How to Build a Solid Wood Gate

A solid wood gate can be functional and pretty.

An attractive gate is a welcome addition to the landscape but of little use if it not properly constructed. Gates take a considerable amount of abuse; although appearance is crucial, gate safety and durability come first. A solid wood gate can be a good investment and can be suited to almost any fence design. Once you construct the solid wood gate you can add creative touches with paint and unique hardware for aesthetic appeal.

Things You'll Need

• Existing wood fence with opening for gate
• Measuring tape
• 2-by-4-inch boards
• Circular saw
• Fence pickets
• Paintbrush
• Outdoor paint or stain to match the fence
• Drill
• 4-inch decking screws
• 2-inch decking screws
• 1-by-1-inch board
• Gate hardware kit

Instructions

Frame

1. Measure the gap in the fence where the gate will be installed. Measure both the width and height. Write down the measurements to use for the next steps.

2. Cut two 2-by-4-inch boards 8 inches shorter than the width of the fence opening. Mark these boards as width boards. Cut two more 2-by-4-inch boards 8 inches shorter than the height of the fence. These will be the height boards.

3. Paint the four boards and all the fence pickets with the same paint or stain that was used for the fence. This is only the first coat, so it does not have to look good.

4. Place the width boards on a working surface. Arrange them so they are parallel with each other, leaving enough room in between them for the height boards.

5. Slide the height boards between the length boards. Arrange the boards so they are parallel with each other but perpendicular to the length boards. Slide the boards to the end of each of the width boards to form a rectangle. All the boards should be lying on their flat side.

6. Screw the rectangle together using 4-inch decking screws. This is the frame for the gate.

Finishing

1. Lay a fence picket across the frame of the gate. Arrange the picket so that it is parallel with the height boards on the frame. Slide the picket to the end of the frame so it is on top of one of the height boards. Screw on the picket at the top and bottom, attaching it to the height board. Use 2-inch decking screws.

2. Place a 1-by-1-inch board across the frame and parallel with the picket. Push it all the way against the picket. Screw on a second picket next to the 1-by-1-inch board. Screw into the width boards at the top and bottom of the picket. Remove the 1-by-1-inch board.

3. Repeat Step 2 to install the remaining pickets on the gate. Cut the last picket in two if needed.

4. Repaint or stain the fence with the same paint or stain used in the previous step. This will provide a second coat of protection for the gate. Allow the paint or stain to dry.

5. Check that the gate fits properly in the fence space and that it has room to swing. Trim the pickets as needed. Attach gate hardware to the gate, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask an assistant help you in assembling the gate.

• Paint or stain the fence annually to protect from weather.

• Use the same fence pickets on the gate that were used on the fence.

• Wear safety protection when operating power tools.

References

• "Fences, Gates and Garden Walls"; Creative Publishing International; 2006
• "Build Your Own Fences and Walls"; Penny Swift and Janek Szmanowski; 1996

Resources

• Ron Hazelton's House Calls: How to Protect Exterior Wood