Garden Bridge Instructions

A bridge is an attractive focal point in the garden.

A garden bridge across a pond or stream provides an intriguing element of interest in any landscape. The size and scope of the garden bridge project depends on the size of water, budget and personal preference. Bridges can be flashy and expensive or low profile. The bridge needs to be wide enough to cross over safely and still be in proportion to the water feature it is crossing. A straightforward 12-foot-long foot bridge will take less than a day to construct.

Things You'll Need

• Rake
• 4-by-4-inch lumber (for leg posts)
• 2-by-4-inch lumber (for support boards)
• 2-by-12-inch lumber (for horizontal planks)
• Measuring tape
• Stakes
• Post-hole digger
• Gravel
• Quick-drying concrete
• Level
• Shovel
• Hammer
• Wood screws
• Drill
• Sandpaper
• Outdoor paint or stain
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Choose a level location along the water feature to place the garden bridge. Remove debris, including sticks and rocks, from the building site and rake the area smooth.

2. Lay two 2-by-12-inch planks horizontally across the pond or stream. Use these boards as a guide to mark the position for the leg posts. Adjust the boards so they are parallel and square. Stake the location for two 4-by-4-inch leg posts on each side; these will be on the outside of the planks. Remove the guide planks.

3. Use a post-hole digger to make holes for the posts that are 4 feet 2 inches apart and 2 feet deep. Put a generous amount of gravel in holes, and install the posts. For a low bridge without a railing, these posts will extend 1 foot above ground level. For a bridge with railings, the posts will extend 4 feet above ground level.

4. Fill the hole with quick-drying concrete in each hole while keeping the posts level. Slope the concrete away from the posts for proper drainage. Allow the concrete to dry thoroughly before proceeding.

5. Attach a 2-by-4-inch horizontal support board with wood screws to the inside of each pair of legs, 12 inches off the ground. Secure the horizontal planks to the support boards with wood screws. Leave a 2-inch space in between the planks.

6. Sand all rough edges. Stain or paint the bridge with an outdoor product to protect it from the weather.

Tips & Warnings

• Add decorative rock around the leg posts for an added effect.

• Test the stability of the bridge before using.

• Use pressure-treated lumber.

• Use handrails if the bridge is more than 18 inches above the water.

• Take small children by the hand when crossing any bridge.

References

• "Ponds and Fountains"; Creative Homeowner; 2003
• Redwood Garden Bridges: How to Build A Basic Foot Bridge

Resources

• The Water Garden: How to Build a Water Garden or Fish Pond