Read our latest version of "Garden Bridges" previously released article from 2002. Written and produced by Rodney Bird(Author), www.RedwoodBridges.com, listed craftsman on www.Bobvilla.com.

Released on = January 16, 2005, 6:53 am

Press Release Author = Written By: Rodney Bird

Industry = Small Business

Press Release Summary = Read ourlatest version of our previously released article from 2002. Written and produced by Rodney Bird(Author), www.RedwoodBridges.com, listed craftsman on www.Bobvilla.com.

Press Release Body = January 16, 2005 -- Wooden bridges have been used for many
centuries for things such as draw bridges, for spanning crevices, over creeks, ponds, gulleys and in fact anywhere to cross over low areas such as valleys, dips and depressions as well as water of course, even by "Joe" (home owner) in his backyard.

Old Joe bridge builders started making wooden arch bridges many decades ago for his/their own pesonal use. Now days the modern bridge builders build them to beautify and maintain Koi ponds and water gardens across the country ... I'm sure you have all seen those appealing pictures of Japanese gardens all of which incorporate a wooden span bridge. Other parts of the world caught on during the last 40 years or so along with the landscpe and Koi pond owners.. The New age of builders bring an exciting twist to an age old form of arched span bridges.

The wooden arch bridge is usually made of cedar, pine, douglas fir and a few places use the more durable and weather, insect and water resistant Western Red or California Redwood. Some Old Joe's still use only California Redwood, which many consider endangered. We use the more hearty and abundant Western Red Cedar or (recycled) Redwood to build our Garden Bridges to assure many years of use and beauty and to protect our natural resourses.

How should one measure a span when thinking of buying an arched bridge? When looking for a Pond or Garden bridge, you should know exactly how long the bridge will span. Some bridge builders sell an 8 ft bridge but it will actually only span about 6 1/2 ft. Measure the area that your bridge must span and then add at least one foot on each end for the bridge to set securely.

You should also make sure the bridge is made of weather and water resistant wood or sealed and stained, along with stainless steel hardware such as bolts, washer, nuts and screws. We at www.RedwoodBridges.com use only stainless steel or galvanized hardware in all our bridges and on all our bridges we measure the span length that it will span and not the arch length.

You should try to find a bridge that is very easily assembled and only a few tools required. We number and label each board, each post and rail and you just match the numbers and put in the screws and tighten. It takes an average of 45 minutes to assemble one of our bridges.

Down through the ages the wooden arch bridge has brought joy, beauty and comfort to pond owners, homeowners, farmers, lanscapers and many others who have an area that needs to be easily accessed. I would be happy to build you a bridge of modern design or one styled from the early designers.

This article was originally written in 2002 by:
Rodney Bird for The Pond Professor(Tony Roocroft)
for the water Garden Gazzette #319
http://www.practical-water-gardens.com

Web Site = http://www.RedwoodBridges.com

Contact Details = Rodney Bird
5991-20th Ave. NE Rugby, ND 58368
701-776-2332 Jrodbird@yahoo.com