How to Build an Easy Gate

Frame

• 1

  Measure the distance across the opening where you wish to install a gate. Subtract 1 inch from that measurement. Cut two 2-by-4-inch boards as long as that measurement. Use a carpenter's pencil to label these pieces as horizontal pieces and set them aside for later use.

• 2

  Decide on how high you need the gate to come up, subtract 3 inches from that height. Cut two more 2-by-4-inch boards to a length according to the height measurement. Label these pieces as vertical pieces.

• 3

  Place the four pieces of 2-by-4-inch lumber in front of you on a flat surface. Arrange the boards in a rectangle shape with the horizontal boards as the top and bottom. The sides (the height boards) should overlap the ends of the horizontal boards. Screw the rectangle together using 3-inch wood screws.

• 4

  Measure the distance from the top right corner of the rectangle to the bottom left corner. Cut a 2-by-4-inch board according to this measurement. Cut both ends of the board on an angle to fit neatly inside the rectangle. Place the board inside the rectangle and screw in place. This is the frame of the gate.

Finishing

• 5

  Cut several 1-by-4-inch boards to measure the same length as the vertical boards in the frame. Place one of these boards across the frame of the gate, parallel to the vertical boards. Slide the board all the way to one end of the gate and screw to the top, bottom, and center support. Repeat, to install these boards all the way across the gate, leaving 1 inch between each board.

• 6

  Paint the entire gate with wood stain or paint. Allow the gate to dry before moving on to the next step.

• 7

  Place one side of one of the hinges at the top corner of the gate and screw in place with 1-inch wood screws. Repeat on the bottom of gate.

• 8

  Position one half of the gate latch in the center of the opposite side of the gate to where you installed the hinges. Secure the latch using 1-inch wood screws.

• 9

  Hold the gate in the opening and screw the other end of the hinges onto the fence, leaving enough space between the ground and the gate to allow for swing room. Attach the other half of the latch to the other side of the fence.