Decorative bridges in the garden, which are not so much a functional structure as a product that can decorate the landscape, you can make yourself. Initially, you need to decide what materials will be the basis, as well as think about the principle of placing the structure. Only such an algorithm will allow you to create stylish and quite original options.
Selection of materials
Ornamental bridges are definitely 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, metal and concrete products look much more attractive.
Making a wooden bridge
If you want to cope with the decoration of the backyard in a short time and without much effort, then it is best to create a composition from a garden wooden bridge and a pond, and these objects can be made by you yourself. You should stop at the construction of a wooden structure, but if you decide to complete iton your own, then you should prepare tools and materials, as well as first familiarize yourself with the technology. When decorative wooden bridges are built, there is no need to build a concrete base or piles that are driven into the soil. However, if the bridge will be located in such a way that it will have to connect the banks of the stream, then it will be important to supplement this structure with reinforcement.
Making the base
Curved beams in the amount of two pieces serve as the basis for the structure, 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 jigsaw, the excess wood should be removed. The beam is fixed to the flooring based on boards, their size should be 3.5 centimeters. These elements are evenly distributed along the length of the beams.
Work methodology
When decorative bridges are made, a gap should be provided between the boards, the width of which should be 2 centimeters. Details are dried on all sides before laying, and then treated with antiseptics and impregnations. The railing can be carved, the simplest design will be curved arcs that are fixed on several balusters. These elements can be decorated with bamboo inserts, rope or thick hemp.
Production of reinforced concrete bridge
If you need a decorative bridge, you can create it from metal. Carrying out such work will be somewhat more difficult than manipulations where wood is involved. This is due to the fact that the manufacture of blanks will take a lot of time, the structural elements must be prepared in molds. The latter should be created from boards and wooden blocks. The outlines should follow the contours of the future part, while the lines do not have to be straight. For reinforcement, metal rods should be used, which are placed inside the mold.
Filling should be done with concrete mortar, and the layer width should be 10 centimeters or more. It will take 48 hours for the solution to completely harden, after which you can remove the blanks and assemble them in the planned place into a single whole.
Liner
Decorative bridge should be beautiful, so after installation work it can be decorated using paving stones, artificial stone, clinker bricks or mosaics. The path will look great, which is made using the same facing material that was used to finish the main building on the territory. It is important to remember that such a design will expand and contract when temperatures change, so the supports for the product must be driven in from one side.
Specialist recommendations
If you are interested in bridges and decorative bridges, it is important to decide not only whatthe material the product will be made, as well as what design it will have, in what place it will be located. Even if there is no stream or pond on the site, the bridge will become an adornment of any landscape. If there is no fountain or stream, as well as an artificial pond, then you can install a bridge, which will be a good solution for decoration. It is important to be guided by the traditional rules for placing such structures above water bodies, if the latter have a place to be. It is necessary to install the structure in the narrowest place 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 you will be able to solve is the savings in materials, time and effort when smaller structures are made.
Quite often, the owners of suburban areas install bridges in the garden with their own hands. How to make a similar design yourself was described above. If you have already decided on the technology and methodology of the work, then it is important to think about where such a product would look most appropriate. If there are no artificial reservoirs, then the bridge can be placed over a ditch or natural ravine. Another good solution is the construction of a structure near a flower bed or a spectacular flower garden. If you want to use the most original solution, then the bridge can be built over country paths. It is only important to think about whether the design will naturally fit into the overall landscape. Among other things, it is important to consider safety, because people should not stumble over suchdesign.
An alternative way to make a wooden bridge
You can easily make a garden decorative bridge in the garden with your own hands. The construction process should begin with the formation of a support platform and fixing the slopes to the shore. For this, stones of different fractions and crushed stone are used. Wide beams should be located on the supporting platform, which will form the basis of the bridge. In those places where the elements will be in contact with each other, waterproofing work should be carried out. In order to exclude displacement of the base, the bars must be fixed with a metal profile. At the next stage, you can lay the flooring from the boards, the master must take care of the installation of the pressure bars. Fixing the flooring is done with nails or screws. However, it is important to exclude their protrusion above the wood surface. At the final stage, you can start building the railing. The most suitable height for them, if the bridge is functional, is considered to be between 70 and 100 centimeters. You can choose other bridge sizes and railing heights depending on your height.
Decorative bridge and its design can be made and produced by yourself. Parts should be painted and treated with a protective compound. If the width of the reservoir is more than 6 meters, then a solid foundation should be prepared for the bridge, which is made of reinforced concrete blocks, as well as intermediate supports.
