Step 1
Determine a location for your bridge. The foundation of the bridge must be on solid, dry ground. Measure your space and buy materials.

5 1 2 Circular Saw

Step 2
Place one pair of concrete pier blocks at each end of the bridge location. Dig down or build up in order to ensure that the blocks are level with each other.

5 1 2 Circular Saw

Step 3
Connect beams to the pier blocks. Place the pier blocks one length of beam a part. Attach the beams using metal straps.

Step 4
Construct railing posts for each side of the bridge, if desired. Carefully measure the height of the posts to make sure they're even. Set the posts in incremental spacing to ensure that the railing is supportive and strong.

Step 5
Lay planks across the beams to form the treads of the bridge. Cut the planks to a length that allows them to lay fully over each beam but not too far over the sides of the bridge.

Step 6
Attach hand railing to the railing posts. Measure the proper height and mark each railing post with chalk as a visual guideline, then firmly attach each hand railing section.

Step 7
Stain or paint and seal the bridge. Use a sealer specifically for use outdoors to prevent dampness from ruining the wood and destroying your bridge.

Part 2

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.

Marked stringer

1. Cut 2x6 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.

Cut stringer

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.

More Plans that might work good for you.

My wife had casually mentioned that a footbridge over the dry creek bed drainage culvert we created in the front and in the back would be a nice feature. I decided to surprise her and built the bridges in one day. I used 2x12 lumber for the sides, cut the arch shapes out with a jigsaw, and then transferred that shape to the other side and cut it out too.

I left a flat area on the bottom side at each end where it would rest on the ground. The only limit to design on the cuts is your imagination. If you don't want a tall bridge, or if it isn't spanning a wide area, you could use 2x10, 2x8 or even 2x6 lumber. I made mine 6 feet long and 24" wide, and used 2x4 and 2x6 boards for the decking, and a 2x6 vertical support in the center to give it more rigidity. I used a square to make sure the board sides and ends were perpendicular and parallel.

I used redwood If you want to make a smooth arch shape, you can use 1/2" PVC pipe, bend it to the shape you want, screw it to the board, and then trace out the curve on the board. The bridge is very sturdy, and looks pretty good too. Of course, you could use 2x8, or even 2x6 side boards, depending on the span and how you cut the side boards.

How to Build a Low Arched Footbridge and Garden Bridge

5 1 2 Circular Saw

Christmas Sales Makita Bare-Tool BSS610Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw 201

Dec 13, 2011 23:09:17

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>> Click here to update Christmas prices for Makita Bare-Tool BSS610Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw <<

Christmas Sales Makita Bare-Tool BSS610Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw Feature

Makita-built motor delivers 3,700 RPM for faster cutting and ripping through wood
Compact, ergonomic design, 7.1 pounds, for reduced operator fatigue
Built-in LED light illuminates work area, built-in dust blower keeps line of cut free of debris
LXT lithium-ion battery, Energy Star rated 30-minute rapid optimum charger produce 430% total lifetime work, 2.5X more cycles
Tool only (batteries not included), 3-year warranty on tool

Christmas Sales Makita Bare-Tool BSS610Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw Overview

The Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw delivers cordless cutting power to the jobsite. The BSS610Z has a Makita-built high-torque motor and a compact design for a range of cutting applications, and will cut 2X material at 45 degrees.

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BSS610Z Features

PERFORMANCE - LXT Li-Ion batteries charge in 30 minutes, run longer and deliver 2.5X more cycles

SPEED - 3,700 RPM for faster cutting and ripping

CONTROL - Built-in dust blower and L.E.D. light for accurate cuts

COMFORT - Only 7.1 lbs. with ergonomic grip

Battery and charger not included

Tool Specifications

Blade diameter	6-1/2"
Arbor	5/8"
Max. cutting depth	90° (2-1/4"), 45° (1-9/16")
No load speed	3,700 RPM
Battery	18V LXT Lithium-Ion
Overall length	13-5/8"
Net weight	7.1 lbs. (w/battery)

Makita-Built Motor Engineered for Versatile Power
The BSS610Z features a Makita-built high-torque motor that produces 3,700 RPM for faster cutting. The saw has a 50 degree maximum bevel cutting capacity and is engineered with a heavy gauge, precision machined base for smooth, accurate cutting and added durability.

Ergonomic Design in a Compact Size
The BSS610Z weighs just 7.1 pounds (with battery, sold separately) with a more compact design at 13-5/8 inches long and an ergonomic shape that fits like a glove for reduced operator fatigue. The BSS610Z is also equipped with two built-in L.E.D. lights that illuminate the work area for more efficient work, as well as a built-in dust blower to keep the line of cut free of debris.

Versatile Design for a Range of Applications
The BSS610Z is engineered for a range of cutting tasks, and is perfect for roofing, carpentry, remodeling, woodworking, and for any pro contractor who requires a best-in-class engineered cordless circular saw. The BSS610Z is just another example of Makita's commitment to innovative technology and best-in-class engineering.

About Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool Series
As one of the pioneers driving the cordless tool revolution, Makita changed the game with its breakthrough 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Series. Three years after its debut, Makita's LXT Series has grown from seven to over 35 tools, providing a wide range of cordless solutions for professional tradesmen. Makita also added 18V Compact Lithium-Ion for cordless power in a more compact size.

About Makita
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools, and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to produce tools that are stronger, lighter, more powerful and easier to use. Makita USA, Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit the website at makitatools.com. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.

Warranty
Every Makita Lithium-Ion tool is backed by Makita's 3-Year Warranty that covers repair due to defects in materials or workmanship up to three years from the date of original purchase. Makita Lithium-Ion batteries and chargers have a limited 1-year warranty. Please see makitatools.com for complete details.