Garden Arched Bridge – Free DIY Plans

This step by step woodworking project is about garden arched bridge plans free. I have come up with this simple garden bridge design so you can build one for your backyard. This is a straight forward project that you can pull off in one weekend. 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

Garden Arched Bridge – Free DIY Plans

Building a garden bridge

Materials

• A – 2 pieces of 2×12 lumber – 120″ long STRINGERS
• B – 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 42″ long FRAME
• C – 21 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 48 long SLATS
• D – 6 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 32″ long POSTS
• E – 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 58″ long BRAILS

• 2 pieces of 2×12 lumber – 10′
• 11 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 6′
• 11 piece of 2×6 lumber – 8′
• 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8′
• 100 pieces 2 1/2″ screws
• 24 pieces 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 garden chair

Building the stringers

The first step of the project is to build the stringers for the bridge. Use 2×12 lumber to build the stringers for the bridge frame. Use 2 nails and string to draw to curved lines. Use a jigsaw to make the curved cuts and then smooth the surface with a sander.

Fitting the supports

The next step of the project is to lock the two side stringers together tightly with 2×4 supports. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and then lock them to the stringers with 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure you align the edges with attention and check if the corners are square.

Fitting the slats

Fit the 2×6 boards to the frame of the garden bridge. Start installing the boards from opposite directions, so you can get a professional result. Fit a piece of 1/4″ 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.

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.

Building the rails

Use 2×4 lumber for the side rails. Use a jigsaw to make one end of the rails curved and then make an angled cut to the opposite end.

Fitting the side rails

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′ Arched Garden Bridge – Side view

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

10′ Arched 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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