How to Build a Sandwiched Gate

A sandwiched gate is a classic gate design. Combined with the sturdiness of its construction and the decorativeness of the latticework that forms its center, the sandwiched gate lends enduring beauty to your garden. Read this eHow to learn how to build a sandwiched gate.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Cut the 4 inch by 4 inch boards into the lengths you need for the top, sides and bottom of the sandwiched gate.

2. Make the top and bottom rails of the sandwiched gate by gluing two pairs of 4 inch by 4 inch boards together with wood glue. The top and bottom rails will consist of two 4 by 4 inch boards each. Clamp the top and bottom rails with wood clamps. Do not remove the clamps until the next day.

3. Form the side pieces or stile of the gate by gluing two 1 inch by 4 inch boards on either side of a 2 inch by 4 inch board. The three boards will be the sandwiched part of the gate. If your gate is 36 inches tall, both of the 1 inch by 4 inch boards should be 36 inches long as well, with the middle 2 inch by 4 inch board only 28 inches long. The 1 inch by 4 inch boards will extend 4 inches beyond the 2 inch by 4 inch board at the top and bottom. This gap is called a mortise. Brush the boards with water, then evenly apply the waterproof, polyester glue with a brush. Do not get the glue on your clothing.

4. Cut tenons into the top and bottom rails of the gate by using a power miter box. You will have to make several passes with the saw to remove the wood to on both sides and both ends of the top and bottom rails. The final dimensions of the tenons should be 4 inches long, and two inches wide. The tenons will allow the top and bottom rails to slip into the gap or mortise at the top and bottom of the stiles for the sandwiched gate.

5. Slip the top and bottom rails into the mortises of the stiles to determine the fit. If the fit is too tight, remove a little more wood.

6. Apply wood glue to the mortises and tenons, and slip all of the sandwiched gate pieces together. Reinforce the joints by drilling holes, squeezing in some wood glue, then inserting wooden dowels. Cut off the ends of the dowels with the Japanese saw so that the ends are flush with the gate.

7. Affix a turnbuckle to the inside of the sandwich gate so that it runs from the inside top corner on the hinge side to the bottom inside corner on the latch side. This will help prevent the gate from sagging.

8. Measure and cut the latticework that will form the center of the gate.

9. Attach ½ inch to ¾ inch strips of wood to the stiles or side pieces on back of the sandwich gate with small or finish nails.

10. Place the latticework within the ½ inch to ¾ inch strips of wood, and fix the latticework in place with two more ½ inch to ¾ inch strips of wood. Secure them with the same nails.

11. Paint the gate in the color you choose. You may have to apply more than one coat.

12. Screw on the hinges and the latch.

13. Set the finished gate on 2 inch by 4 inch scraps in the desired opening. Make certain the gate is level. Screw the gate to the fence posts, then secure the latch.

14. Remove the wood scraps and allow the gate to swing freely.

Resources

• The Woodworkers Workshop has a variety of garden gate plans.