This is a formal style gate made with scraps.

How to build a garden gate. A basic plan in pictures.

The first garden gates I built were very difficult for me.  Not so much difficult I guess, intimidating. It must be difficult! Not really, it turns out. Use predrilled holes for deck screws, and use deck screws. Nails come lose after a few years. Use decent hinges, light hinges fail. Gates need a cross angle, usually against the hinged side, but it doesn't have to be.  At least some of the vertical boards or slats need to be attached to the cross angle. The Gate post must be set at least 2 foot into the soil and braced. If you have the option, hinge from a solid wall. Gates have leverage, the wider the gate, the better your gate post needs to be supported. Never nail the hinges in, always use deck screws or screwed hangers in the case of metal gates.Always try to run  screws through the first board into second board to tie corner together and to hinge.
A lath, picket fence, gate. Matching all to components perfectly is not that important. (You will do a better job if you build it on the gound, then hang it.) The brace, deck screws, older dry wood, and good hinges matter more. Notice that every vertical has at least three screws.
Otherside of deck gate. A wooden gate showing the cross brace.
Even light garden fences are built the same way.The nails on this are bent over. Larger gates just require larger hardware and structure. This one is 8 feet tall.
If you do not know what to do with scrap lumber, I do.

To see more how to build stuff go to our How to build garden stuff ,  

 Wire fences or  Wooden Fences  Home

Home
Screw through both the vertical and horizontal. Bungle works as closer.