How to Build a Wooden Picket Gate

Building a small wooden picket gate yourself can save you money rather than buying one already made. It also gives you more control over the design and look of the gate, allowing a personal touch. The process of building one is straightforward and only a few assorted supplies are needed. A 3-foot-tall by 5-foot-wide gate is used but any size can be built by changing the dimensions.

Things You'll Need

• 30 to 40 6-foot (5-foot if available) pieces of 1-by-3 lumber, pressure-treated
• Measuring tape
• Circular saw
• Sander
• Wood stain or paint
• Brush
• A box of 40 to 50 1 1/2-inch wood screws
• Screwdriver
• 2 heavy-duty hinges

Instructions

Cutting The Pieces for Your Gate

1. Cut four 5-foot-long pieces from the 1-by-3s with the circular saw.

2. Cut 12 3-foot pieces from the 1-by-3s for the vertical bars.

3. If you want to add shape to one end of all the vertical bars that will make up the top of the gate, use a keyhole saw to cut shapes into them.

4. Sand all rough edges off the cut pieces. Apply wood stain or paint with a brush and allow them to dry.

Assembling the Gate

1. Lay two 3-foot 1-by-3s on the wide side parallel to each other 5 foot apart from both outer edges. Equally space the remaining ten 3-foot 1-by-3s between them and line them all up even.

2. Place a 5-foot-long 1-by-3 across all of the 3-foot ones so it is perpendicular to them. Line the 5-foot piece up across the bottom edge of all of them. Drive two screws through it into each 1-by-3.

3. Place another 5-foot-long 1-by-3 across the 3-foot 1-by-3s 1 foot down from the top. Drive two screws through it into each 1-by-3.

4. Turn the completed portion of the gate over and repeat Steps 1 and 2 in attaching the other two 5-foot pieces.

5. Place spacers on the ground where you attach the gate and stand the gate upright on them. Take two hinges and attach them first to the edge of the gate on the top and bottom on the ends of the 5-foot pieces with screws. Screw the other half of both hinges to the fence post. Pull out the spacers from under the gate.

6. Attach a hook or a permanent latch on the side of the gate that opens so you can hook it to the fence.

Tips & Warnings

• Be cautious when using power tools.