13. A Majestic Brick Archway
Create a breathtaking transition between different areas of your yard with a majestic brick archway. An archway acts as a frame for the view beyond, inviting exploration and adding a powerful sense of mystery, depth, and classical architectural elegance to your garden. Whether it leads into a hidden vegetable garden, frames a cozy seating area, or stands at the entrance of your property, a brick arch is a true legacy project that will stand beautiful for generations.
Building a brick arch is an advanced DIY project that requires careful planning, patience, and a temporary wooden support structure called a “centering.” You will build the two vertical brick pillars first, ensuring they are perfectly plumb and resting on deep, solid concrete footings. Once the pillars reach the spring line of the arch, place your curved wooden template between them. Carefully lay the arch bricks over the template, working from both sides simultaneously and meeting at the top with a central “keystone” brick that locks the entire arch into place under compression. Once the mortar has fully cured, remove the wooden support to reveal a self-supporting, structurally magnificent archway that can be adorned with climbing roses, ivy, or wisteria.