How to Build a Cedar Gate

Wooden gates are an attractive option for outdoor entrances.

Cedar is an attractive and durable option for outdoor gates. Cedar is lightweight, naturally rot resistant and has distinct color and grain patterns. A wooden gate consists of a rectangular frame with a cross support. The front face of the frame is covered with wide vertical boards. A cedar gate can be built with basic woodworking tools and makes an ideal weekend do-it-yourself project.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cedar boards, 2-by-4-inches, 45 inches long
• 2 cedar boards, 2-by-4-inches, 36 inches long
• Coated deck screws, 1 box
• Screw gun
• Tape measure
• Cedar board, 2-by-4-inches, 72 inches long
• Pencil
• Miter saw
• 6 cedar boards, 1-by-6-inch, 45 inches long
• 2 hinges, with screws
• Gate latch set, with screws
• Wood finish
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Place the 45-inch-long 2-by-4s parallel to each other on a work surface, approximately 36 inches apart. The 2-inch-wide side should be flat against the work surface. These are the gate's vertical supports.

2. Align the 36-inch-long 2-by-4s on the top and bottom ends of the vertical supports to form a rectangular frame. Make sure the ends are flush on all four corners of the frame. These are the horizontal supports.

3. Drive two evenly spaced screws through the top and bottom horizontal supports into the ends of the vertical supports.

4. Measure from each top corner to the corresponding diagonal bottom corner to make sure the frame is square. If the measurements are the same, the frame is square. Adjust the frame until it measures square.

5. Lay the 72-inch-long 2-by-4 diagonally across the frame from one corner to the opposite diagonal corner, with the 2-inch-wide face flat against the frame. Mark the board where it intersects the inside of the bottom and top corners to transfer the angle so the board will fit inside the frame as the diagonal support board.

6. Cut the diagonal support board with a miter saw on the pencil lines on each end. Fit the board into the frame. Drive screws through the frame into the ends of the diagonal support board. Use two screws per joint.

7. Place the 1-by-6-by-45-inch boards vertically across the frame. Space the boards evenly along the frame's 36-inch width. Drive two evenly spaced screws through the board into the frame's horizontal supports at each joint. This is the front facing of the gate.

8. Align the hinges 6 inches from each end of the gate's 45-inch long side, on the side in which the diagonal support intersects in the bottom corner. Drive the screws provided with the hinges through the holes in the hinges and into the vertical support.

9. Place the gate latch 6 inches down from the top of the opposite vertical support. Drive screws through the latch assembly into the vertical support.

10. Apply a wood finish to the gate. Allow the finish to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply a wood finish that matches the existing fencing.

• Wear eye protection when working with wood.

References

• The Family Handyman: Construct a Custom Fence and Gate

Resources

• HGTV: Build a Wooden Gate