How to Build Economical Farm Gates
Spending a large sum of money to construct a sturdy farm gate isn't necessary. Farm gates are built for utility, not beauty. The job of any farm gate is to provide access to pasture land while providing secure containment of livestock.
Supplies
- Tape measure
- Wire fencing
- Post
- Lumber two-by-fours
- Wire Cutters
- "U" nails
- Nails
- Hammer
- Circular saw
- Wire cutters
- Wire
- Hinges
- Gate lock kit
Choose the type of gate you want to construct. Gates can be made from wood or pieces of wire fencing. Consider the supplies you have on hand. This can help keep costs down.
Wire Fence Gate
- Measure the gate opening. Remove a section of wire from the existing fence and place the gate between two existing posts for easier construction.
- Cut pieces of wire fencing about two-inches longer than the opening dimensions.
- Nail one end of the wire fencing using "U" shaped nails to one of the existing posts.
- Attach the other end to a new post, not in the ground, using the same procedure.
- Fasten loops of wire around the free-standing post.These are hooked around the other fence post at the gate opening to secure it.
Wood Gates
- Determine the opening size for the gate.
- Select lumber sturdy enough to contain the livestock. Two-by-fours are a good choice. Use utility-grade lumber to help lower costs.
- Cut lumber to the appropriate size with a circular saw.
- Lay out the gate into a simple rectangular box form with slats.
- Assemble the gate by nailing the pieces together.
- Attach hinges to one side and at corresponding points on the existing fence post.
- Hang the gate on the hinges and install a closure lock on the other.