Question: an arbor and a slope

Discussion in 'NEW Gardeners !' started by "M", Mar 21, 2015.

  1. "M"

    "M" Total Gardener

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    My garden is on a bit of a slope, not huge, but definitely a slope.

    I have a wooden arbor currently (temporarily) on the patio and earlier this week I plotted out just where I would like it.

    Thing is, that is on a slope! And that would mean the left hand side of the arbor would slope down :doh:
    I think the left hand side would need "lifting" to a make it level with the right hand side. So, when putting a slab down on the left area, "lifting" it with something underneath to raise it higher?
    On the other hand, Mr "M" thinks the right hand side of the area would need lowering (by digging) until it was level with the left hand side :scratch: Which doesn't seem quite right to me :noidea: (Surely the soil to the higher right hand side would simply work it's way downwards until the legs that side would end up under earth :scratch: As well as looking a bit silly? )

    Can anyone offer some sage advice on how best to go about dealing with this so that, once the arbor is in place, it won't tip over on the left (with me in it)!? :heehee: :noidea:

    PS: I am DIY challenged so any solution would need to be put in simple terms: a sort of Dummies guide :redface:

    Thank you :)
     
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    • Jenny namaste

      Jenny namaste Total Gardener

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      Not saying I can help much, but I think a piccie of the dog and the rabbit might help,
      Jenny
       
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      • noisette47

        noisette47 Total Gardener

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        Definitely build up the left-hand side! (Sorry, Mr "M":oops:) You could easily construct a couple of low pillars with slabs on top to take the legs or feet of the arbour.
        Depending on the soil, I suspect that the pro way to do it would be footings under the pillars, too.
        Digging out the right-hand side would make a lot of extra work and then you'd need a retaining 'wall' as well!
         
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        • "M"

          "M" Total Gardener

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          Two words: camera charger :whistle:
          Thank you! Oh and no need to apologise to Mr "M" ... he's used to being wrong ;) :whistle: :heehee:
           
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          • Jenny namaste

            Jenny namaste Total Gardener

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            doh...
            I forgot...:doh:
            Jenny
             
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            • Spruce

              Spruce Glad to be back .....

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              Hi

              I would level it all off so I agree with Mr "M" I would doubt if you had a landslide once it was done :snork:
               
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              • Lolimac

                Lolimac Guest

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                I'd cut the legs down on the right hand side,depending how steep the slope was and you were certain that's where you'd want it..
                 
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                • "M"

                  "M" Total Gardener

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                  You're a bloke: no wonder you agree :whistle: :heehee:
                  :doh:
                   
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                  • Spruce

                    Spruce Glad to be back .....

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                    and the outcome is :ideaIPB:
                     
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                    • wiseowl

                      wiseowl FRIENDLY ADMIN Staff Member

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                      I know how that feels:lunapic 130165696578242 5:

                      Hi "M" I have to aggree with Mr "M" :sofa:what ever you take off it will weaken the structure,definitely sink the right hand side with some protection round the legs;)
                       
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                      • westwales

                        westwales Gardener

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                        You say it isn't a steep slope and I assume it's a usual size bench so couldn't you raise the left and lower the right by making a hard (concrete or slab) base for the whole bench as that would also spread the weight and make any sinking of the legs most unlikely.
                         
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                        • "M"

                          "M" Total Gardener

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                          Ok, the deed is done (please forgive the picture quality - I'm using an el cheapo camera until I can find the lead for my better one).

                          DSCF6850 (609x640).jpg

                          Ended up having to raise the level on the left hand side after all, but I've managed to get the slabs as even as is (hu)"M"(anly) possible. As I've never done this before, I'm leaning on the side of being a little chuffed with myself.

                          Think I need to give it a coat of preservative next :heehee:
                           
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                          • WeeTam

                            WeeTam Total Gardener

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                            I like it ! :blue thumb:
                             
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                            • Spruce

                              Spruce Glad to be back .....

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                              looks great , and as you can see I have enlarged the photo for you , so you did sort of level it out as Mr "M suggested:heehee: oh yes not forgetting me ;)
                              [​IMG]
                               
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                              • Adendoll

                                Adendoll Super Gardener

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                                Looking good M!
                                Crying out for a sunny day and a bottle of fizz to declare it "open" enjoy!
                                 
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