How to Build a Narrow Driveway Gate

Remove a panel from the existing fence to allow driveway access by unscrewing the panel hinges holding it in place. Save the lumber for re-use on another project.

Measure the opening formed when you removed the panel. Typically, this amount is 8 to 10 feet. Cut two pieces of 2- by 4-inch lumber the width you determined, using a circular saw. Cut two pieces of 2- by 4-inch lumber for the height.

Lay the four pieces of wood in a rectangular shape on a flat work surface or the ground. Place the top and bottom boards so they are over the ends of the two side pieces as the boards lay on the work surface. Drill two pilot holes through the center of the top board as it overlaps a side board and continue drilling into one side. Do not get too close to edge of the board as you drill the holes or you may split the wood. Attach decking screws to secure that corner. Use screws long enough to penetrate the 2 by 4 and at least 1 1/2 inches into the side board. Drill two pilot holes into the other top corner and into the other side board. Secure it with two decking screws. Connect the bottom board to the sides the same way.

Center an angle brace on the inside of one of the corners of the frame. Drill pilot holes into the frame. Secure the angle brace with screws from the brace’s assembly kit. Add angle braces to the remaining three interior corners.

Measure from the inside bottom corner on the hinge side to the inside top latch side to keep the gate from sagging. Cut a length of 2- by 4-inch lumber to that length, using a miter saw, to serve as a cross brace for the narrow gate. Set the lumber inside the frame. Drill pilot holes though the outer side of the wooden frame into the brace. Make the holes approximately 2 inches below the top of the upright and long enough for each screw to enter the brace by at least 1 1/2 inch. Secure the brace with decking screws.

Cut vertical pieces of 1-inch fencing lumber for the gate’s uprights. Measure the spacing of the vertical uprights on the existing fence to set the width of each upright on the gate as well as to establish its spacing. Avoid using pieces of lumber with knot holes or other defects.

Lay the vertical pieces on the frame, taking care to space the boards at the width you determined in Step 6. Drill two pilot holes 3/4 to 1 inch from the edge of each vertical board and into the gate frame along the top and bottom frame pieces. Secure the vertical boards with decking screws long enough to penetrate the vertical boards and 1 1/2 inch into the frame..

Install the gate hinges on the gate's frame 6 inches from the top and bottom of the gate. Hold the gate in place against the gate post. Level the gate using a carpenter’s level. Mark the location of the hinges on the gate post. Drill pilot holes on the post and secure the hinges.

Install the gate latch following the manufacturer’s directions, using screws that come with the latch. Mark the location of the latch on the gate post. Attach the catch in that spot, using screws from the latch’s assembly kit.