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This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a garden bridge. If you want to learn more about building a bridge, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article. There are many other designs and plans to choose from when building projects for your backyard, so make sure you take a close look over the related plans that are featured on our site.
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.
Projects made from these plans
How to Build a Garden Bridge
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 2 pieces of 2×10 lumber – 120″ long STRINGERS
- B – 3 pieces of 2×3 lumber – 33″ long SUPPORTS
- C – 31 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 36″ long SLATS
- D – 2 pieces of 2×3 lumber – 37 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 39 3/4″ long, 4 pieces – 31 1/4″ long 2xRAILS
- 2 pieces of 2×10 lumber – 10 ft
- 8 pieces of 2×3 lumber – 8 ft
- 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12 ft
- 2 1/2″ screws
- 1 5/8″ screws
- 1 1/4″ screws
- wood filler
- wood glue
- stain/paint
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Time
Related
Building a garden bridge
The first step of the garden project is to build the stringers for the bridge. Therefore, we recommend you to mark the lines on the 2×10 slats, making sure the marks are accurate.
Make sure you work with attention, otherwise the end result won’t raise up to your expectations. Use a jigsaw to make the curved cuts and use sandpaper to smooth the cut edges. Repeat the process for the other stringer.
Continue the woodworking project by fitting the supports between the side stringers. Therefore, use 2×3 lumber (2″x1 1/2″) for the end support and 2×6 lumber for the middle support.
Top Tip: Make sure you cut the wooden supports at the right size 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.
Attach the 2×4 slats to the frame of the bridge starting with the middle components. Make sure you fit a 1/2″ wooden block between the slats in order to create even gaps. Drill pilot holes through the slats and secure them to the frame by using 2 1/2″ galvanized screws.
We recommend you to attach the rails to the garden bridge. Therefore, start the process by fitting the vertical posts to the bridge, as described in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the 2×4 supports and secure them to the frame by inserting lag screws.
Next, build the rest of the components, making sure you cut both ends at the right angle. Fit the components into place and secure them to the supports by inserting 2 1/2″ screws. Add glue to the joints and remove the excess material.
One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the pilot holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper.
Top Tip: If you want to enhance the look of the woodworking project and to protect the table 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.
This woodworking project was about how to build a garden bridge. 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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