Decorative bridges and bridges with their own hands

Decorative bridges in the garden, which are not so much a functional design as a product capable of decorating the landscape, you can make yourself. Initially, it is necessary to decide what materials will be based, and also to think about the principle of placement of the structure. Only such an algorithm will allow you to create stylish and rather original variants.

Choice of materials

Decorative bridges, of course, are best made from natural materials like wood or stone. They will harmoniously fit into the surrounding exterior, where there are flower beds, wooden buildings, sand and pebbles. However, as practice shows, products made of metal and concrete look much more attractive.

Manufacturing of a bridge from a tree

If you want in a short time and without special efforts to cope with the decoration of the infield, it is best to create a composition from the garden wooden bridge and pond, and these objects can be made by yourself. We should dwell on the construction of a wooden structure, but if you decide to do it yourself, then you should prepare tools and materials, and also get acquainted with the technology. When decorative bridges are built from wood, there is no need to build a concrete foundation or piles that are driven into the soil. However, if the bridge is located in such a way that it is to connect the banks of the stream, it will be important to supplement this construction with reinforcement.

Making the Basics

As the basis of the design there are curved beams in the number of two pieces, the size of each of which should be 0.2 x 0.35 meters. The length of these elements should be equivalent to two meters. They should be prepared from straight blanks, using a chisel and a jig saw, the excess part of the wood must be removed. The beam is fixed to the flooring on the basis of boards, their size should be 3.5 centimeters. These elements are evenly distributed along the length of the beams.

Methods of work

When decorative bridges are made, a gap should be provided between the boards, the width of which should be 2 centimeters. Parts before laying are dried from all sides, and then processed with antiseptics and impregnations. The railing can be made carved, the most simple design will be curved arcs, which are fixed on several balusters. These elements can be decorated with bamboo inserts, rope or thick hemp.

Manufacturing of reinforced concrete bridge

If you need a decorative bridge, then you can create it from metal. Carrying out such work will be somewhat more difficult than manipulation, where wood is involved. This is due to the fact that the preparation of blanks will take a long time, the elements of the construction must be prepared in forms. The latter should be created from boards and wooden bars. Outlines should repeat the contours of the future detail, the lines do not need to be straight. For reinforcement, use metal rods that fit inside the mold.

The filling should be made with a solution of concrete, and the width of the layer should be 10 centimeters or more. In order for the solution to completely freeze, it takes 48 hours, after which it is possible to take out the blanks and collect them in a planned place in a single whole.

Facing

The decorative bridge should be beautiful, therefore after carrying out of installation works it can be decorated, using paving stones, an artificial stone, clinker brick or a mosaic. The track, which is executed with use of the same facing material which was applied for furnish of the basic building in territory will perfectly look. It is important to remember that such a design will expand and shrink when changing temperatures, so it is necessary to drive the supports for the product from one side.

Recommendations of a specialist

If you are interested in bridges and decorative bridges, it is important to decide not only what material the product will be made of, but also what kind of construction it will have, where it will be located. Even if there is no stream or pond on the site, the bridge will become an ornament of any landscape. If there is no fountain or brook, as well as an artificial pond, you can install a bridge that will be a good solution for decor. It is important to follow the traditional rules for placing such structures over water bodies, if the latter take place. Install the construction at the narrowest point of the water body. This will solve two problems. The first advantage is expressed in the possibility of using a smaller structure. The second problem that you can solve is saving on materials, time and effort, when smaller designs are made.

Often enough, owners of countryside areas set up bridges in the garden with their own hands. How to make this design yourself was described above. If you have already decided on the technology and methodology of the work, it is important to think about where it is most appropriate to look like such a product. If there are no artificial reservoirs, then the bridge can be located above a ditch or a natural ravine. Another good solution is the construction of a structure near the flowerbed or spectacular flower garden. If you want to use the most original solution, then the bridge can be erected over the country roads. It is important only to think about whether the design will naturally fit into the overall landscape. Among other things, it is important to take into account safety, because people should not stumble on such a design.

Alternative production of wooden bridge

Garden ornamental bridge in the garden with your own hands, you can easily make. The process of erection should begin with the formation of a support site and the fixation of the slopes to the shore. For this, stones of different fractions and crushed stone are used. On the base area should be placed wide beams, which will form the basis of the bridge. In those places where the elements will come into contact with one another, waterproofing works should be carried out. In order to exclude the displacement of the base, the bars must be fixed using a metal profile. At the next stage, you can lay the flooring from the boards, the master should take care of the installation of the clamping bars. Fixation of the flooring is done by nails or screws. However, it is important to exclude their protrusion over the surface of the wood. At the final stage, you can proceed to erect railing. The most suitable height for them, if the bridge will be functional, is considered to be an indicator ranging from 70 to 100 centimeters. You can choose other sizes of the bridge and the height of the handrail, which will depend on your height.

The decorative bridge and its decoration can be made and produced in-house. Details should be painted and treated with a protective compound. If the width of the reservoir is more than 6 meters, then for the bridge should be prepared a solid foundation, which is made of reinforced concrete blocks, as well as intermediate supports.