How to: Traditional Fence Gates
- 1). Measure between the posts of the fence opening with a tape measure to verify the width of the opening. Subtract the space required for the hardware and cut 2-by-4 boards for the top and bottom rails of the gate to length using a circular saw.
- 2). Measure from the bottom of the lower fence rail to the bottom of the upper rail with a tape measure. Cut two gate side rails to this measurement with a circular saw and 2-by-4 boards.
- 3). Clamp the top and bottom pieces together and drill pilot holes with a drill and combination bit in the pieces to attach them.
- 4). Attach the frame together---top, bottom and side pieces-- using galvanized deck screws and a drill.
- 5). Measure the gates diagonals to verify it's square with a carpenter's level. The measurements will be the same from side to side and top to bottom if it's square. Adjust if necessary.
- 6). Place a 2-by-4 board as a crossbrace against the gate frame and trace along the frame with a pencil to lay out the ends of the brace. Cut on the lines with a circular saw.
- 7). Place the crossbrace in place, between the rails. Drill pilot holes at an angle with a drill. Attach the crossbrace to the frame with deck screws and a drill.
- 8). Cut the fence boards to length with a circular saw. Make a spacer as long as the fence boards out of scrap lumber and as wide as the space you want between the boards.
- 9). Attach the first fence board to the top and bottom rails with deck screws and a drill.
- 10
Attach the remaining fence boards one at time. Space the boards with a spacer and secure them with deck screws and a drill. - 11
Attach the latch and hardware according to the manufacturer's directions.
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