[hubballi]

A few years ago I bought a cheap garden arch that lasted about 5 years. After that, I have been buying the same kind but they only lasted a season until they fell apart and rusted.

Can anyone recommend a decent make, type that will last at least a few years > Just a plain arch. I would like a genuine old cast iron one but they are hard to find and expensive.

[JayG]

Can't recommend an arch but I can recommend Waxoyl as a good treatment for iron and steel items exposed to the elements - spray or dribble it inside any hollow items and over any fixings and joints.

Waxoyled my Gardman bird feeder about 10 years ago and it's still in perfect condition - I'm sure it would even unscrew and dismantle if I wanted to. 

[hubballi]

I did oil it inside before I erected it but the problem is it's fragility. It isn't very good at withstanding strong winds which bend it thus weakening it.

[Tenhens]

Is Waxoyl similar to WD40, does it do the same thing?

[JayG]

Probably best to think of WD40 as "Waxoyl lite" - they both have rust-prevention and also lubricating properties to some extent, but Waxoyl is much thicker and will protect metal for longer (it can also be used as a water-repellent on wood as it soaks in quite well, but don't use it on plywood as the solvent might dissolve the glue.)

[hubballi]

My problem is really with the actual strength of the arch. Getting one that does not bend easy in the wind. Also, the screws worked their way out all the time.

[arugula]

My problem is really with the actual strength of the arch.

You could build a nice sturdy wooden one.

[snowdrops]

Have you thought of going to an ironmongers,they could make one to your specifications.

[arugula]

Do you mean a blacksmith snowdrops? That will be expensive! 

[snowdrops]

I suppose so just that we have a place that does wrought iron stuff,did I get the wrong name for that kind of place,knowing me today quite possible

[Auntiemogs]

Have you tried here Hubballi?
http://www.greenfingers.com/siteresults_shop.asp

[hubballi]

Have you tried here Hubballi?
http://www.greenfingers.com/siteresults_shop.asp

Cheers. Looks like a lot of choice and decent prices. One question, as i need to stand in soil what is the best way of doing this so the metal doesn't rot as quickly ?

[sunshineband]

Iron will eventually rust away even if you embed it in concrete hubbali, just as wood will rot eventually even it is treated with preservative

We have metal arches at the plot, and I have to accpet they are not permanent  as in 'indesctructible' just long lasting features

[hubballi]

well the last 2 garden arches I bought (the Wilko/B@M type) lasted each one season. The one before that which was black and around the same price lasted a few years. It would be nice for it to last that long at least.

[Auntiemogs]

The only thing I can think of is if you paint/spray the end of the legs with a bit of Hammerite...