🪵Project Summary

• This is my current build
• Cutting down cedar trees
• Milling my own lumber
• Prepping base electric line poles
• Long-term goal is a sturdy timber-style Bridge

🎯The Goal: Building a DIY Natural Looking Bridge

• Build a functional footbridge across land creek
• Use reclaimed utility poles as structural foundation
• Mill my own cedar for decking
• Create a durable, heavy-timber look
• Design for longevity and structural strength

📋The Plan

• Source and prep utility pole
• Excavate and set poles securely
• Mill cedar to required dimensions
• Design and frame bridge structure
• Install decking and rail system
• Final sealing and finishing

📷 Project Progress Gallery

🔨The Process

Phase 1 – Sourcing and Preparing Utility Pole

• Pole came from electric company replacing with new
• I chose to use this as sturdier and safer base for bridge

Phase 2 – Site Prep and Foundation Work

• Leveling ground and cement blocks
• Drainage planning
• Pole placement alignment
• Add Rebar and Cement for longevity

Phase 3 – Milling Cedar Lumber

• Tree selection
• Milling process
• Drying stack method

👉 Early Lessons from the Build

• Fresh-cut cedar and reclaimed utility poles are significantly heavier than anticipated
• Proper planning prevents overwhelm on large structural projects
• Milling cedar requires more time, setup, and blade maintenance than expected
• Foundation prep is more critical to bridge longevity than I initially realized

🔮 What’s Next

• Continue processing cedar trees
• Complete excavation and leveling of bridge foundation
• Cut and size reclaimed utility pole to final span dimensions
• Set and secure pole bases using rebar reinforcement and concrete
• Mill cedar decking and structural members
• Begin bridge framing and alignment
• Final finishing and sealing

🏗 Current Status

Reclaimed utility poles have been sourced and cedar milling is underway. Foundation preparation is in progress, with structural framing scheduled to begin once materials are fully milled and set.

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See how the next project improved on these early lessons.