Tips For Having A Timber Bridge Installed In Your Yard
Posted on: 18 May 2022
Do you have a little stream or creek running through your yard? As nice as these things can be to have on your property, you may also be faced with the challenge of getting across the water when needed. Having a timber bridge installed on your property is a great solution. Timber bridges are natural, aesthetic, and can be installed rather easily. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you decide to have a timber bridge installed.
Choose your timber wisely.
There are many different kinds of wood that can be used to make bridges. Pine is usually the cheapest, but since it is a soft wood, it won't last very long — especially when used near water. Cedar costs more than pine, but it is resistant to rot and insects because of its natural cedar oil content. Cedar still has that roughly hewn, natural look that you want from a timber bridge. Then, there are hardwoods like oak and cherry. These cost a lot and are usually overkill for a timber bridge, but they are really durable. If you are trying to match other hardwood elements on your property, then a hardwood timber bridge may be your best choice.
Have the bridge made longer than the minimum that's needed.
You generally want the bridge to extend out a little further on either side of the water. There are a few reasons for this. First, streams and creeks tend to erode over time. You don't want the ground beneath the bridge to erode as that would compromise the bridge's strength. Extending the bridge a little on each end helps prevent this. Also, when you make the bridge a little longer, the slope can be more gradual. This makes the bridge less steep to walk over, and you'll be less likely to slip when walking over it with the more gradual slope.
Include railings.
In some towns and cities, small timber bridges are required to have railings for safety reasons. Even if these are not required in your area, they are good to include. You can save some money by having your builder use pre-fab metal railings, but ones made from the same timber as the bridge tend to be more attractive.
Hopefully, these tips serve you well as you have a timber bridge installed in your yard. Talk to your carpenter or builder if you need more ideas.
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