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.
A fancy garden gate the the cross brace trimmed so it will drop into the corners of the gate. - grid24_12
The gate hinge needs to be heavy enough to support the gate. Try to find one made with real steel. The cheap ones use very cheap steel from Korea or China and it bends readily. - grid24_12
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.
Simple picket fence gate. Gates do not have to be hard to build. - grid24_12
You can find panels like this at hardware or lumber stores. Add a cross brace and you have a gate.
a simple wooden garden gate - grid24_12
Short scraps of 1X12 redwood made this gate.
Matching all to components perfectly is not that important. (You will do a better job if you build it on the ground, then hang it.) The brace, deck screws, older dry wood, and good hinges matter more. Notice that every vertical has at least three screws.
a small garden gate for a little deck - grid24_12
simple small gate - grid24_12
a simple garden gate - grid24_12
Gate with 8 foot lath - grid24_6
lath garden gate - grid24_12
Bungie cords make good door clowers. Before you snort, the bungie is made in USA and cost $2, the spring was made in China and cost $5 - grid24_6
You can use a $2 bungee or a $5 spring to keep the gate closed. If you put a little lean in your pout that the gate is hinged on it will close 'automatically'.



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

Wire fences or Wooden Fences

Last edited on 2012-12-31 09:32:42.

Authors