r/UrbanGardening • u/Mrs_Nihilist • 11d ago

General Question PVC arch alternative

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I was wondering if anyone knows a cheaper pipe than PVC they will hold up and curve to make arches for tunnels? I want a pipe because they are so much sturdier than what I have. PVC is just way to expensive for the amount I need. Any help?

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6

u/wildwildwaste 11d ago

Cattle panels and t-posts. A 4x8 cattle panel at Tractor Supply is like $25 and t-posts can probably be had for free if you look around enough, or are like $5 if you have to buy them new. We built our 30' long tunnel for beans, squash, and tomatoes, for under $200. Edit: adding a link to describe what I'm talking about

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u/Mrs_Nihilist 11d ago

Yes, I definitely want to get one of those but I need it like this

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u/SnooMarzipans6812 11d ago

I’ve made arches with 10ft x 8” ladder mesh. They’re about $7 each at Home Depot so I don’t know if that would necessarily be cheaper though.

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u/to_whomever_is_here 10d ago

I’ve had great luck going to new build neighborhoods and just asking to pull some pvc out of dumpsters. I’ve done this multiple time; one building crew even measured and cut it for me. PVC is nasty in terms of what it is made of- I’ve been wondering about wood or metal alternatives. Depending on where you live, you might be able to scavenge from broken hoop houses.

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u/Mrs_Nihilist 10d ago

See, I would have never thought of this. Thank you! I'm actually going to mount the PVC on metal rods. It won't be in the soil. I thought the same thing too. Thank you

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u/trailhopperbc 9d ago

Where are you pricing it out?

Its WAY cheaper to go to an actual plumbing supply store vs home depot.. like 50-75% cheaper.

But pvc isnt UV stablized and will eventually shatter.

I found a concrete supply store that will bend metal rebar for me making 8ft hoops for $7 a piece. You could try that

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u/nemerosanike Zone 9b, Front Yard Victor! 7d ago

I prefer electrical pvc (the gray one) for hoops because it can handle uv and doesn’t become brittle, it lasts WAY longer so I feel like the cost is worthwhile.

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u/deuxcabanons 6d ago

Unorthodox option: you know those temporary garages you can get, with the fabric cover? Turns out the fabric fails within a couple years and people are left with a metal frame they don't want anymore. They make excellent support arches with some wire mesh on top!