Flat Garden Bridge - Free DIY Plans | HowToSpecialist - How to Build, Step by Step DIY Plans

This step by step woodworking project is about garden flat bridge plans free. This flat garden bridge is 10′ long and it comes with a very simple design so you can get the job done by yourself in one weekend. You can make adjustments to my design, if you want something tailored to your needs. With basic woodworking skills and tools you can get the job done in a professional manner. See my other DIY projects HERE.

We recommend you to invest in the best materials you could afford. Therefore, you should buy weather-resistant lumber, such as pine or cedar. Always take accurate measurements before adjusting the size of the components at the proper size. Drill pilot holes trough the components before inserting the wood screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Made from this plan

Flat Garden Bridge – Free DIY Plans

Building the frame of the bridge

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 120″ long, 4 pieces – 42″ long FRAME
B – 20 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 48 long BOARDS
C – 6 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 32 long POSTS
D – 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 108″ long RAILS

2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 10′
2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 10′
10 piece of 2×6 lumber – 8′
2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8′
2 1/2″ screws
2″ nails
5″ lag screws
wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Time

One Weekend

Building a flat 10′ wooden bridge

Building-the-frame-for-the-bridge

The first step of the project is to build the frame for the garden bridge. Cut the components from 2×6 lumber at the right dimensions. Drill pilot holes through the side beams and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the frame together tightly. Align the edges with attention and make sure the corners are square.

Fitting-the-slats

The next step of the project is to fit the 2×6 boards to the frame of the garden bridge. Start installing the boards from opposite directions, so you can get a symmetrical result. Fit a piece of 1/2″ plywood between the boards so you can create even gaps. Drill pilot holes at both ends of the boards and then insert 2 1/2″ screws into the frame of the bridge.

Building the posts

Use 4×4 lumber for the posts. Use a circular saw to make the angle cuts to the top of the posts. Use the saw to make the notches to the posts, as well. Make parallel cuts inside the marked areas and then smooth the recess with a chisel. Clean the surface with sandpaper.

Fitting the posts

Fit the posts to the exterior of the arched bridge. Plumb the posts with a spirit level and then lock them into place with two 5″ lag bolts for each joint. Drill pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting before inserting the bolts. Use a saw to cut out the boards, so you can install the posts vertically.

Fitting the side rails

Use 2×4 lumber for the side rails. Use a jigsaw to make one end of the rails curved. Fit the rails to the posts, as shown in the diagram. Align the edges with attention, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

10′ Flat Garden Bridge Plans

Make sure the arched garden bridge is sturdy and then make sure you smooth all the edges thoroughly.

10′ Flat Garden Bridge Plans – Side view

You can make adjustments to my plans so you build a garden bridge with a design you like.

10′ Flat Garden Bridge – Front view

Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Apply a few coats of paint or stain to enhance the look of the project and to protect it from decay. If you like my project, don’t forget to SHARE it on Facebook and Pinterest.

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