How to Make a Wooden Fence Door

Measure the width of the space between fence posts where the fence door will go. Cut three 2-by-4-inch boards to this size minus 4 inches to act as horizontal boards. Measure the height of the fence posts. Cut two 2-by-4-inch boards to this length minus 10 inches for vertical boards.

Lay the two vertical boards on a flat surface running parallel to one another and resting on their 2-inch width. Space the boards as far apart as your horizontal boards are long. Place the three horizontal boards between the vertical boards. Adjust the horizontal boards so one runs along the top, one on the bottom, and the third spaced across the center.

Adjust the boards so the corners are flush and position the top and bottom horizontal boards on their 2-inch width while the center board rests on its 4-inch width. Insert two screws through the vertical boards and into each end of the horizontal boards to secure the frame.

Measure across both diagonals to ensure the frame is set square. Adjust the frame as needed until both diagonals measure the same length. Cut the remaining 2-by-4 to this length. Mark both ends across the 4-inch width with a 45 degree angle using a protractor and cut on the line.

Lay the board on its 4-inch width over the center horizontal board and nestle it into the corners of the frame. Screw through the center of the brace board into the horizontal board and through the top and bottom boards to secure the brace.

Divide the frame’s width by 4 or 6 depending on the size board you’ll use for the palings and cut that number of palings to the length of the fence posts in Step 1 minus 2 inches. Lay the palings over the frame running vertically.

Adjust the palings to overlap the frame at the top and bottom by 4 inches and run flush along the sides of the frame. Insert three screws through each paling to connect them to the top board, brace board and bottom board.

Space your gate hinges evenly along the side where you want to hang them so they will connect with the three horizontal boards. Use the screws to attach. Attach the hinges to the desired fence post at the appropriate level so the palings run 2 inches above the ground. Attach the gate lock at a comfortable height for you on the other side of the fence door.