Being able to cross water via a bridge or walkway adds a new viewing dimension to your waterscape. The fact that you actually can cross over is secondary to the overall focal point of the structure. The Japanese sometimes use a walkway or bridge as the focal point of their entire water garden. Done correctly it can add another aspect to your water wonderland.
Crossing This Bridge When You Get To It:
There are many different types of bridges for you to build. The simplest being a flat slab or rock at a narrow section of the pond or stream allowing one to cross over with little effort. Even a traditional wooden bridge can be made and used with little effort or skill.
A clapper bridge is a pretty simple structure that usually consists of 2 spans being supported by a flat stone at each end and a center pier, two or three stones laid lengthways.
About Construction:
Let us make a very important point right from the beginning. Any type bridge needs a firm foundation. You need to create a safe environment for your family and friends. When you are constructing piers dig the footings to a depth of 24", no shallower. You can also opt for pre-cast piers, but the weight is a factor and it may just be easier to make them yourself. If you plan on using a wood structure you can bolt the bridge spans to the piers. Placing them in the setting cement is the easiest way to do it. You can use expansion bolts but placing the bolts in wet concrete is a lot easier.
If you plan on having or needing a pier inside of the pond area, it is best to do it as you are constructing the pond. You build the piers first then place the liner in the pond and over and around the pier. Placing it directly on the liner surface is a no... no!
Deck The Pond:
A nice feature for your pond is to add an observation or party deck over the edge of a section of the pond. This works better with informal or semi-formal ponds. Don't try it with formal. The main thing about decks that are over water is to be sure that only a small area is actually over water. People are people and you can rest assured that on an 8' x 12' deck everyone will eventually end up in the 1 ft over the water. There is nothing wrong with that, just be sure 4' isn't over the water or everyone may be forced to take a swim when the structure falls off into the water. Generally plan on no more than a foot to 18" hanging over the water.
Most deck structures should run along the edge of the pond in a fairly narrow strip, like an expanded causeway, but closer to the actual water. Once again you will have to dig and pour footings or piers to attach the support beams. Run the supporting beams side to side on a narrow structure with the deck boards running the length of the deck. If the deck will be heavily used, plan on a 4 x 4 for your support beams. Decking should be 2 x 6 or 2 x 8 pressure treated or redwood. Remember that it is wood and pine or spruce will rot out a lot faster. Be sure to place gaps of about 3/8" between the deck boards to allow for water run off and expansion and contraction of the wood itself. It's up to you to select the finish you want to use. We recommend oil based weathering stain, which over time gives a natural grayish brown cast to the wood.
Stepping Stones:
Adding stepping stones to bridge the gap of a narrow section of the pond or stream is pure back to nature fun. Remember going camping or hiking and coming up to a stream that had to be crossed using stones in the water? Well you can do the same thing in your pond or stream but more securely.
Natural flat stones will look best but may not be available in your area. If not, you can use man-made rock or even flat square stepping-stones placed as walkways to your pond or garden area.
For those of you who love doing it yourself, you can make your own stepping stones, and probably will look better than the ones you buy at the store. You do need a section of your yard or garden that you can dig. Dig 4 different holes of different shapes. Each should be the same depth 3 inches minimum. Place wood battens around the shape of the hole and level them. Now pour concrete mix into the mold and just let it sit. If your not crazy about the gray color, you can buy concrete die which when mixed with the wet cement give a more natural look.
The Support Piers:
There are a couple different ways to approach the supports for your stepping stones. The shallow method is the easiest and must be done as you are constructing the pond. Where you select to have your walkway, this area must be raised to just a couple inches below the water. You accomplish this by constructing a pier to support the stones. See past documentation on pier construction for more information. Next glue a doubles piece of liner on top of the pier as a cushion. Now stretch your liner in the pond and over the pier. Carefully lay the stepping stones and position them so that they are easily walked across safely to the other side.
