How to Build a Wooden Fence Gate
A fence without a gate is like, well, a gate without a fence. An important piece is missing. If your fence is missing that important piece, don't put off building a gate any longer. You can build a gate that is modest, practical and functional, or show off your woodworking skills and turn your gate into a landmark piece that will wow the neighbors. If you can measure, cut wood, drill holes and attach hinges, you can have your gate up in no time. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Paper
- Post hole digger
- Gravel
- 2 fence posts, 4-by-4-inch
- Cement
- Water
- Level
- 2-by-3-inch wood
- Circular saw
- Hammer
- 2-inch galvanized nails
- 1-by-4-inch wood
- Nail gun, nails
- Drill, wood screws
- Cinder block
- Two hinges and hardware
- Screwdriver
- Latch and hardware
- Paint or wood stain
- Paintbrush
Instructions
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1
Measure from the inside edges of the left and right fence pickets to determine the width for the gate. Write down the measurements on paper. Subtract 10 inches from the width measure; this will allow room for setting the fence posts on each side of the gate and clearance space for hinges and latches.
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2
Measure from the bottom to the top of the last fence picket to determine the height for the gate. Subtract 4 inches if you want the gate to have some clearance at the top and look like a stand-alone unit. Or, use the same height as the picket so the gate blends in. Subtract 2 inches from the measurement to allow clearance between the ground and the bottom of the fence.
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3
Dig holes to set a 4-by-4 fence post on the left and right sides, using the post hole digger. Make the hole 8 to 10 inches deep so the posts will be sturdy. Pour 3 inches of gravel into each hole for drainage. Set the posts into the holes and fill with quick-setting cement. Use a level to make sure the post is straight. Dampen the cement with water and allow it to set and dry.
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4
Make a rectangular frame for the gate while the posts are drying. Subtract 1 foot from the height measurement for the frame. Measure the width again while the posts are drying. Subtract 2 inches from the width for the frame and 1 foot for the height. Cut the 2-by-3-inch wood according to your measurements.
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5
Assemble the top, side and bottom pieces of the frame; hammer the pieces together with 2-inch galvanized nails. Measure the width of the frame from the inside edges. Cut one piece of 2-by-3-inch wood to the width measurement, insert in the center and nail to the frame to create a support brace.
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6
Divide the total width measurement by four to determine how many pieces of 1-by-4 vertical boards you need for the gate's pickets, and cut the wood accordingly. Lay the frame on a flat surface. Place the boards on the frame, spaced evenly, and attach them using a nail gun.
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7
Attach the hinges to the left post with a drill. Use a cinder block to position the gate 3 inches from the ground next to the post. Mark the hinge positions on the gate. Drill starter holes and finish attaching the hinge hardware with a screwdriver. Attach the latch on the opposite side of the gate from the hinges, using a drill, screwdriver and wood screws.
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8
Paint or stain the wood to complete your fence gate project.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose a paint color for the gate that ties in with a main color inside your home for a color pop outside.
Add decorative tiles to the gate or wrought iron-looking numbers for your street address.
Attach lattice panels on the left and right sides of the gate and plant vines such as roses, mandevilla or trumpet vines to decorate the fence and entrance.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
