How to Build a Double Fence Gate

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A yard enclosed by a sturdy fence is a safe place for kids and pets to play. Most yards have a 36-inch-wide fence for accessing the yard. However, anyone who has a large lawn tractor or a trailer needs a larger gate. The do-it-yourself handyman can construct a double gate to allow access for large equipment.

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Make your wood gate twice as wide to accommodate large machinery.

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Things You'll Need

  • Pencil

  • 3 2-By-4S

  • 2 1/2-Inch Exterior Deck Screws

  • Router Table

  • Tape Measure

  • Screw Gun

  • Miter Saw

  • 2-By-6-By-8-Foot Boards

  • 45-Degree Bevel Router Bit

  • Framing Square

  • Construction Adhesive

  • Caulk Gun

Step 1

Measure the gap between the two posts to calculate the size of the gate, using a tape measure.

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Step 2

Cut 2-by-6-by-8-foot boards to 6 feet, using a miter saw. This is the typical height of a privacy fence. Change the height as needed to match the height of your fence.

Step 3

Set a 45-degree bevel bit into a router table. Adjust the height of the router bit to cut a bevel on each of the 2-by-6s used in the two gates. This provides an attractive detail for the gate.

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Step 4

Lay out each gate on a flat surface just as it will be assembled. Measure the width of each of the gates. Cut two 2-by-4s to the width of each of the gates. Theses are for the horizontal supports for the gates. Apply a strip of construction adhesive to each of the 2-by-4s. Use a caulk gun for this. Attach a board 9 inches from the top and bottom of each gate. Make sure is it is perpendicular to the 2-by-6s. Use a framing square to check this. Place two 2 1/2-inch wood screws through the 2-by-4 into each of the 2-by-6s.

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Step 5

Place a 2-by-4 diagonally across the gate from the top to bottom. Align the outside edge of the diagonal board with the outside edge of the horizontal supports. Draw a line on the 2-by-4 to show where it needs to be cut to fit between the two horizontal supports. Apply construction adhesive to the diagonal 2-by-4 and screw it in position in the same manner as the last step.

Tip

Use heavy-duty hinges to support the gate and keep it from sagging over time.

Warning

Wear safety glasses when using power tools.

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