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Build a Footbridge

Skill Level: Intermediate
Build a Footbridge

Make a footbridge as your next landscaping project.

A footbridge is a great addition to any landscape and enhances the feeling of getting away from the world, acting as a portal to a relaxed, carefree space. This is a simple one-day project that you can complete with common tools.

Tools & Materials

Tools

  • Square
  • Circular Saw
  • Drill/Driver
  • Drill Bits
  • Tape Measure
  • Gloves
  • Hearing Protection
  • Goggles
  • Dust Mask

Materials

  • Three, 16' 2 x 12s rated for outdoor use
  • Ten, 12' 5/4 x 6 decking boards or composite deck boards
  • Two, 8' 2x4s rated for outdoor use
  • 2 1/2" galvanized deck screws
  • Exterior stain or paint
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Introduction

Note: These instructions are intended solely for a decorative bridge which rests entirely on the ground. To cross an actual gap (ditch, pond, etc.) consult your local building authorities for specific instructions and requirements.

Use the following steps to construct a 16' x 3' bridge. You may, of course, change any dimensions you wish. Just remember to scale up or down accordingly. If you decide to make the bridge wider, don't allow the stringers to be more than 24" on center (OC).

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Lay Out and Cut the Stringers

Marked stringer.

  1. Use 16' 2x12s for the stringers. Square both ends of a 2x12 and cut it exactly 16' in length.


  2. Measure up 4" on each end of the 2x12 and make a mark. Locate the center of the 2x12, measure 1 1/2' (18") toward the left and right ends, and mark. Draw cut-lines between the marks as shown below.


  3. Use a circular saw to cut the stringer along the cut-line. Use the first stringer as a pattern to mark and cut the other stringers.

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Brace the Stringers

Top view of braced stringers

  1. Cut ten 14 3/4" pieces from your 2x4 stock. Use the pieces of 2x4 to brace the stringers. Install the center and intermediate braces staggered, as shown below.


  2. Install the end braces flush with the bottom of the stringers, the intermediate braces 1" up from the bottom of the stringers and the center braces flush with the top of the stringers.


Side view of brace placement


Good idea: To avoid splitting the deck boards, predrill holes for the screws.


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Install the Decking

Side view of footbridge.

  1. Cut 5/4x6 decking boards to 36" for decking.


  2. Center the decking boards on the stringer frame so there's about an inch of overhang on each side. Secure the deck boards with two screws at each stringer. Leave a 1/8" to 1/4" gap between each decking board. It may be necessary to cut decking boards to fit where the incline flattens out on the bridge. Stain and seal the bridge.

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Install Railings

For this bridge, we decided not to install railings. In most areas, structures under two feet high are not required to have railings, but always check with your local building inspector for requirements in your area. If your local code requires railings or if you would like to add them to your bridge, please see the railing instructions in our deck building article.
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Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures. Please read our terms of use.

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