How to Build a Japanese Garden Gate

An informal bamboo gate is an invitation to enter a garden.

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth and is versatile enough to find many traditional uses in a garden. A simple bamboo gate for a low Japanese bamboo garden fence symbolizes welcome. The material of the gate comes from a pliable, growing plant and the style of the gate is informal -- inviting entry, not presenting a barrier. Size the gate to fit between the end posts of a 3-foot high garden border fence of cedar posts and random lengths of bamboo cane. Base the gate design on the style of the fence for harmony.

Things You'll Need

• Bamboo canes
• Hand saw
• Flexible metal tape measure
• Marker or pencil
• Electric drill
• Paddle bits
• Wood glue
• Thin wire
• Black Japanese twine
• Scissors
• 2 black metal hinges
• Black screws, bolts and nuts
• Screwdriver
• Screw-in cup hook

Instructions

1. Cut two side poles for the gate from the strongest, thickest bamboo cane. Cut the top ends just above closed notches in the cane so rain can't enter the hollow canes. If the fence is 3 feet tall, cut the side posts 30 inches tall. Cut cross pieces of bamboo cane 1 inch longer than the width of the gate between its side posts.

2. Mark where the cross pieces will go, 6 inches from the top of the side poles and 6 inches from the bottom. Measure the diameter of the cross piece canes and use a paddle bit on an electric drill to make holes in which to slot the bamboo. Each cane may have a slight difference in diameter so measure each hole individually.

3. Coat the ends of the cross pieces in strong wood glue and fit them into the drilled holes, ½ inch on each side. Let the glue dry.

4. Wrap thin wire around canes of bamboo of varying lengths and thicknesses, attaching them vertically to the cross pieces. Style the gate to harmonize with the eclectic arrangement of the vertical bamboo canes on the garden fence. Camouflage the wire with black Japanese twine, knotted as if it is tying the canes to the cross pieces.

5. Set the gate in the space between fence posts, 3 inches up from ground level and mark the places for two hinges on one side. Drill holes completely through the bamboo gate pole for the hinges. Attach hinges to the gate with bolts and nuts. Attach the hinged side of the gate to the marked fence post with wood screws.

6. Use a braided loop of the black twine tied around the other bamboo gate pole and slipped over a hook on the fence post for a latch.

References

• Japan Garden: How to Tie Japanese Knots, Make Bamboo Fences and Trellis (Yotsume-style fence and trellis designs)
• Providence Journal: How to Build Fences, Gates and Trellises of Bamboo (photograph of decorative garden gate)
• University of Florida Extension: Bamboo, Symbol of Strength and Flexibility