They can carry out various functional loads. Among possible ways using a decorative bridge in the garden - planting flowering and climbing plants. Properly designed pond bridges can be specific supports for additional lighting and flower containers. The material tells about how to make a decorative bridge with your own hands.
Bridges and bridges are structures of various designs, with which you can overcome any obstacle, such as a river, stream or ravine. It is sometimes argued that bridges are possible only in large gardens; in my opinion, bridges are good in small gardens as well. Being a natural continuation of the path, they not only make it possible to cross something watery or uncomfortable, but also make the walking route more intriguing. They are built across swift and quietly murmuring streams, they connect the island, located in the center of a large pond, with its shore, with the help of bridges they "force" the water space or uncomfortable wet places. Of course, bridges are primarily of practical value, but they make the impression of a pond or stream stronger.
Bridges in landscape design and their photos
Landscaping bridges will look stylish and fit organically into the garden space only if their design is well thought out. How less garden, the simpler the bridge structure and the more neutral its color should be.
Choice of style and location. The design and materials for the bridges are selected based on the style of the house and garden, they should be combined with the appearance of the gazebo and lanterns located nearby.
Bridges are indispensable in low-lying areas or areas flooded in spring, where you need to pave a path between buildings or make a crossing over ravines. Sometimes they are built to highlight an object or to give the site completeness, they can be arranged in the form of a bridge wooden path leading
The swing bridge can be installed both over a pond and a river, and over a "dry" stream or reservoir.
Look at the landscape design bridges in the photos that accompany this article:
Photo gallery
Requirements for bridges:
1. The bridge should be beautiful, in harmony with the garden and the house, its reflection in the water should be interesting.
2. The bridge must be functional.
If it is delivered by accident, just like that, then it looks inappropriate. The strongly curved bridge is perceived as a barrier rather than a crossing. It should be comfortable, because most likely not acrobats will walk on it, but ordinary people, maybe even elderly people. Its ends should be moved away from the coast so that it does not seem scanty.
3. The structure of the bridge must be strong, comfortable, durable, stable, and the surface on which the walkway should be non-slip, especially if it is a passage over water or a ravine for year-round use. In the case of a wide stream or a large pond, the bridge should be made with handrails on one or both sides so that it is safe to walk on it.
The bridge is thrown from one bank to the other, it is logical to arrange it in the narrowest part of the reservoir, while the bridge divides the area of the water mirror into two parts that are not the same in size, the ratio of which is best calculated according to the rule of the golden section. And the purpose of these two parts of one body of water may be different, for example, in one there may be a bath for people, and in the other - a place where nymphs thrive, one may be deep-sea, and the other shallower.
Being an integral part, the bridges can act as a viewing platform over the water surface. From here it is convenient to admire the blooming nymphs growing along the coast and reflected in the water,
The garden bridge is an indispensable element of Japanese and chinese garden... The water mirror reflects the sky, coastal vegetation, the first rays rising sun, a Chinese-style pond cannot be imagined without graceful wooden or stone bridges, they are also good over fast ones.
How to make a decorative bridge for a pond with your own hands
How to make a bridge with your own hands on the site - many owners of country houses are looking for an answer to this question, depending on the type of landscape design. Bridges for the pond can be monolithic, or you can make it in the form step slabs from natural stone, boulders, or even large boardwalks or squares. A shallow pond will become much more attractive if you organize the bridge for the pond with your own hands as follows: put several stones in the water, passing along which you can be on the other side. It is especially effective if these stones are combined with the design material of the coastline. Stones are selected approximately of the same type and approximately the same size. Such a crossing is possible when the depth of the reservoir is not more than 45 cm. The upper surface of such a step-by-step bridge should be 10 cm higher than the water surface. The minimum diameter of stones or slabs should be about 60 cm, then you can stand on them with confidence. The stones are laid carefully and firmly, so that there is a distance of 60-65 cm between their centers, that is, the size of the step.
It is interesting to use, building a bridge with your own hands, as a transition through shallow water boulders of irregular shape with a flat top, such "bridges" are especially good in streams, where the water forms swirls around the stones. You can use not natural boulders, but their concrete imitation. Pick up stones that are suitable in shape that will not collapse from constant contact with water and from frost and do this:
1. Free the reservoir from water and in the right places lay foundation stones on the bottom using mortar with a thickness of about 5 cm. suitable size... Their upper surface should be in the same horizontal plane.
2. When the mortar has hardened, use mortar to lay four bricks on each stone (2 pieces in 2 layers, one layer perpendicular to the other), the upper surface of the bricks should then protrude slightly above the water.
3. Place paving slabs or flat stones with a diameter of about 60 cm on top of the bricks using mortar.
4. After 2-3 days, when the solution has completely hardened, fill the reservoir with water.
How to build a bridge and a bridge over a pond with your own hands
A white wooden footbridge across the pond can be easily made using materials at hand. Before building a bridge, you should prepare everything you need. The following is presented detailed instructions on how to build a bridge with your own hands on the shore of a pond on the site.
1. Drain the pond and place each boulder on a thick layer of thick mortar with the flat surface facing up. Align them in height using mortar or concrete slabs placed discreetly under the stones. Top part stones should lie in the same horizontal plane.
2. Let the solution dry for 1–2 days.
The bridge cannot appear in some place by accident, a path must lead to it, by the way, it will successfully connect. If the stream or pond is not very interesting, the bridge will divert attention from it and make it more impressive.
The attractiveness of this garden element is so great that sometimes bridges are built without practical need, for example, a wooden bridge on a dry area leading to wooden gazebo, shows the way and gives a sense of unity of style.
Decorative garden bridges in the country and their photos
Bridges in the country are equipped and finished using the same construction and finishing materials, as for paving paths and platforms, facing gazebos and stationary, as well as when decorating the shoreline of a pond or.
Often, a combination of wood and a metal base, which is in direct contact with water, is used to extend the life of the bridges.
If there are compositions of stones in the garden, then decorative bridges in the country can be stone, for example, from sandstone or granite. In order to build a bridge across a narrow stream, it is hardly worth building a bulky structure, it will be practical here and will make a strong impression large slab made of sandstone, laid on both sides of the stream, such bridges made of solid rough stones look natural and very Japanese. If you do not have such a large stone at your disposal, you can make a stone bridge using two steel beams or thick logs and a few large enough stone slabs covering them.
Elegant wrought-iron garden bridges made of metal with intricate flower patterns with intricately intertwining lines will suit the Art Nouveau garden. When the metal is oxidized in air, a natural patina is formed, which gives a special charm to the entire structure; artificially patinated metal can also be used. A metal bridge, partially entwined with a small graceful liana, for example, a prince, looks good. Metal figurines of animals can be placed near such a bridge.
Look at similar decorative bridges in the country in the photo, which are presented below:
Photo gallery
The style and proportions of a wooden bridge entirely depend on the style of the site, it is important to think over all the elements garden design, keep them in the same style, avoid eclecticism and disharmony.
A straight bridge up to 2.5 m long consists of supports, spans, deck and railings. For supports take thick bar or tarred logs, which are laid on support platforms in the form of ledges on the coastal slopes. Sometimes this is limited, from such a bridge breathes harsh minimalism, but it is scary to cross the stream along it, it is rather an art object. In most cases, thick boards or poles are laid across the supports, forming a flooring. The main requirement is that the bridge must not bend. The elements of the flooring are laid with slots, then water will not linger on its surface. To ensure the surface is non-slip, cover it on top with a metal mesh.
A railing is a protective vertical structure on one or both sides of the deck, clearly visible from afar and giving the bridge a particularly decorative look. For fencing, a rhythmic repetition of the pattern is usually used, for example, a Roman cross. You can use balusters, they are attached to the flooring and a railing is laid on top.
If the length of the bridge is more than 2.5 m, then intermediate supports, such as concrete or wooden piles... On a long straight bridge, a frame is used to attach the fence.
If there are wooden buildings made of timber or logs on the site, they grow big trees, then bridges are best made of roughly processed wood, such as pine or larch. Special antiseptic treatment gives durability to the entire structure without distorting the texture and color of the material. The wooden bridge looks impressive, which, almost touching the water, crosses and rests against the gazebo. In this case, the gazebo (also wooden) closes the perspective.
The zigzag bridges are of Chinese origin, but are popular in Japan as well. It is good to place such a bridge over a wetland, a body of water or thickets of Japanese. Zigzag bridges are mainly made of wood, but they can also be made of stone.
A small wooden bridge can be placed over a dry, winding stream of gravel or flat pebbles, framed by creeping shrubs and ground cover perennials.
If a drainage ditch passes in front of the front part of the fence (this often happens in garden associations), then the bridge in front of the gate is very appropriate.
A 2.5 m long birch bridge across a moat with stagnant water at the edge of the forest looks cute. Its supports, flooring and fencing are made of unsmiled birch trunks and thick branches. For the fence 0.7 m high, rectangles crossed with two diagonals (Roman cross) were used. Such a crossing is simple, strong and stable, it will bear the weight of two people.
Photo gallery
Bamboo garden bridge
In order to emphasize the oriental flavor of the corner of the garden, a bamboo garden bridge is used - bamboo sticks are placed across the supports and tied with a rope. These bridges can be with a sagging rope railing attached to bamboo poles. Bamboo bridges are thrown over real "wet" streams or over stylized gravel ones.
It is a good idea to put a stone Japanese lantern near the edge of the bamboo bridge.
When creating a pond, try to get very close to the water. Small bridges or even a few large flat stones, along which you can walk some distance from the coastline into the depths of the pond, will allow you to look into a completely different world. The pond is a habitat for plants and animals that are extremely interesting to observe.
Spacious wooden walkways, they should rather be called a platform or flooring, will allow you to arrange a recreation area near the water: a table with a couple of armchairs above the water looks great, and a wonderful view opens up from here. The decks hang over the water, giving the illusion of water underneath, making the body of water appear large. On a fairly large platform, you can receive guests, sunbathe in a sun lounger and enjoy the garden, you just need to equip it with the appropriate one.
The platform is constructed from wooden planks(preferably with a ribbed surface that does not slip in the rain) 3-4 m long and 12-20 cm wide, or from type-setting square plates with a side of 45-60 cm, made up of boards located diagonally or at right angles to the frame. The minimum thickness of the boards is 2.5-3.0 cm. Wood of various species is used for flooring. If possible, it is better to use expensive wood hard rocks, of course, such a flooring is more durable and of higher quality. The surface of the flooring should be regularly brushed to remove dirt and algae.
The location and size of the flooring is determined by the location and size of the reservoir, it will only benefit if its area is large enough. The configuration of wood flooring can be the most intricate, the flooring can be adjacent to the reservoir, or you can make it so that the water is completely located inside it. If rounded walkways are arranged over a small round pond, such a repetition of the correct shapes will enhance the impression of this part of the garden.
Gardeners often have a bathhouse near a large deep pond. In this case, in front of the entrance to the water, you need to put a walkway, which should be equipped with reliable railings (if you use a bathhouse and a bathing house all year round, then the railings should be wooden, if they are metal, wrap them tightly with a rope so as not to "stick" in the frost) ... Attach a thick plastic mesh with cells of 20 × 20 mm, so as not to slip.
Stone and wood are perfectly combined with each other, a paved patio may well adjoin the flooring, the continuation of the flooring can be a step-by-step path of stones to cross the pond, as if floating on water.
Garden bridge
The simplest garden bridge can be made in the form of a wooden deck. Instructions for the construction of decking over a pond:
1. Level the ground surface on which the platform will be located, backfill the area with gravel with a layer of about 5 cm.
2. Install after 1.2 m concrete blocks with recesses for the lags, which will be installed so that the flooring is located in a horizontal plane. The approximate size of the cross-section of the log is 8 X 5 cm. They should not come into contact with wet soil and water. Air must flow freely under the deck from all sides.
3. Paint or saturate the wooden parts of the structure with protective agents. Check the horizontal level of the upper plane with a level. support posts and attach the logs on top of them.
4. Saw the boards to the appropriate size for the flooring, cover them protective compound or paint and style. Screw them to the joists with self-tapping screws, leaving 5-6 mm air vents between the boards so that rainwater freely flowed down, and the boards were blown with air. Make sure that none of the screws protrude from the deck surface.
5. After all the boards are screwed on, you can attach the curb rail vertically to their edges, covering the raw edges. It is better to choose it so wide that it sinks down to the water level.
Bridges were originally built to get over water barriers, but over time, an amazing metamorphosis occurred: now, garden ponds are often made so that there is where to build a bridge. But even if there are no ponds and canals in your garden and it is not planned, this does not mean that there cannot be a bridge in it: do it and build a crossing over it.
As usual, it all starts with an idea. After all, the variations on the theme of bridges are countless: wood, metal, stone; small and large; simple, even rude and graceful, pretentious - different styles, various Constructive decisions... I offer several ideas for inspiration - well, then everything depends on the capabilities of the owner of the site and the skill of the builders.
Harmony of color
Bright colors always attract attention, but choose harmonious color combinations not so easy. When betting on color, it is important to make sure that your building fits organically into the landscape; imagine how it will look in different times years in different conditions... Take a look, for example, at the bright bridge in the photo:
Attention is drawn to the spectacular contrasting combination of colors supported by flowering shrubs planted next to the bridge. But will the composition remain harmonious when autumn comes?
Such bridges are a characteristic feature of Japanese and Chinese gardens... They look very different depending on their environment. The gardener's art is to create a composition that is attractive at any time of the year. And it is not at all necessary that the elements of the landscape support the color of the bridge - they can be neutral or even contrasting. It requires a subtle sense of style to maintain balance, create the right mood - the color obliges
By the way, red is just one of the options. It is believed that this color brings happiness and scares away evil spirits that cannot cross such a bridge. But if you are not planning on creating a traditional japanese garden, the choice of colors is entirely up to you. For example, here is an amazing composition in cold blue and white tones.
The main thing is not to overdo it: do not forget that juicy, saturated colors have a strong influence on the emotional and psychological condition person.
Elegant white
Discreet and elegant White color no less expressive than bright colors... It breathes with calmness, it gives lightness and grace even to monumental buildings.
Of course, hardly anyone will be going to build such a major bridge in their dacha, but here's another example - quite a dacha scale. The snow-white bridge will wonderfully revive the shady corner, and its reflection in the calm water enhances the effect
White is pure and harmonious. This is a timeless classic, almost a win-win, appropriate in most cases. Even the simplest bridge, painted white, looks noble and sophisticated. By the way, if you want to freshen up an old building, try highlighting with white individual elements- for example, railings or bridge posts. You will see how he will be transformed and rejuvenated.
Laconic bridges
If you want to have a bridge in your garden, you don't have to create something fancy, time consuming, and expensive. A very simple little bridge, even without a railing, will look very nice in the appropriate environment.
Agree - such a construction will not cause any particular difficulties even for a novice master. However, when children are resting at the dacha, one cannot do without railings at all: even if the bridge is low, and there is not a full-flowing river flowing under it, but just a small trickle, a precaution will not be superfluous.
Railings can also be simple and stylish at the same time. For example, a thick linen rope wrapped around the posts completely changes the look of a lightweight garden bridge. You can experiment until you achieve the desired effect.
Not too difficult and construction light summer cottage a bridge with a wooden railing - the whole process is shown in detail. Watch and repeat step by step - you will definitely succeed! This is how the result will look like:
If you are a fan of minimalism, and your garden is designed exclusively for an adult (and by the way, a sober audience!), Pay attention to this idea:
Perhaps it is difficult to come up with something simpler and more concise. The material and dimensions can be any, just keep in mind: the wider the bridge, the safer and more comfortable it is, and the longer the length, the stronger the structure should be. Such a bridge should not bend under the weight of a person - this is not only dangerous, but also violates the harmony contained in its straight lines.
Humpbacked bridges
The construction of such a crossing is not the most simple task, and walking on it may not be very comfortable, but how it looks! The steep arch of the bridge overlooking the stream visually changes the outlines of the garden space. Approaching the bridge, you do not see what is hidden behind it on the opposite bank - this creates a feeling of spaciousness, "expanding the boundaries" of a small area ..
Pay attention to the crossbeams along the entire surface, which play the role of steps - without them, the steep bridge will turn into a real slide. Use this technique if you intend to build a tall "humpback" bridge.
Say, "This is not for us"? But no! Take a look at the following photo:
The basis of this bridge is metal structure on which are attached wide boards cover. The building is distinguished by its restrained color and clear laconic form. But taking the idea as a basis, you can decorate it to your liking - for example, make a wrought iron railings with a graceful floral pattern.
Winding bridges
Another idea borrowed from Japanese gardens is the zigzag yatsuhashi bridges. You can read about them in the article about
Their designs and shapes vary. They are built with or without railings, and the length and complexity of the structure vary depending on the landscape and design intent. Such a bridge does not necessarily pass over the water - you can build it as part of a path among flower beds, for example
And if you have a damp lowland at your dacha, where in spring and autumn the paths turn into swamps, such a bridge can become original and stylish solution Problems.
Bridges and flowers
Do you have a reservoir at your dacha and is not expected? No dry stream, no swamp - nothing, at first glance, suitable for the construction of a bridge? This is not a reason to abandon the implementation of the vending idea! Take a look at the charming wooden bridge among the flowers - is it worse to admire them than to contemplate the expanse of water?
Or you can simulate a bridge: replace the material of the track in the selected section to visually highlight it; put low railings on both sides - and the usual path among flowers will acquire new look... Minimum costs, minimum hassle - and limitless space for creativity
Floral decorations are also used to decorate garden bridges: hanging baskets and flower pots attached to the railing can completely transform even the most simple design... This technique is suitable both for ceremonial decoration (for example, if you want to celebrate an anniversary or wedding anniversary in the garden), and as a permanent decorative element.
Just do not forget to water the plants regularly - container plantings need more careful maintenance than regular flower beds.
Do you have a bridge at your dacha? What is he, tell us!
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Many owners of suburban real estate equip within their local area different types reservoirs to improve the microclimate and create an exquisite landscape design of the site. The ability to arrange a variety of artificial islands, straits or streams necessitates the implementation of decorative bridges that can be made by hand.
Step-by-step instruction
Guided by step by step instructions with the attached photographs, it is easy and simple to make bridges for a summer residence with your own hands.
1. Before starting the construction of the garden bridge, it is necessary to measure the distance through which it is planned to throw it. To the resulting size, you should add allowances of at least half a meter on each side of the existing water barrier.
2. For the manufacture of a wooden bridge, you can use different kinds wood. For example, you can take pine as the easiest to process. In principle, the choice of wood depends on the wishes of the owners and their financial capabilities.
3. The bridge structure consists of a frame made of two glued blocks with a height of at least 32 mm, a width of 20 mm and more, and a length corresponding to the calculated one (point 1). Also, you need a flooring of edged boards 20 mm thick and 100 mm wide. The width of the decking planks is not constant and can vary either upward or downward.
4. With the help of stakes driven into the ground, the necessary curvature of the future frame is made. Double bars are inserted between them, compressed together with clamps. In addition, the junction of the bars is impregnated with wood glue and fastened with self-tapping screws. For the convenience of working with wood, it can be pre-soaked in water, after which the bars will be more flexible.
5. The bent frame is left to secure the bend for at least a day. After that, a structural survey is carried out. If necessary, wood defects are eliminated: cracks and chips are slagged, the mating seams of the bars are carefully sealed.
6. For flooring and cross members the frames are cut into boards of the required length. At the same time, the ends and edges of the boards are processed at an angle of 45 degrees.
7. The finished structure of the bridge of the required shape is obtained by connecting the transverse elements of the frame with the longitudinal bars.
8. To install the bridge in the intended place, holes are made in the transverse structures. Passing metal crutches through them with a length of at least 50 cm, the bridge is attached to the ground along the sides of the stream.
9. Running floorboards are attached to the frame at small intervals. For fixing the boards, you need to use stainless or galvanized self-tapping screws to avoid corrosion.
10. To protect it from rotting and external precipitation, the tree is impregnated with special compounds and varnished for outdoor use. The bridge can also be painted with waterproof enamels in any color at the request of the owner.
Materials and tools
Make such a bridge for a summer residence or country house do not make up neither the slightest problem, but for this you need to have minimal set tools: a screwdriver or drill, a hacksaw for wood, a hammer, a joiner's square, a tape measure and a set of brushes, a putty knife, clamps. From materials other than wood, you need carpentry glue, self-tapping screws, impregnation for wood, varnish or enamel for outdoor work.
If necessary, you can build a summer cottage bridge capable of carrying fairly large loads, using bars of a larger cross-section as a supporting frame. Using the recommendations in the article, with the attached photos, each owner can easily solve a similar problem. As a result, a beautiful and reliable bridge will emerge, which will not only decorate country cottage area, but will also serve as a source of pride for the guests.
DIY video of making a bridge for a summer residence
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Since time immemorial, people have used bridges to get over streams, ravines and rivers. Initially primitive constructions beam type or wicker became more perfect, functional and decorative.
To date, garden bridges have become widespread in landscape design, which are decorative wooden, forged structures, as well as structures made of stone or concrete, installed across a stream or pond. Diverse landscape bridges are an interesting design element and are indispensable for creating a single space and style.
Wooden bridge
The most common material in the creation of garden bridges is still wood. It is especially convenient for self-made designs - easy to process and easy to assemble.
Most often, coniferous wood is used in the construction of wooden bridges for summer cottages, of which the most affordable variety is pine. Its trunk is straight and straight with a moderate amount of knots. This material has good mechanical properties and resistant to decay.
Wood blanks are chosen at construction sites. These wood bases are round and sawn, their basic list includes:
- log, peeled round wood at least 12 centimeters thick and 4 to 9 meters long;
- subdivision, cleared roundwood with a thickness of 8-12 centimeters;
- poles, the thickness of which is from 4 to 7 centimeters;
- plates or logs, sawn axially into 2 parts.
And also a bed and a beam, which are a log hewn from two or four sides, and, of course, boards. In addition to calibrated wood material, bar, slab, waste and sawing are widely used.
Girder garden bridge
Perhaps the simplest view. This type is used for spans up to 10 meters. The main elements are supports and spans or girders that fill the distance from one support to another.
Purlins of this design are the main bearing element project. These component parts operate under a variable bending load according to the beam principle, therefore the bridges of the described design are called beam bridges. At the end of the working process, the working part of the bridge is laid on the spans. For the construction of such a bridge, it is enough homemade template for breakdown. It is made of planks connected in a right-angled triangle. The resulting hypotenuse of this triangle should be equal to ½ the width of the bridge.
Having marked out axis the future wooden bridge with the help of pegs, you need to postpone the lines for the girders with a template, and the legs should be closer to the axis. This inward displacement of the beams equals approximately 5% of the total width of the future bridge on each side. Then you should select the soil along the markings for the beds, tamp the trench with crushed stone, add crushed stone or gravel with a slide and lay the beds on this backfill, and then install the girders.
To give the wood a bend, blanks for beams chiselled and with a jigsaw, seeking desired profile... After that, assembling a decorative bridge for a summer residence with your own hands takes place in a standard way.
Gallery: decorative bridges for the garden (25 photos)
Railings
The railings will undoubtedly serve as the decoration of the created structure of the bridge in the country house. Since the small bridge is more for decorative purpose, it is quite possible to make the railing yourself and additionally decorate it with inserts from vines, slats, rope or bamboo. Here the options can be very different.
You can also order a railing for a finished project in a carpentry workshop, where they will carve or cut a pattern on the blanks and embody the desired decorative idea... In addition, carpentry workshops have their own sketches, projects and photographs of finished works.
Wood processing
All wooden elements must be dried... Best of all, when there is confidence that the wood was dried industrially in special chambers. This point is very important for maintaining the quality of the finished garden structure.
In addition, before installation, the wood should be treated combined impregnation to prevent rotting and moisture accumulation. If desired wood product can be treated with a fireproofing compound and varnished for external work.
Forged construction
A decorative forged metal bridge to the garden is ordered at blacksmiths... Such atmospheric gizmos in a unique way decorate the landscape and set the necessary accents. Such forged metal garden bridges are diverse and differ:
- shapes and sizes;
- the complexity of the design;
- wrought iron decor - from minimalist to intricate openwork.
In workshops that make garden bridges made of metal, there are always many forged samples. You can choose either a ready-made sketch or combine it on their own from several elements. In addition, many masters undertake the implementation of individual projects... Blanks for forged elements are shaped pipes, channels, metal sheets and other metal bases. After manufacturing, metal bridges are painted with reliable and durable blacksmith paint.
Other materials
Less common choice of materials for building a bridge in a garden or country house is concrete and stone, both artificial and natural.
A rock
Arched stone bridges, capable of withstanding the load, are quite difficult to perform. In such a case, serious skill is required. construction works... But you can use the idea when stones, laid on the bottom of a shallow reservoir or simply on sod or gravel, are located at some distance from each other. As a result, flat large stones form the so-called step bridge
According to the tradition of landscape design, a decorative bridge is made over "dry" streams and artificial reservoirs. Such a design can take on bizarre shapes, or it can look like a standard miniature bridge. The choice of the type of bridge and its decor depends on the design idea of the entire suburban area.
Varieties of designs
The installation of a bridge on the site has not only an aesthetic, but also a practical function. Bridges are installed where it is necessary to step over something or bypass an obstacle.
Among the various types of designs, the following can be distinguished:
- Wooden;
- Bamboo;
- Stone;
- Metallic;
- Concrete.
These are the most used materials in construction. vertical structures and hills. They are commercially available, so it won't be difficult to construct a bridge with their help.
Also, bridges are divided into those that can be walked on, and those that carry only a decorative load. Decorative options are usually small. They are made in those places where you want to diversify the monotonous landscape as much as possible with boring accents.
Wooden
Wood products fit naturally into any landscape. They harmoniously complement the space around, making appearance the plot is even more interesting.
The advantages of wooden structures include such aspects as:
- Ease of preparation and assembly;
- Eco-friendly material;
- Ease of construction;
- Long service life;
- Ample opportunities for decoration.
The most common wood for such bridges is pine. More expensive options are made from oak, ash and cedar. The wooden bridge can be painted in any color. Its shape can be made more sloping or flat. And the repair of such a bridge will be inexpensive.
Bamboo
Bamboo designs look delicate and delicate. They fit perfectly into landscape design garden and open area... If there is an eastern corner at the dacha, then the bamboo version of the bridge will come in handy.
Plot, registered in japanese style, it just won't look complete if it doesn't have a bamboo bridge. Lightweight and air material is strong enough to withstand long-term use. And its appearance reminds of the beauty of oriental gardens and parks.
Stone
Stone options are considered to be among the most durable. They fit perfectly into the European landscape style. They look solid and presentable. Such bridges combine well with other stone structures on the site.
The simplest version of a stone bridge is the location of boulders over a stream or pond. Antique landscaping will require more subtle work. Therefore, you can use marble or granite here. And the structure itself can be erected using publicly available drawings and cement.
Metallic
Metal bridges will decorate the site in gothic style... They are also suitable for the Art Nouveau style. And forged options are perfectly combined with romantic notes in the landscape of the site.
Metal structures can be bought in a specialized store, or you can weld yourself. Such a bridge has a long service life. Not afraid of serious temperature changes. Can be easily combined with other materials.
Metal for creating a bridge is suitable for those who do not like change. The material is able to stand on the site for a decade. And changing its shape is quite difficult. Therefore, metal bridges will appeal to true conservatives.
Concrete
Concrete products are among the most durable decorative items. Fountains and fountains will be installed next to them. artificial reservoirs for water to highlight the beauty of concrete bridges.
To make such a bridge high, you need to build it into its structure metal fittings... Low variants can be created from solid concrete blocks.
Concrete bridges have not only a decorative function, they can safely walk and transport a trolley with tools. A properly designed bridge is capable of withstanding significant loads.
Accommodation options
Where to place the decorative bridge so that it becomes bright accent landscape? It is better to do this in the following areas:
- Near lakes, ponds, streams;
- Near natural ravines and ditches;
- Over dry streams;
- Near flower beds, rockeries and flower beds;
- Over paths and paths.
Sometimes such structures are placed as a continuation of the path on hilly terrain. Step bridges are made right in the water. And part of the structure of the suspension bridges is installed under water.
According to the rules, the structure of the bridge should be placed over the narrowest section of the path or stream. A small bridge is not made high, so it will not look harmonious. Traditionally, a large wooden walkway can be raised to a considerable height. Then you can even fish from such a bridge, if the owner of the site is interested in fishing and all its derivatives.
The metal is set on flat surfaces... And stone options are built into earthen ramparts and edges near the water. The tree can be placed on any piece of garden or lawn. Such decorations are also good for terraces.
Choice of shape and design of the structure
Choosing a bridge design begins with a detailed study of the site. When the place for the bridge is determined, it is easy to check the relevance of its placement. It is enough to photograph the site and put a schematic drawing of the structure on the photo. It is also possible to place the drawn bridge on the site plan to see how it fits into the overall concept of the landscape.
After the place for placement has been checked, it is necessary to select a certain type of structure. Let's consider the most common options:
| View | Description |
| Straight | Easy to do by hand, suitable for different styles and trends. |
| Zigzag | It adds an oriental flavor to the site, it is mounted from durable and wear-resistant materials. |
| Arched | Has a familiar look, combined with different landscape styles. |
| Step by step | Suitable for streams, dry and real bodies of water. |
| Stepped | Fits perfectly into the concept of a children's corner on the site, it is performed in the form of two stairs with a common area in the middle. |
| Suspension | Installed by professionals, as it is complex design with increased danger during operation. |
Zigzag designs in an oriental style are treated with antiseptics. Additional protective equipment is used when such a bridge is installed near the water.
The supporting beams of the arched structure are initially selected curved. So the appearance of the bridge looks really correct and sloping.
Exclusive step-by-step designs are made from flat natural stones of the right size. The distance between them is selected in such a way that it is convenient to walk on them without getting your feet wet.
The landscape version of the stepped structure is installed on an elevation. Here the main task of the bridge lies in its survey function.
Suspension bridges are placed on piles in the water. Therefore, the foundation for them must be strong and durable.
Suspended structures are not placed in areas with increased seismic activity due to the high probability of displacement of the earth layers beneath them.
In general, each type of bridge can be successfully and organically placed on any type of site. Summer residents prefer small wooden options while the owners of spacious spaces choose long and intricate pieces.
Master class making a bridge out of wood
It is quite possible to make a bridge yourself and cheaply. Most inexpensive material for this type of landscape decoration - a tree. Some craftsmen manage to construct a full-fledged bridge from scrap materials, such as boards from an old barn. But to increase the aesthetics of the structure, as well as to increase its strength, it is worth using specially purchased boards.
Before starting work, a suitable place is selected. Then a work plan is drawn up, drawn detailed drawing products. There is no need to pour a concrete foundation or install piles for a wooden bridge. Do not forget about the gaps between the boards. After all, they will save the structure from excess moisture and dampness.
The basis of a homemade walkway - two wooden beams, the length of which varies in the region of two meters. They are curved using a jigsaw. The rest of the structure will be attached to these beams.
To increase stability, special wooden supports can be installed under the bridge. The banks of the reservoir, over which the bridge will pass, are pre-strengthened with stone or cement. When pouring concrete, you can immediately install wooden piles into it, so as not to make the support for the bridge separately.
After installing the entire structure, a fence is mounted on it. This part can be double-sided or one-sided. It not only increases the safety of the bridge, but also serves as a decoration.
The wooden deck of the bridge is made of planks, the thickness of which must be at least 3 cm.
The final piece of work on the bridge is lighting it. It is dangerous to cross the bridge without lighting at night. Therefore, you can install near it garden lights solar-powered, it is still possible to use LEDs. Product illumination can be different. Sometimes the steps are illuminated near the decorative walkways, there are versions of lanterns that are placed under water. With the standard lighting method, street lamps with long "legs" are chosen. They do their best in their lighting function. When the bridge is installed near the house, it can be illuminated by lanterns from the terrace or balcony.
If desired, the wooden bridge can be decorated with a layer of varnish or wood carvings. It is best to impregnate it with an antiseptic in a collapsible form, so the joints of the parts will be less prone to decay and will last longer.
Places of the structure that will be in continuous contact with water must be carefully insulated special materials otherwise the base of the bridge will be wobbly and quickly deteriorate.
