Objective:  By mastering this lesson, you will be able to build the most popular wood fencing that is both pleasing to the eye and functional.

Equipment:  Nail guns, nail gun oil, air hose, compressor, hammer, pry bar, tape measure, string line, torpedo level, six penny picket nails, sixteen penny rail nails, loose six penny nails, circular saw, and tape measure.

Key Question:  How do I build a wood gate?

 

How do I build a wood gate?  

From the outside, the wood gate should blend-in with the fence line. 

1. Rail and build your wood fence right through the gate opening. 
2. Once you have completed the wood fence, add additional bracing in the gate opening.  This will start with a diagonal truss that starts at the top of the latch side and runs down to the hinge side.  Place a diagonal trusses between the 2’x4”s as shown. 
3. Run a vertical truss at the latch side to support the latch and handle, and gate edge.
4. Once the gate is properly braced between the gate posts, use your circular saw to make two vertical cuts the entire height of the fence.  One cut on the inside edge of the latch post.  One cut on the inside edge of the hinge post.  Do not cut all the way through the hinge side but far enough as to avoid interference with the hinges.
5. Install your hinges in line with your rails.  Make sure the hinge lag screws penetrate into the center of the rails, providing adequate support.  Make sure that the hinge bolt is in line with the inside edge of your latch post.
6. Once the hinges are installed, complete your cut on the hinge side.
7. With the gate hung and free to swing, make sure that it swings freely without any interference.  Adjust as necessary.
8. Install your latch with the pintel to the outside of the fence.

© 2018 The American Fence Company. All rights reserved. Permission granted to reproduce for personal and educational use only. Commercial use, copying or distribution is prohibited without express written permission from The American Fence Company.

© 2024 The American Fence Company. All rights reserved. Permission granted to reproduce for personal and educational use only. Commercial use, copying or distribution is prohibited without express written permission from The American Fence Company.