Table of Contents
Making the gate
3: Making the gate.
To establish the gate width, measure between the two gate posts and deduct 25mm (1″). This is to allow 12mm (1/2″) clearance each side of the gate.
In this example, the posts are 900mm (3ft) apart so the gate width will need to be 875mm (35″). Use standard 150mm x 25mm (1″ x 6″) boards 1800mm (6ft) long.
The gate frame: On even ground, make a rectangular frame 875mm (35″)wide and 1500mm (5ft) long, out of 75mm x 50mm (2″ x 3″). Mark and cut a piece of 75mm x 50mm (2″ x 3″) lumber and fix in place centrally between the two longer frame members. (Refer to A in diagram.)
Note: The frame size referred to is just an example. You can use other stock sizes such as 100mm x 50mm (2″ x 4″), 50mm x 50mm (2″ x 2″), or even 100mm x 25mm (1″ x 4″). It depends on the look you want or the wood you are able to source.
Squaring and bracing the gate frame: Measure the two opposing diagonals of the gate frame. Adjust the frame until the two opposing diagonal measurements are the same, then the corners of the rectangle will be at right angles. (In other words, the frame will be square and not be skew-whiff.) (Refer to B in diagram.)
For the gate bracing, lay a piece of 75mm x 50mm (2″ x 3″) lumber diagonally from corner to corner on the frame. Mark, cut and fix in place (inside the frame) with galvanized nails. (See diagram.) (Refer to C in diagram.)
Gate vertical boards: Nail the 150mm x 25mm (1″ x 6″) fence boards to the frame using 60mm (2 1/2″) flat head Galvanized nails. The boards will be flush with the sides of the frame and overhanging top and bottom equally. The last board might need to be ripped (cut down lengthwise) in order to fit flush with the edge of the gate frame. (Refer to D in diagram.)
I am a single female homeowner and I needed a side gate for my house and looked into a re-furbished iron gate. When I got their quote for $750, I thought “I could make my own gate for less than half.” The only problem was… I had NEVER done something like that before! It seemed to be basic enough, but again I had no idea what to do. I Googled “How to build a gate” and found your web page. I read the instructions, printed them out, and went to work. Your step-by-step instructions definitely helped me dodge the “trial & error” bullet, and I had very few “do overs”.
The one fear I had was cutting the diagonal brace(s) accurately. I laid the rectangular frame over the diagonal 2×4, and traced the lines as you suggested. Wow, what a great idea! It saved me most of my anxiety. I was using a skill saw for and did end up having to borrow my neighbor’s chop saw (and my neighbor) to re-do those cuts for a better fit.
I also wanted to show you my proud photos!
Thanks to you for your help. You saved me over $500! Plus I DID IT!
Carolyn Bell
I have just decided to build a side gate for the first time in my life and decided to search the internet for instructions and advice.
This was the first web site that came up in the search engine and I was pleasantly surprised to find a short, easy to read and understand tutorial with brilliant pictures on how to do it. I am confident now about building it after reading such wonderful instructions! Thanks a million!
Doug Christchurch, New Zealand.
It would be prudent to leave a note of caution if one wants to use the concrete bridge design.
Frost heaving is always a problem but with the bridge design the frost can easily lift the bridge portion of the gate.
This can obviously be a disaster.
I don’t understand how the diagonal brace will fit? Will it no clash with the horizontal brace ?