best high-end folding arbor
A great freestanding folding arbor
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| THE BEST | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | AUTOPORTANT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
7/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Greaden Eco Briso
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TecTake 800180
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Toolport PES300
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TecTake self-supporting folding arbour
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The Greaden Eco Briso folding arbor is perfect for use in the garden or on the patio. It is waterproof and will protect well from the rain. Plus, it is easy to assemble and disassemble.
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In addition to its elegance with its burgundy red color, this arbor is very practical for the garden or the terrace. Stable, it does not fear the rain, but you must be careful if the wind rises.
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This folding arbor is solid, waterproof and aesthetic. It keeps you safe from the sun, wind and rain. However, in windy periods, give the arbor some ballast so that it does not tear.
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If you're looking for a versatile folding arbor for your garden, patio or other outdoor activities, we recommend this TecTake signature freestanding folding arbor.
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Tarp thickness
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220 gsm
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-
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300 g/m²
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240 gsm
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Arena dimensions
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3 x 3 m
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3 x 3 m
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3 x 3 m
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3 x 3 m
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Waterproofing
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Yes
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Name
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Yes
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Yes
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Tarp material
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Polyester
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Polyester
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Polyester
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Polyester with PVC coating
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Frame material
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Aluminum and steel
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Aluminum and steel
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Aluminum
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Stainless steel
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The dimensions of your folding arbor will depend on the use you want to make of it. If you just like to lie on the grass to read, you will not need an arbor that can accommodate several chairs and a table. And vice versa, if you want to spend time with your family enjoying the sun and fresh air, you'll need an arbor that can hold a picnic table.
Note that an arbor has a standard height of no more than 2.5 meters. Take into account the surface of the arbor (L x W), the result will allow you to have the right measurements to meet your needs. Also consider the dimensions of your arbor once it is folded and packed. A large model will always be imposing once folded and packed, it may be bulky and difficult to transport.
Weight is another important feature to consider. For a folding arbor intended for the garden and stay there during the summer, the weight of the model may not be a big issue. But for a folding arbor to be disassembled after each use or to be transported as you need it, the weight becomes paramount. The more you have to move your folding arbor, not to mention pack it in and out of your vehicle, the lighter you'll want it to be.
The material used for the fabric and frame of your folding arbor will help determine the durability of the model.
No one likes to spend a half hour or more setting up a folding arbor on a hot summer day. The more difficult this process is, the less you'll want to use the product and the more frustrated you'll be when you have to take it out of its bag. Choose a model that comes with easy-to-decipher, easy-to-remember instructions. This will save you quite a headache every time you need to set up your folding arbor.
As with every product you buy, the warranty is something you should consider, just in case there are any problems with the model you purchased. This could include damage to the fabric or posts that occurred during manufacturing or missing parts. The longer the warranty and the more extensive the coverage, the better off you'll be if you run into problems with your new folding arbor.
Step 1: Remove all items from the storage bag
To begin, remove all of the pieces of your arbor from the storage bag or bags. This will include the frame, canopy, guy wires or Velcro straps to reinforce the fully erected structure, and possibly the walls if your arbor has them. Remove all parts to ensure you have them on hand before beginning the operation.
Step 2: Raise the frame
Place the frame in the middle of the space where you want to assemble your arbor. Then, start opening the legs of the arbor, until the frame is about 25% open. You can do this with one person on each side or move around the frame in a circular motion to extend each leg individually.
Step 3: Place the canopy over the frame
Once the arbor frame is partially open, you can add the soft canopy. Line up three of the four corners of the canopy with the corners of the frame so that the canopy material covers the structure. It doesn't have to be exact. You just want to make sure that the soft material of the arbor awning will extend with the frame. This makes the arbor awning much easier to attach in later steps.
Step 4: Lift and pull the legs to extend the frame
With the awning draped over the top, lift each leg of the frame slightly so you can expand it to its full size. This is often easiest with one person on each side slowly and as steadily as possible. However, you can also do it solo, it's not that complicated.
Once the arbor is extended to its full size, lock all the sliding brackets into the roof beams and legs, so that the frame remains fully open. You will probably need to push the slider locks into place by sliding or lifting a bracket or pushing a pin.
When locked in place, adjust the awning and make sure it is properly secured in all four corners and on the center peak. Some arbors can simply stretch into place, while the more accomplished models feature Velcro straps on each leg to help secure the fabric once the frame is erected.
When it comes to folding arbors, epoxy steel is the most common material used to build their structure. This material is strong, less so than wrought iron, but strong enough to allow you to use your folding arbor for a few years. Epoxy steel folding arbors are also among the least expensive on the market. As for maintenance, it is important to avoid scratches as much as possible: indeed, the structure risks losing the protection against corrosion which guarantees its durability.
The aluminum structure on its side is ultralight, solid and does not fear corrosion. Aluminum allows a very easy assembly and unlike epoxy steel, it does not require special maintenance since it resists well naturally to bad weather. And its powder-coated finish allows you to choose from a wide range of colors. On the other hand, aluminum will wear out when it comes into contact with friction, so think about repainting the structure, or at least the parts most exposed to friction, which will extend the life of your folding arbor.
The folding arbour is a very practical solution for those who want to enjoy a day in the sun without making major and permanent changes to the layout of their garden. Light, but solid, easily dismantled and transportable, folding arbors are suitable for all uses, all budgets and can be easily integrated into any garden, patio or terrace decoration.
The standard arbour offers much less facility: even if it is not a permanent solution (unlike the pergola, for example) and can still be dismantled, it offers much less facility than the folding arbour. Much more imposing, less transportable and less easy to assemble and disassemble, this type of arbour is mainly suitable for occasional use, generally for professional purposes. It will be much less practical on a daily basis.
If you are looking for an arbor with a large capacity for occasional use or for professional use, a standard arbor may better suit your needs. However, if you need an arbor for everyday use, look into folding arbors, which are lighter, more transportable and less bulky.
Folding arbors are lightweight shelters that you can set up when you need them. You can store them until you need them again. Having this handy garden accessory at home can have many benefits:
In our opinion, the best brands of folding arbors in 2022 are :
Toolport is a German brand specializing in the design and manufacture of professional tents. The brand offers reliable and good quality products for distribution exclusively online. It is a safe brand for your garden items including folding arbors.
Greaden is a French brand. It has been operating since 2011 in the field of garden equipment and outdoor leisure products. It offers a wide selection of reliable and durable items. Its folding arbors are particularly appreciated for their quality.
Sekey has been in the outdoor market since 2016. It is a very promising young brand that offers products that defy the competition in terms of value for money. Its folding arbors do not fail to live up to this reputation.
Vounot is a young French brand that has existed for more than 15 years now. Its mission is to offer quality, practical and clever products to its customers. This brand is also known for offering excellent value for money, its folding arbors are the proof.
Outsunny is a brand owned by Aosom and offers a wide range of outdoor products: from modular patio sofas to camping equipment and folding arbors that will make your next outdoor experience magical and unforgettable.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Always remember to clean the structure of the folding arbour after use
A folding arbor usually has a metal structure (aluminum or steel), this kind of structure does not require special maintenance since the material used is sturdy and usually resists well to the weather. But if you still need to clean your arbor after a heavy rain, for example, consider using a mild cleaner, and don't use an abrasive sponge that can scratch the structure.
Remember to clean the canvas well
After removing it, spread the canvas on a flat surface, sweep the surface to rid it of all debris and dust. Once the dust is removed, begin brushing the canvas with soapy water. Note that machine washing is not recommended as it deteriorates the waterproof properties of the fabric.
Be careful when assembling
Installing your arbor is easy, but you should always take your time and care when assembling it. If you put too much force into the fabric, frame, or any other part, it could cause a tear or break that would render your arbor useless.
Put it away in bad weather
Folding arbors are a great temporary shelter that can provide shade and shelter from the drizzle. However, if the wind picks up and the drizzle turns into a downpour, you need to dismantle your folding arbor because these conditions are too harsh for its folding design. The lightweight frames and water-resistant awning can withstand a light breeze and a little rain, but stronger winds and heavy rain can cause damage.
Store it properly
When not in use, store your folding arbor properly: make sure the frame, awnings, and fabric are all dry and clean to avoid mold and water damage. You should also check and make sure that the fabric is folded fairly neatly and is not wrinkled so that it will not be creased for your next use.
Folding arbors don't necessarily protect you from the rain. Some models have water-resistant features, such as sealed seams and waterproof liners, although this is not always the case. These types of features can also protect you from light rain, but are ineffective in heavy rain or rain that lasts more than a few hours.
Once erected, a folding arbor can still shake in the wind or even blow away. To prevent this from happening, you can secure your folding arbor by using a sandbag or cast iron weights. Some sandbags and weights are specially designed to be used in this way and will easily attach to the frame legs by creating a loop around them.
Yes, generally all folding arbor models available on the market include everything needed for assembly. For some models, this may include the frame and canopy, as well as a few stakes, while other models can be assembled directly upon purchase, so all you have to do is open them up for installation.
Generally, just follow the same instructions as for assembly, but in reverse. Most folding arbors require you to remove the fabric before disassembling the structure and reinserting it into the bag. But you may come across a folding arbor that is specially designed so that the fabric folds easily with the frame, in which case, simply skip this step and move on.
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