Garden bridges - a decorative solution in landscape design, types of garden bridges on the backyard

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  • 06-September-2014
Garden bridges - a decorative solution in landscape design, types of garden bridges on the backyard

An interesting fact - a bridge built in an energetically unfavorable location, will help balance the flows of this area, and at the same time, people near it. The bridge built under the crowns of large trees will recreate a romantic atmosphere around itself, a bridge built on a flat terrain will give rise to ideas that will help solve vital issues, properly assess the current situation, and build realistic, achievable plans for the future. In Japanese culture, back in ancient times, it was believed that such a structure as a bridge assuredly connects the cosmic principle with the divine. Based on this, the Japanese build bridges slightly curved and rising above the surface of the reservoir.

Garden bridge with own hands

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Materials used in the construction of the garden bridge can be different: metal, stone, wood. A significant element in their construction and decoration is the sense of proportion - the most important thing is not to build a too bulky construction. For the territory of small gardens on private plots, bridges of cane combined with bamboo are quite suitable, they will add softness and weightlessness to the structure.

In which places to build garden bridges

When a small river or trickle flows through the territory of the infield, the choice of the place of construction becomes obvious. In such cases, a bridge is made over a pond, connecting one to the other. It will be most convenient to build a bridge through a narrow, elongated pond.

The bridge on the garden plot can serve as a separator of the terrain. In other words, it will divide the terrain into distinct zones, separating the reservoir from the coastal zone reserved for entertainment and recreation.

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In some cases, small islands are made in artificial lakes. To get to them from the coastal zone is possible only by the bridge. When the island is not planned or its creation is impossible for some reason, the bridge is thrown directly into the water. This option will create an excellent place to relax on the pier, right at the water's edge or a place for fishing.

Also, the bridge can be a wonderful place for exploring and admiring the landscape with water reservoirs. Experts advise not to make a bridge through a large pond of round shape. When ponds are attached to a lake or a stream, the junction of the pond and the pond will be very successful for building the bridge. Shred obtained at the junction should not be shaded. It will be perfect if this place is illuminated by direct sunlight.

Quite often one of the end parts of the bridge is equipped as a gazebo or a wide viewing platform under a canopy.

Not in all cases, decorative garden bridges are a means of crossing water. Sometimes, with their participation, trails are set up through gullies and paths, streams lined with pebbles or simply set on level ground. In the last proposed version, the bridge gives a wide opportunity for creating a single composition with a gazebo, and can also serve as a feature dividing the garden and forest zones.

Various types of garden bridges

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There are many types of garden bridges. They are divided into two main types:

  • functional
  • and decorative.

Functional bridges are erected only in those cases when it becomes necessary to overcome any obstacle - to cross the ravine, canal, stream, to make both pond banks accessible. First of all, the bridge in the garden area serves as an original decoration of the artificial reservoir. The shore connecting structure not only decorates the water picture, but also significantly complements the overall picture of the garden.

Decorative bridges are used as garden decor and barriers for them need to be constructed consciously, that is, to equip reservoirs.

Styles of garden bridges

For a more natural connection with the overall landscape style of the garden, the bridge must be designed in the same spirit in which other structures are made. The drawings of the garden bridge are made taking into account the stylistic decisions and proportions of the bridge, directly depends on the entire decorative design of the plot (both the garden and the house).

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Experts are sure that the smaller the bridge is planned, the more attention will be paid to the selection of materials, it will be more necessary to coordinate them with materials used in the construction of other facilities.

Decorative bridge and its decoration

If the planned bridge will be located on a path leading to the depth of the site, it can be completely concealed by bushes. This will give the building a more mysterious look. Of course, the decorating plantations should be commensurate with the size of the bridge.

A tiny structure should not be placed under very large trees, just like a large bridge near dwarf plants. Plantations of perennial shrubs on the one side of the stream will add to the bridge of enchantment. Elegantly, the openwork bridges will look, and especially if they are entwined with roses that are woven, grapes or glutamate. The bridges of the curved shape will look rather interesting and elegant.

Security measures

The main parts that create the possibility of safe movement on the bridge are the railing. They also represent the main element of the decor of the bridge. Despite the design forms of the structure, the railings in it, without fail, must be reliable, durable, comfortable and at the same time, of sufficient height.

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The presence of flashlights for lighting the structure also applies to security measures. Most often, bridge lights are made on landscaping towering bridges. They are positioned along the entire length of the structure. Let's assume a variant of additional illumination and in the leaf of the bridge.

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In the damp and cold season there is a danger of increased slip. From it you can save yourself by using for finishing the bridge not sliding materials or by making cuts on those that were used for finishing earlier.

Decorative garden bridges with their own hands

bridge garden wooden

The most commonly used material for bridge construction is a tree. The characteristics of the material make it possible to reproduce various designs with different fragments of decor.

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For the construction of a wooden bridge, a deck board of 100 x 40 mm is used. For the equipment of passing beams use glued wood. The best material for this work is larch or oak, that is, a hardwood tree.

Tropical wood resistant to microorganisms:

  • teak,
  • bangkiri,
  • massarandub,
  • reed and bamboo, they are used only for mounting decks and railings equipment, because these materials are quite expensive.

For such a construction, in the middle zone, boards from pine will do, but only after quality treatment of the material with an antiseptic. Experts advise the use of linseed oil as an antiseptic material, treatment should be performed no less than twice a year.

garden bridge from metal

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The metal bridge can be decorated in different versions: from avant-garde to openwork. But unfortunately, for the forged bridge it will take a considerable sum of money. It should also be remembered that such a bridge will have enough weight. If you want to save, you can make the flooring wooden, and spans - metal. Painting the bridge can be anticorrosive paint or simulate a noble patina.

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Also quite popular are the options for designing bridges in the routine style and in the eastern, exotic. Decorate them with natural stones, for example granite or sandstone. Stones are selected similar among themselves in texture and color. Facing can be made of artificial stone, which will be a good imitator of the natural.

concrete bridge

Another bridge can be made of concrete. To give it a natural appearance can be by toning the surface with acrylic paints.

bridge in oriental style

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The eastern style of the bamboo bridge will be an excellent landmark of the infield. Bamboo sticks for him can be bandaged and laid out across. This will add to it the original look. Such bridges can be constructed with and without handrails. The railing on them can be designated as ropes sagging in the shape of the arc. Ropes, in turn, are attached to bamboo posts. A similar bridge made of bamboo can be crossed through a real lake, or maybe through a dry stream. For additional decor decoration, on the edges of the building you can hang Japanese or Chinese lanterns.

How to build a garden bridge with your own hands

At the first stage, a base is equipped and slopes are strengthened. This work requires stones, they are laid and rammed. Then lay the foundation for the bridge. It consists of two sturdy bars, the size of which corresponds to the desired width of the structure.

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In the places of joining the beams and the support platform, a layer of insulating material is mounted. Then the bars are fixed - this will help prevent longitudinal and lateral displacements. Make fixation with the help of stakes or metal profile: pipes, channel bars or corners clogged to the ground. Now you can put the flying bars on the support. Their length should be equal to the expected length of the bridge. For their fastening, use metal staples.

The next step is laying the flooring from the boards and fixing the presser bars along the sides of the structure. When constructing an arc-shaped bridge, special curved beams will be needed.

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At the last stage they make out the railing. On the sides of the bridge mount meter vertical bars. Connect them together. The railing is attached to them. The handrail can be either in the form of a planed plank, or in the form of profiled bars. Add to the finished structure of decor elements, as well as necessarily color or apply protective equipment.

Bridge on stilts

In the garden you can also build a bridge on stilts. This can be both metal pipes, and resin impregnated logs. A pile of wood or metal is attached to the piles. Then it is covered with boards.

The distance between piles should not be less than three meters. Their end in the water should be deepened into the bottom by 70 - 80 cm. A wooden cornice is equipped on the perimeter. He will close the uninteresting details of the structure. To prevent flooding of the bridge during thaws and rains, the distance from the eaves to the water makes a large 20 cm.

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