Outdoor Balloon Arch

by DeShell
(Hope Mills, NC)

What do you recommend to make an outdoor arch frame and what type of balloons do you recommend? Thanks.

ANSWER:

Hi DeShell,

For a walk-through outdoor balloon arch frame it's best to use conduit (at least 1/2 inch diameter) and heavy bases. The bases can be either steel plates or the plastic umbrella stands that you fill with water or sand for stability.

As balloons I would use 11 inch latex balloons inflated to 9 inches. This gives the balloons room to expand without popping (if outdoor temperatures are high).

Don't use pearlized colors; they oxidize faster. Lighter colors are better than dark ones because dark colored balloons heat up more.

I've written more about best brands for outdoor balloons here.

The video below explains how to build an outdoor balloon arch frame.

Conduit and steel plates you can buy at stores like Lowe's or Home Depot. Bendable arch cords are a bit harder to source, but I actually found a set of arch cords for a 20ft arch at Amazon.

Or, if you'd prefer to purchase a complete kit, search on Amazon for a balloon arch stand kit.