Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
- wooden fence planks
- 2"x4" lumber
- gate hinges
- gate latch
- drill
- screws
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Step 1
Measure the opening to be gated. Lay enough fence planks side by side to cover the opening. Don't worry about the exact width now, it can be cut later.
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Step 2
Cut the 2x4's to size and lay them in a Z pattern over the fence planks so that the upper and lower legs of the Z are withing 8 to 12 inches of the top and bottom of the planks.
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Step 3
Flip the entire assembly over or re-assemble so that the Z is on the ground and the planks are on top of the Z.
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Step 4
Screw the planks into the Z bracing using at least two screws per plank, per brace.
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Step 5
Cut the gate to exact width and shape the top if desired.
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Step 6
Install the hinges, hang the gate and install the gate latch.
Comments
lisayoungblood said
on 10/16/2009 This is a good start, but I need more detailed instructions. 1)how many 2x4's are used and you say cut to size, but what size does that mean? 2) are wooden fence planks readily available? 3)Do we need to drill holes before screwing the z to the planks? 4)What does one use to shape the top of the gate and trim the sides to fit? 5)Step 6 needs a lot more explanation
I'm guessing most of the people coming here are beginners and will need more details than you are giving.
joecantazo said
on 8/24/2009 Thanks for the great article. After doing some internet research I found that you can buy high quality, affordable wood gates at www.pacificgateworks.com. I found them to be very helpful and they have both standard and custom sizes.
jujudy said
on 8/1/2009 I plan to build a gate this weekend. Thanks for the instructions. 5*s
JasneJ said
on 1/10/2009 Great gate building instructions.thanks