How to Make a Split Cedar Gate

Cut a 12-inch diameter log to measure 3-feet long using a chainsaw. Cut the log in half lengthwise. Cut each half in half again. You should have four split rails of which you will use only three.

Cut two 4-inch diameter logs to measure 3 feet. These logs make up the sides of the gate.

Make three large holes all the way through the side of both side pieces using a drill. The first holes should be 3 inches from the tops, the second, 3 inches from the bottom, and the third directly in the middle.

Widen the holes in the side using a hammer and a chisel. The ends of the split rails need to fit into the holes.

Clean up rough spots inside the holes and on the ends of the rails using sandpaper. Slide the ends of each rail into each of the holes on the first side. Position the other side over the ends of all the rails. The rails should all fit snugly inside the holes of the sides.

Lay the gate out flat and place one of the 1-by-2-inch board across it. Position it so it reaches from the bottom of the left side to the top of the right side. Nail the board to the sides Flip the gate over and nail the second board reaching from the bottom of the left side to the top of the right. The boards should crisscross.

Attach one half of the gate hinges to the top and bottom on one side of the gate using the screws. Ask an assistant to hold the gate in the fence opening and screw the other half of the hinges to the fence post. Screw the gate latch to the other side of the gate.