This diy woodworking project is about garden bridge plans. In this article we show you all you need to know about the construction of a decorative garden bridge, including the tools and materials required for the job. There are many shapes and sizes you could choose from, therefore we recommend you to plan everything from the very beginning. If you want to get the job done in just an weekend, a small scale project is perfectly for your needs.
You need o buy proper materials for this project, therefore we recommend you to invest money in quality materials. The bridges construction requires two stringers built from 2×10 or 2×12 beams, so make sure they are perfectly straight and don have any visible flaw. Drill pilot holes in the components, at least 1/2” from the edges, if you want to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Projects made from these plans
How to build a flat bridge
Building-a-flat-bridge
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 120” long, 4 pieces – 45″ long FRAME
- B – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 24” long BRACES
- C – 20 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 51″ long SLATS
- D – 6 piece of 4×4 lumber – 32”long POSTS
- E – 2 piece of 1×4 lumber – 120” long, 2 pieces – 104″ lomng RAILS
- 3 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
- 12 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 10′
- 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 6′
- 4 pieces or 1×4 lumber – 10′
- 5″ lag screws
- 3 1/2″ screws
- 2 1/2″ screws
- 1 5/8 screws
- 2″ brad nails
- wood glue, stain/paint
- wood filler
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Time
One day
Free Flat Bridge Plans
Building-the-frame-of-the-bridge
The first step of the project is to build the frame for the bridge. Cut the components from 2×6 lumber, as in the diagram. Lay the joists on a level surface and then make sure you align the components with attention, so the angles are right-angled. Drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock everything together tightly.
Fitting the braces
Fit the 2×6 braces to the frame of the bridge. Make 45 degree cuts to both ends of the braces and then lock them to the corners of the frame, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.
Fitting the slats
The next step of the project is to attach the 2×6 slats to the frame of the bridge. Fit the slats to the frame, equally spaced, by using a 1/2″ plywood spacer between then. Make sure you center the slats into place, leaving them overhanging about 1 1/2″ on both sides of the frame.
Building-the-posts
Use 4×4 lumber for the rail posts. Use a circular saw to make the decorative cuts to the top of the posts. In addition, you need to make recesses to the posts. Set the saw at 3/4″ and then make parallel cuts inside the marked areas. Clean the recesses with a chisel and then smooth the surface with sandpaper.
Fitting the rail posts
Fit the posts to the frame of the bridge as shown in the diagram. Make sure you plumb them with a spirit level.
Building-the-rails
Use 1×4 lumber for the side rails. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you need to use a jigsaw to round the ends of the rails. Use sandpaper or a router to smooth the edges of the rails.
Fitting the rails
Fit the rails to the posts and center them into place. Use 1 5/8″ screws to secure the rails into place tightly, after drilling pilot holes.
10′ Flat Garden Bridge Plans
The last step of the project is to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood putty and then smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Apply a few coats of paint or stain to enhance the look of the bridge.
10′ Flat Garden Bridge Plans – Front view
After you have built the garden bridge, you should take care of the finishing touches. Fill the head of the screws with wood putty and let it dry out thoroughly. Afterwards, sand the wooden surface with 120-grit sandpaper.
Top Tip: Protect the lumber from rot and water damage, by applying several coats of wood stain or paint. Work with great care and good judgement, if you want to build a bridge with a nice appearance.
This woodworking project is about diy garden bridge plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.
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