How to Build a Wooden Gate

How to Build a Wooden Gate How to Build a Wooden Gate Making a wooden gate yourself for your home can really be an interesting task to do. There are many home stores that offer pre-fabricated gates, but getting just the right one that matches with your choices of design and gate sizes may be difficult. The task becomes even more problematic if you need a bigger or an odd sized gate.

So, constructing wooden gates yourself is a good proposition not only because it saves your bucks but also because it allows you to build the gate as per your choice of design and size.

Instructions

To Build Gate:

1. First take the necessary measurements including width of the opening where you want to build the gate and the height of the fence around it. When you start making the gate, you must remember to keep the gate size 1 to 1-1/2 inches smaller than the opening so as to allow space for swing and hardware. How to Build a Wooden Gate1 How to Build a Wooden Gate
2. Now cut four wood pieces of 2×4 such that they have a 45 degree angle on each end and the tip of the angle is on the same side of the 2×4. While two of these pieces will form the vertical portion, the rest two will form the horizontal portion of the gate frame. Arrange these wooden pieces to form a rectangle and then nail them together. Also check the gate frame for square. For this, measure across the frame on an angle similar to the first one and then other, to create an X.
3. Fix a cross member across the frame if you want to keep the gate square. Carefully cut one piece of lumber such that it crosses the frame from one corner to another across the gate. Make sure the ends of the cross-member are angled in such a way that they fit with the inner part of the frame. Since this will vary with actual frame dimensions better use an angle-finder to determine the angle. Now nail the cross-member to the frame.
4. While building a large gate, remember to add cross-members to form an X across the gate in order to prevent racking. For this, cut two pieces that accurately fit between the first cross-member and the frame, forming an X with the first cross-member. Nail them to the frame and the first cross member. You must nail each fence board to both-cross-members and the frame.

To install hinges:

5. Make use of superior quality hinges and bolts because they will support the entire weight of the gate. Proper installation of these will also ensure your gate swings freely and durability of the gate.
6. The hinges should be installed to the gate frame and posts and not to fence boards. While Butt hinges with screws are apt for smaller gates, for larger gates large strap hinges with bolts should be used.
7. While fixing the hinges to the gate, prefer to have a helper who could hold the gate in the opening. This is important to ensure the top of the gate is at level with the top of the fence and the bottom does not touch the ground. If you notice the gate is touching the ground then shorten it.
8. Screw the lower hinge to the post and use the remainder of the screws in the upper hinge. When attaching a latch, the hardware should be installed first on the gate then you can install the catch hardware on the post so that it matches the gate.

A well-constructed gate with accurately installed hardware ensures years of trouble-free service. So, go for the systematic way of gate building and enjoy the service.