Though handcrafted wooden bridges have been used for many centuries for things such as draw bridges, spanning crevices, creeks, ponds, gulleys and anything from dips to depressions, a California-based custom bridge maker is currently receiving international recognition for spanning the divide between traditional to modern bridge making.

Japan started making wooden arch bridges many decades ago to beautify and maintain Koi ponds and water gardens and now, in part due to the efforts of Handcrafted Garden Bridges and its unique use of California Redwood or Western Red Cedar, other parts of the world are catching on. Typically made of cedar, pine, douglas fir, Handcrafted Garden Bridges uses the more durable, weather, insect and water resistant California Redwood. By using these materials, Handcrafted Garden Bridges last for many years. In addition to using weather and water resistant wood or sealed and stained, Handcrafted Garden Bridges uses stainless steel hardware such as bolts, washer, nuts and screws.

As an added bonus, Handcrafted Garden Bridges are very easily assembled, taking an average of only 30 minutes to assemble, and require only a few tools. Each board is numbered and labeled, and each post and rail easily matches the numbering system. "All that is required, is to put in the screws and tighten," said owner and founder Joe Guraro. "Down through the ages, wooden arch bridges have brought joy, beauty and comfort to pond owners, homeowners, farmers, and landscapers," said owner Joe Guraro, "I'd like to think that my bridges do the same." He also points out, that besides being an attractive addition to any garden, it also has an added useful function of opening up an area that needs to be easily accessed.