Certain types of wood are commonly used in building garden bridges.
Cedar, pine, and redwood
are frequent choices because each wood type has particular desirable characteristics.
Cedar Garden Bridges
Cedar makes a great choice for building wooden garden bridges and any outdoor furnishing, because
it resists mold, decay, and mildew and it repels insects. Cedar is light in
color and does not have a tendency to splinter, so it ages well. The two main
types of cedar are western red cedar and white cedar. These two types have very
similar properties, but the natural acidic levels that preserve cedar exist
at a lower level in the white cedar. This means that western red cedar garden bridges might weather longer than ones made from white
cedar.
Pine Garden Bridges
Light and yellow in color, with random brown knots, pine is
attractive in its natural color, yet responds beautifully to staining. Pine
used to make wooden garden bridges should be pressure-treated. If it is not pressure-treated,
pine has a low resistance to rot. Pine
garden bridges should be painted or stained and sealed to prolong their
life. |  |
Redwood Garden Bridges
Redwood is used for making garden bridges and other outdoor furniture because it holds
up well against the elements and resists rotting. Redwood that
has grayed due to prolonged exposure and lack of maintenance can have its vibrant
color returned by using a colored sealer.
Wooden garden bridges can certainly add to the natural appeal
of your yard or garden. Any of the popular wood choices will provide a beautiful
and functional wooden garden bridge.
