Different Types of Garden Bridges

Garden bridges add a design element which is unique and distinctive. Garden bridges can be used as a wonderful walkway over little ponds and creeks or could serve to be just a decorative accessory. The advantage of garden bridges is that they have the ability to blend in with any kind of landscape. They are also available in various types and designs which can be utilized to give your garden the look that you desire.

Wooden bridges look beautiful because they imbue the garden with a natural and untarnished look with. The wooden bridges are an attention seeker and you can be sure that any visitor to your garden will be mesmerized. Various types of wood are used in the construction of wooden bridges. Each type of wood is endowed with characteristic traits that make them ideal for specific purposes.

Pine garden bridges: Pine is one of the most popular choices when it comes to wooden bridges. The natural light yellow color of pine makes it ideal to be stained in a color of your choice. Pine used in Wooden Bridges must be pressure treated in order to make it more durable and also to make it resistant to rot. Painting or staining pine wooden bridges will prolong its life. If your garden is lush with greenery or features a stream with high grasses, pine garden bridges would go a long way in complementing the landscape.
Cedar garden bridges: Cedar is a type of wood that is known for its resilience. Cedar is naturally resistant to fungus and repels insects. These are qualities which are essential to steer clear of rot and decay. The long and narrow shape of cedar also makes it invulnerable to splintering. outdoor bridges made of cedar are attractive irrespective of whether they are finished or unfinished. They are useful for adding a vivid and merry note to your garden. Cedar used in the making of garden bridges is of two types - the western red cedar and white cedar. The western red cedar is relatively stronger than white cedar.
Redwood garden bridges: Redwood is known for its high durability and has the ability to age in a beautiful way. They are ideal for withstanding the onslaught of the elements and are highly resistant to rot. Redwood tends to gray after prolonged exposure to the elements but the color can be easily regained by applying a colored sealer. Like cedar, redwood is best left in an unfinished state.

Villa garden bridges

Estate garden bridge

This type of outdoor bridges borrows its design from the Japanese garden bridges and unlike other models of bridges does not sport handrails. Pathway garden bridges are equipped with an arch that serves to be an elegant style statement.

As the name suggests this type of outdoor bridges has four posts and has a standard arch.

The step up outdoor bridges comes with four posts that are finial topped. These bridges have single rails on either side and are constructed with a low rise.

If you have a large pond or creek the expansive nature of the six post garden bridge is ideal for spanning the width. This bridge can also be used to flank a portion of your home swimming pool. This type of bridge is known for its sturdy qualities and includes six posts that support a single rail on either side.

Garden bridges that have an arch are perfect to lend a classy look to your garden and can also provide a shelter from the sun or a sudden downpour.

The rails in this type of garden bridge are made of rope which gives it a very attractive appearance.

The Japanese gardens employed a garden bridge as more than just a means of crossing a water body. They symbolized a transitional phase in the landscape or even in the life of the visitor to the garden.

Covered Japanese garden bridge: These bridges offer both beauty and functionality. Other than offering a special view over the water, they also offer a shelter from the elements and a spot to sit and relax.
Moon garden bridge: These garden bridges have a high arch that resembles a circle when viewed from a distance. These bridges are made of strips of wood that form a bold curve.
Log garden bridge: Log bridges are treated with preservatives to help them to survive in a damp environment. These types of bridges are devoid of hand rails.
Stone slab garden bridge: Stone slab garden bridges are usually a quarried and cut piece of granite that is then laid across a narrow stream.