How to Build a Gate for a Deck
A deck with a handrail should have a fence. If the deck is higher than 18 inches, you should install a gate instead of gaining access to the yard beyond the deck. A few things should be pointed out before beginning to build your gate. The first is to assess your woodworking skills. This project rates about a 5 on a scale of 1 to 10, so know what you're getting into before you begin. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 1 2-by-4, 96 inches long
- Pickets
- Carpenter's square
- Skill saw
- Variable speed drill
- Philips head screw tip
- 1½-inch deck screws
Instructions
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1
Measure the distance between the posts where you will install the gate. Subtract 1 inch from that measurement and cut two 2-by-4's to that length.
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2
Divide the measurement from Step 1 by 5½ inches. This will give you the number of pickets needed for the gate. For example, if the gate is 30 inches wide, it will take 5 pickets and will leave you with 2½ inches to cover. Two pickets 1¼ inches wide placed on either side of the gate would be needed for balance.
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3
Determine the height of the pickets and mark them accordingly from the bottom side to leave the top of the picket intact. Place the carpenter's square on the marks, draw a line across each picket and then cut them to length.
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4
Place the 2-by-4's from Step 1 on the table parallel to each other. Place the pickets on them allowing them to hang over the top and the bottom equally. Be certain the pickets and the 2-by-4's are perpendicular to each other. Secure them with the deck screws.
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5
Turn the gate over so that the 2-by-4's are facing up. Measure from one corner of one of the 2-by-4's to the corner of the other and then add 2 inches. Place it on the gate from one corner of the 2-by-4's from one corner to the other. Draw a line that will indicate where to cut it to make it fit between the two horizontal 2-by-4's to form a "Z" on the back of the gate. After you cut it, put it in place, turn the gate over and secure it to the pickets with the deck screws.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear safety glasses when cutting wood. You might need to attach a block to the back of the gate for a latch. Separating the pickets to make up for the 2½ inches mentioned in Step 2 is an option to keep full-width pickets on the gate. Always hinge the gate to swing toward the deck.
Do not leave power tools unattended. Do not allow screws to countersink too deep or the strength of the gate will be compromised.
Resources
- Photo Credit http://wearehugh.com/public/2007/05/deck-gate.jpg
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Comments
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You built a frame. Now you need to attach hinges and connect them to the deck rails. I have built a similar gate, but have trouble with keeping gate level with no sag. Piano hinge required?
