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Tools
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Materials
- Three, 16' 2 x 12s rated for outdoor use
- Ten, 12' 5/4 x 6 ChoiceDek boards
- Two, 8' 2x4s rated for outdoor use
- 3" stainless steel deck screws
- Exterior stain
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| Build the Bridge |
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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.
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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 16"
on center (OC).
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| Lay Out and Cut the Stringers |
- Use 16' 2x12s for the stringers. Square both ends of a 2x12 and cut it exactly 16' in length.
- 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.
- 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 |
- 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.
- 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.
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| Install the Decking |
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Good idea: Predrill holes for the screws.
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- Cut the ChoiceDek boards to 36" for decking.
- 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
stringers.
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| 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, ChoiceDek makes a variety of railings that are just as maintenance-free as their
decking material.
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ChoiceDek Finishing Note: Left unfinished, ChoiceDek will weather to a beautiful grey patina. If you
wish, you may apply paint, stain or a clear, topcoat finish to ChoiceDek. Allow the material to weather slightly
before applying any finish.
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