How to Make a Gate

Gate illustrated

For as long as there have been picket fences around the front lawn of the house there has been the need for gates. Now that most fences are privacy fences the need for a lasting gate is crucial. The task of building a gate is not a difficult one as long as the correct tools are on hand. Creating a gate that withstands the elements is the desired method that can vary to fit specific needs. The average width of a gate is 36 inches.

Things You'll Need

• (2) 8 foot 2-by-4 inch pretreated lumber
• (7) 6 foot 1-by-6 inch pretreated lumber
• 3 inch deck screws
• 1 ½ inch deck screws
• Skill saw
• Drill
• Philips drill tip
• Measuring tape
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Cut two pieces of the 2-by-4 inch lumber into 36 inch lengths. These will be the top and bottom of the gate.

2. Cut one piece of the 2-by-4 inch lumber 70 inches long.

3. Lay out the parts as they will look on the gate and lay the 70 inch 2-by-4 from the lower left bottom to the upper right top. Mark the angles and cut the 70 inch 2-by-4 to fit between the top and bottom making a “Z” shape.

4. Measure 6 inches down from the top of the 1-by-6 inch lumber and draw a line across the back of the 1-by-6 marking the position of the 36 inch 2-by-4 that fits along the top of the gate. Do the same from the bottom of the 1-by-6 lumber.

5. Attach the 1-by-6 lumber to the two 36 inch 2-by-4 pieces with the 1 1/2" deck screws. Place the cross bar in position to complete the “Z” shape and secure it with the 1 1/2" deck screws. Secure the 2-by-4 inch lumber to each other with the 3 inch deck screws.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety glasses.

• Counter sink screws to be certain that the lumber is pulled tightly together.

• Use caution when operating power tools.

Resources

• Gates