Do-It-Yourself Project: Build or Repair a Simple Wooden Gate

Shop a home improvement or hardware store for gate latches and hinges in a style that complements your home and fits your needs. Self-closing and self-latching gates are ideas for families with small children or pets. Keep in mind that two hinges will suffice for a gate that is up to three feet wide and five feet high. If the gate will be taller than five feet, three hinges will be needed. A gate that is no wider than three feet is less likely to sag over time. In addition to the hinges, you will need wood glue designated for outdoor use, a measuring tape, wood screws, galvanized 10d nails, steel reinforcing plates, 2 x 4s, pickets that match the fence, and appropriate screw drivers.

Photo used under Creative Commons from brettlider.

Measure and build a frame using 2 x 4s in whatever size you need; be sure to consider the amount of clearance that will needed for opening and closing the gate. Use either lap joints or mortise and tendon joints to build the frame. Make a lap joint by cutting a notch in the ends of the top and bottom horizontal sections of the wooden frame. A mortise and tendon joint is made by notching the top and bottom of the vertical sections of the wood frame. Finish the frame by fitting the horizontal wood pieces into the notch like pieces of a puzzle.

Make a simple diagonal brace for the wood frame for support that will keep the gate square and keep it from sagging. Cut the ends of a 2 x 4 to fit diagonally from corner to corner. Determine the proper angles by placing the 2 x 4 over the wood frame. Trace the angle with a pencil and saw off the ends accordingly. Attach the diagonal piece to the wood frame with steel reinforcing plates and 10d galvanized nails. Nail the pickets into place over the front of the wood frame, and securely attach the hinges to the frame using wood screws.

Photo used under Creative Commons from 12066488@N00.

It's easiest to hold the gate in place with a helper in order to attach the hinges to the post. Temporarily hold the hinges in place on the post by pounding a single 10d nail into each hinge plate to determine if there is sufficient clearance for the gate to swing open and shut. Two to three inches of clearance at the bottom of the gate is ideal; readjust the temporary hinges as needed to gain this amount of clearance. Once proper placement is determined, use wood screws to securely attach the hinges to the post. Finally, attach the latch hardware and a simple gate stop using a piece of scrap wood that is approximately one-inch thick and two-inches wide.

Photo used under Creative Commons from ezioman.

If an existing fence gate begins to sag it can often be readjusted and repaired without totally replacing the gate. First check and tighten any loose screws. If the screws won't tighten, this indicates that the holes are stripped and existing screws can simply be replaced with larger screws.

Check the post to determine if it has shifted and if needed, straighten and reset it using a level and plumb. A simple pair of turnbuckles attached diagonally on the gate can be used to keep a gate level and square. Attach a wire to a turnbuckle on the upper hinge side of the gate and another on the opposite diagonal corner. Adjust and tighten the wire as needed to raise the gate to the proper level.

Congratulate yourself on a job well done! While repairing a gate is not as easy as hanging metal wall artwork or as much fun as choosing metal wall sculptures for the living room, it is satisfying to know that you have improved the curb appeal of your home without having to hire a professional.