How to make a Sliding Gate

Making the gate

I knew the sliding gate would have to be strong and built well to minimize any warping.
I decided on a design like interior house wall, comprising of a ‘wall frame’ with lining (covering) on both sides of it. You can see the frame plan (Page 2).
Having both sides of the frame covered and braced with plywoodA piece of wood made of three or more layers of wood veneer laminated together with glue. should help to prevent warping, as any movement in the woodTimber, lumber. The hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees (such as shrinkage/expansion) should be equal on both sides, therefore cancelling any forces that might cause the gate to warp.
I made the frame out of 2″x3″ (75mm x 50mm) lumberAny of the framing wood. and covered both sides with 1/2″ (12mm) plywood.
The plywood (nailed and glued adequately) would act as a braceTo make rigid.. I also incorporated additional diagonal bracing into the frame.
I also ensured that the frame was well fixed with nails and metal strapShort lengths of metal strap 25×1 (1/16×1) used to fix members together to resist uplift., the plywood was well glued and nailed, and that there was a good covering of paint.

Below is a sequence of photos showing the building process, followed by an explanation of each photo.

Fig.1 The top and bottom plates placed together so that the studA 100×50 (2×4) vertical framing member used to construct walls. positions can be marked.

Fig.2 The plates spread apart on the ground and the studs positioned on the marks.

Fig.3 The window holes made (for the latticeFramework consisting of an ornamental design made of strips of wood or metal. A framework of crossed wood or metal strips.).

Fig.4 The intermediate studs positioned and fixed.

Fig.5 A row of blockingBlocks, see Block. fixed in place.

Fig.6 Metal strapping around the plates fixed to the tops and bottoms of the studs.

Fig.7 A closer look at the metal strapping.

Fig.8 The plates made straight using a string line and packers.

Fig.9 1/2″ (12mm) treatedPressure treated. Refers to lumber that is treated in such a way that the sealer is forced into the pores of the wood. Refers to lumber pressure sprayed with chemicals to lengthen its life expectancy for outside use or inground applications. grooved plywood glued and nailed in place.

Fig.10 More 1/2″ (12mm) treated grooved plywood glued and nailed in place.

Fig.11 The frame turned over.

Fig.12 Diagonal bracing lengths laid in place to be marked for cutting.

Fig.13 Diagonal bracing pieces glued and nailed in place.

Fig.14 More 1/2″ (12mm) treated grooved plywood glued and nailed in place.

Fig.15 The trimThe finish materials in a building, such as narrow boards applied around openings (window trim, door trim) and vertical corner battens. glued, nailed and clamped in place.

Fig.16 Clamps taken off, ready for painting.

Fig.17 The painting commences.

Fig.18 The wheels are fixed to the bottom of the sliding gate.