Bridges for cottages are decorative and stylish designs. 90 photos and tips for use in design

A trip to the country is one of the most pleasant forms of recreation with family and friends. Our population is gradually moving away from the stereotype that the cottage is intended exclusively for growing potatoes. Therefore, the owners of country houses are increasingly making out their possessions in accordance with the latest trends in landscape design.

By arranging even a small non-standard flower bed, you can qualitatively draw attention to the site. If you are lucky, and there is a stream or a small pond on the territory of a country house, this is the ideal place to install a decorative bridge. The presence of such a design element will transform the garden, bring originality and brightness to the overall picture.

Summary of the article:

The original task of the bridge was to connect the banks of a river or a precipice, to help overcome this obstacle in the path of a person. But today the functions of garden bridges are completely different.

Such structures are used to highlight some areas in the garden, decorative decoration. Therefore, before choosing the necessary design, you need to decide exactly what its purpose will be and which zones to connect with it.

Most people believe that a garden bridge is appropriate only for a plot with a large area, and they are greatly mistaken. If you choose the right style and material, such a decorative element will fit perfectly in a small garden.

It is possible to install a bridge not only over a natural or artificial water source. Designers often use the "dry stream" technique for this. Such a decorative element can be located on the path, extend it or simplify an inconvenient place for a pedestrian.

The bridge can look very organic and stylish on any site. To do this, choose in advance a good location and a design of the structure that will be in harmony with the overall style of the site. For example, if you have organized a rock garden, give preference to a simple and refined Japanese bridge.

For a large area with many trees, a large wooden bridge is ideal, you can decorate it with carvings. If there is a reservoir on the territory, you can supplement the bridge by building a small gazebo at its end. This place is guaranteed to become the most adored for your household.

Principles of construction

When constructing a bridge, observe the proportions. There should be a sufficient distance between him and the surrounding objects. After installing a small decorative structure next to large trees or garden structures, it will get lost.

The path leading from the bridge should lead to the planting of trees or flowers. The location of the bridge on one bank, and the blooming island on the other, will profitably divide the space. The garden bridge itself can also be decorated. Plant a bush of climbing roses or grapes near it, such an element will add sophistication and romance to the overall picture.

Style Features

On the site where the reservoir of irregular shape is located, the bridge should be placed in its narrowest place. Thus, it is possible to allocate a bathing area, or a shallow place.

In a regular style, it is appropriate to put a bridge in the middle of an oval or rectangular pond. This technique focuses on rigor, since it divides the landscape symmetrically.

On sites that are decorated in Japanese style, the presence of a decorative bridge is a prerequisite. After all, for representatives of this Eastern culture, contemplation of the landscape is equated with meditation.

But before you make a Japanese bridge at the dacha yourself, you should familiarize yourself with the theory of oriental culture and the design features of this country.

In a country house decorated in the style of a village, it will be very easy to build a bridge with your own hands. To do this, you can use any materials at hand: logs, boards or branches. It will be appropriate to make railings from carved balusters if the rest of the buildings on the site are made in the style of a teremka.

And fans of the avant-garde style are recommended asymmetric bridges painted in bright colors. Such a decorative element gives the overall atmosphere originality, creates a festive atmosphere.

What material should I choose?

Since bridges are used as an additional decoration, the material for them should be chosen accordingly with the general style. You can build piles, supports, railings and flooring from any building materials, the main thing is that they must be strong enough.

The most successful material for the construction of such a structure is wood. They perfectly harmonize with the landscape, besides they are very practical. If necessary, wooden parts are much easier to replace with new ones, unlike concrete or iron structures.

For piles, it is worth buying cedar, larch or pine. Due to the ability of these types of trees to release natural resin, they are more durable and will last more than fifty years. It is better to use oak for flooring. Oak boards are durable, resistant to deformation, and moisture, which is especially important for a bridge over a pond.

Remember that wooden street structures require special care. So that the wood does not crack, does not grow fungi, it must be treated with specialized means at least twice a year.

For processing, you can purchase a smear, an antiseptic, or use a natural antiseptic – linseed oil. Yacht varnish will help protect the structure from the effects of high humidity. For safety, anti-slip notches or pads are made on the bridge deck.

Stages of construction

After you have viewed a lot of photos of bridges for the cottage and decided which one you need, you can start creating it. The initial stage of the construction of any structure is the creation of a reliable foundation. To do this, you will need strong wooden boards, the width of which should be at least twelve centimeters, and the thickness of at least six.

Depending on the size of the bridge is determined by the required length of the Foundation. Experts recommend doing a Foundation for longer than forty centimeters. This will simplify the process of docking bridge.

Straight garden bridges are not particularly popular. Rounded structures look more elegant on the site. The effect of roundness is given by using boards of the required shape. You can also place the structure on an elevation, and build steps on both sides.

The building material is pre-prepared. The boards need to be sanded using a plane, sanding paper. It is better to mount a wooden structure on a horizontal surface, and then stand in the right place.