| The Bridge, the Path and the Plantings |
| The Bridge, the Path and the Plantings |
From "Grounds for Improvement"
episode DGFI-113 |
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The horseshoe pit is in place, so now it's time for the team to turn its attention to building a bridge across the creek that divides Dusty's backyard.
Cross-section showing
the construction of
the bridge.
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The underlying structure
of the bridge.
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A gravel path will be constructed later between the horseshoe pit and the pavilion and will run all the way to the bridge; this needs to be taken into consideration now while the bridge is being built, however. The posts -- three on each side -- are going to line up where the gravel path meets the bridge. After the area has been marked with landscape marking paint, it's necessary to continue on to the other side. For the area across the creek, Dean measures 8' over the water for the posts on that side. The bridge will cantilever the two additional feet over the posts. The holes can now be dug out using posthole diggers (figure A). Using a chainsaw, the team must cut the 6x6 pressure-treated posts to a length of 10". The posts will sit in the newly dug-out holes and be surrounded with quick-setting concrete. Before pouring in the concrete mix, Dean makes sure the posts are level with one another (this can be accomplished easily by placing a large board across all three of the posts, then checking for level). Then he uses quick-setting concrete mix and water to secure the posts in their holes (figure B); the concrete will set in about 20 to 40 minutes. Heavy objects can be attached to the posts after four hours. Dean continues with the posts on the other side of the bridge. Once the concrete is set, he can secure the crossbeams to the posts with 8" timber spikes and then run joists from one side of the creek to the other (figure C). He secures the joists with 8" timber spikes, and to add additional support toenails the joists into the crossbeams. (When you're hammering the spikes into the boards, it's easier and more natural to drive the spikes at an angle toward you.) With the joists in place, it's time for the 2x6 redwood decking. These strong -- and naturally weatherproof -- boards are an attractive addition to any yard. With help from spacers and some decking screws, the boards can be secured in place with relative ease. The last step is to add a curb to each side of the bridge -- and it's complete! The curb is simply one of the pressure-treated boards, screwed into the edge of the bridge.
Path and PlantingsWith bridge and horseshoe pits complete, the last step is to create the gravel path and install the new plants. Using metal edging, the team creates the gravel path from the bridge to an existing concrete path (figure D). Then everyone starts planting, giving the area some much-needed color (figure E). As the day comes to end, the job is complete. Dusty's spacious yard now has a pair of horseshoe pits for entertaining and a bridge connecting the two main play areas. Anyone for a game of horseshoes?
RESOURCES :
American Society of Landscape Architects
Ames True Temper Tools
Ames-True Temper
Website: www.ames-truetemper.com
Quikrete
Website: www.quickrete.com
Sealants
OSI Sealants, Inc.
Website: www.osisealants.com
California Redwood Association
Website: www.calredwood.org
Delta Woodworking Tools
Deltak Power Tools
Website: www.deltamachinery.com
Tools
Porter-Cable Corporation
Website: www.porter-cable.com
Horseshoe set
Dick's Sporting Goods
Web: dickssportinggoods.com
Black and Decker tools
Website: www.blackanddecker.com
Black & Decker, Inc. (Corporate)
Website: www.bdk.com/main_bd.htm
Horseshoe set
Dick's Sporting Goods
Web: dickssportinggoods.com
Irwin Industrial Tool Company
Website: www.irwin.com
Sealants
OSI Sealants, Inc.
Website: www.osisealants.com
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