Bought this to replace a cheap arch that was collapsing under my climbing roses. This is much more sturdy and can stand up straight with at least 12 rose canes climbing each side and staring across the top. I also like the look of this better w/the straight top. I would not recommend this for something super heavy like a wisteria or climbing hydrangea, but roses and lighter should work great. I was worried it would be harder to weave the canes in these side pieces with feeer cross bars, but all the vertical bars along with the larger openings in the middle really helped since my plants were already so large. Pics are taken the exact same day (so same amount of plant on each trellis)— this arbor compared to 1 of those screw together arches.