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This step by step diy woodworking project is about 2×4 garden bridge plans. I have designed this super basic garden bridge so you can build one using just 2x4s. This arched bridge is easy to build, but in the same time extremely sturdy. Make sure you take your time before making the cuts, for a professional result. See my other woodworking plans HERE.
There are many plans and designs to choose from, so make sure you take a close look over the rest of the garden bridge plans featured on our website. Plan everything with attention and adjust the size and the shape of the bridge to suit your needs. Plumb the legs and make sure the corners are right-angled before inserting the galvanized screws into place. Drill pilot or pocket holes to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
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Projects made from these plans
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2×4 Garden Bridge – Free DIY Plans
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Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 120″ long, 4 pieces – 6 1/8″ long STRINGERS
- B – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 33″ long SUPPORTS
- C – 32 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 36″ long SLATS
- D – 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 32″ long, 2 piece – pieces – 104″ long 2xRAILS
- 20 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 10′
- 2 1/2″ screws
- glue, filler, stain
Tools
 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
 Post hole digger, Concrete mixer
 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses
Time
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How to build an arched a garden bridge from 2x4s
The first step of the garden project is to build the stringers for the bridge. Therefore, you need to mark the lines on the two pieces 2×4 slats, as shown in the plans. Use a jigsaw to make the curved cuts and use sandpaper to smooth the cut edges. Repeat the process for the other stringer. Use two nails placed at both ends of the beams and string, so you can draw the curve accurately.
Align the edges with attention and then leave no gaps between them. Use 2×4 supports to lock the boards together. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the stringers together.
Continue the woodworking project by fitting the supports between the side stringers. Therefore, use 2×4 lumber for the supports. Align the supports to the stringers and drill pocket holes at both ends. Fit the supports into place, align them with great care and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the stringers at both ends. Make sure the corners are square for a professional result.
Fit the 2×4 boards to the frame of the garden bridge. Fit a piece of 1/4″ plywood between the boards so you create even gaps between. Drill pilot holes at both ends of the boards and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.
Use 2×4 lumber for the rail supports. Mark the cut lines on the posts and then make the recesses, as shown in the diagram. Use a circular saw to make parallel cuts inside the areas and then remove the excess with a chisel. In addition, round the top of the supports with a jigsaw.
Fit the posts to the frame of the garden bridge. Align the posts and plumb them with a spirit level. Drill pilot holes through the posts and through the stringers. Insert 2 1/2″ screws for each post, so you can lock them into place tightly.
The next step of the project is to build the rails. Use 2×4 lumber for the rails. Use a jigsaw to round one end of the rails and make and angle cut to the opposite end.
Fit the rails to the posts and align them with attention. Make sure the two rails meet on the middle of the post. Align the edges with attention, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them to the posts tightly.
Last but not least, you need to fill the holes with wood putty and let it dry for a few hours. Smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper so you can get a professional result. Apply a few coats of paint or stain so you can enhance the look of the bridge and protect the components from decay.
This garden bridge is easy to build and it will soon become an important piece of your outdoor design. Moreover, this bridge is designed to keep the costs as low as possible.
Top Tip:Â If you want to enhance the look of the woodworking project and to protect the garden project from decay, we recommend you to cover the components with paint or stain. Place the bridge in a proper location and move it whenever necessary.
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This woodworking project was about 2×4 garden bridge plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. LIKE us on Facebook and Google + to be the first that gets out latest projects.
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