How to Build a Side Yard Gate

A wooden side yard gate increases security.

Constructing a side yard gate does not have to be a difficult task, since you can transform the simplest wood structure into a functional yet decorative gate. Build a gate using treated wood boards so it withstands natural elements, serving as a long-term investment. Depending on personal preference, paint the flat top side yard gate a bright color so it stands out in the landscape, or stain it to enhance the natural tint of the wood.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• 2-by-4-inch lumber
• 1-by-6-inch boards
• Screwdriver
• 1-inch screws
• 1 1/2-inch screws
• 2 hinges
• 1 1/4-inch lag screws

Instructions

1. Measure the width of the opening where you will install the gate. Subtract 1 inch from the measurement and record the finding. Also measure the space from the ground to the top of the opening to determine the gate height. Keep it 1 to 2 inches higher than the ground so it swings easily.

2. Measure and cut two identical lengths of 2-by-4 lumber to the recorded width to form the horizontal rails for the gate. Also determine the space between parallel lengths of 1-by-6-inch pickets that will cover the span between the horizontal rails, so you know how many you need.

3. Lay the 2-by-4 lumber horizontally on the ground, parallel to each other. Space them sufficiently apart so that 4 inches of the top and bottom of each 1-by-6-inch picket hangs over them. Lay the 1-by-6 pickets over the 2-by-4-inch boards, with the desired spacing, until they cover the entire span. Align the pickets so their upper and lower ends are flush with one another.

4. Secure each picket with a deck screw that penetrates the 2-by-4 lumber frame underneath. Flip the gate over on its pickets.

5. Lay a length of 2-by-4 diagonally over the pickets, from the top inner rail to the bottom inner rail. Draw a line on each end of the diagonal brace where it touches the upper and lower horizontal rails. Cut over the lines with a saw and test fit the board so it fits snugly within the two rails, forming a "Z." Shave off excess length around the ends, if necessary.

6. Secure the ends of the diagonal brace to the corresponding upper and lower 2-by-4-inch lumber with 1 1/2-inch drywall screws. Flip the gate over and insert screws into the pickets to join them to the diagonal brace underneath.

7. Secure hinges to the upper and lower 2-by-4-inch horizontal frame using 1 1/4-inch long lag screws. Hold the gate upright in place and mark the locations for the hinges on the post. Assign a helper to hold the gate in place while you extend the hinges over the post and secure them in place.

References

• CornerHardware.com: How to Build and Hang a Gate
• BuildEazy; Gates; Les Kenny
• Las Pilitas Nursery: How to Build a Garden Gate