How to Build a Wooden Fence Gate
Building a wooden fence gate adds the finishing touch to a fence that will make it complete. Most anyone can complete this project. The needed skill only requires the ability to drill holes, measure lengths accurately and attach hinges in the correct places.
What you will need:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Paper
- Post hole digger
- Gravel
- 2 fence posts, four-by-four
- Cement
- Water
- Level
- Two-by-three-inch wood
- Circular saw
- Hammer
- 2-inch galvanized nails
- One-by-four-inch wood
- Nail gun, nails
- Drill, wood screws
- Cinder block
- Two hinges and hardware
- Screwdriver
- Latch and hardware
- Paint or wood stain
- Paintbrush
- Determine the width of the gate. Measure the distance between the left and right fence pickets. Allow for placement of the posts on the sides of the gate, and for latches and the hinges by subtracting 10 inches from the width measurement.
- Determine the height of the gate. Measure the height of the last picket and subtract 4 inches to create a gate that will look different from the pickets of the fence. To allow the gate to blend with the picket fence, use the same height. To get clearance from the ground, subtract 2 inches from the height.
- Use a post hole-digger to dig holes 8 to 10 inches in depth for placement of the four-by-four fence posts. Put gravel to a depth of 3 inches in the holes to allow for drainage. Place the posts in the holes and pour in quick-setting cement. Ensure the posts sit straight by using a level, add water to the cement and allow to set and dry completely.
- Start to build a wooden fence gate by constructing the rectangular frame. Subtract 12 inches from the height measurement and 2 inches from the width. Using these measurements, cut the two-by-three-inch wooden pieces.
- Use 2-inch galvanized nails to attach the bottom, side and top pieces of the frame. Create a support brace using a piece of two-by-three-inch wooden piece the width of the frame and attach at the center with a nail.
- Cut the number of one-by-four-inch boards to fit the width of the frame. Use a nail gun and attach the boards to the frame.
- Use a drill to attach the hinges. Space the gate 3 inches from the ground and against the post with the help of a cinder block. Place a mark for the hinges, drill starter holes and using a screwdriver, attach the hinges. Use a drill, wood screws and a screwdriver to attach the latch at the other side of the gate.
- Complete the wooden fence gate by staining or painting it.