How to Build a Wood Gate
Your fence may be intact, but the gate gets the most wear and often needs to be replaced before the rest of the fence. You might have to wait awhile to get on a carpenter's list---and the fee for this work could put a dent in your budget. But if you have basic carpentry skills and the right tools, building a simple wood gate is not difficult. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Saw
- Screwdriver
- Galvanized screws
- Measuring tape
- 1-by-6 boards
- 2-by-4 boards
Instructions
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1
Use the existing gate as a pattern for size or measure the gate-area width and subtract 1 inch to allow for gate movement when installed. For this project, use 1-by-6 boards that are 5½-inches-wide. Divide the width measurement by 5½ to determine how many boards you will need across the gate.
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2
Buy galvanized screws and enough 1-by-6 boards to complete the gate as figured in Step 1. You also will need 2-by-4 boards to make a frame and brace.
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3
Cut the 2-by-4s to make a square or rectangular frame. This should be the same width as the gate, but the length should be about 12-inches smaller (6-inches less at the top, 6-inches less at the bottom). Cut the 1-by-6 boards the same height as the fence boards.
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4
Use the galvanized screws to fasten together the frame. Measure diagonally, inside and across the left top to the right bottom. Cut a 2-by-4 board with diagonal cuts at each end for a brace. Attach the board with screws to the frame. This brace board will give your gate extra strength.
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5
Attach the vertical boards. Lay the gate frame on a flat surface and place all the vertical boards on top. When they are laid out evenly, screw them into the frame.
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Tips & Warnings
If your measurement does not come out even when dividing the gate width by 5½ inches, split the excess in half. These two smaller boards will be constructed on both ends of the gate. A second option for an uneven width measurement is to place equal spaces between the boards going across the gate.
