How to Build a Redwood Gate

Making the Gate

• 1

  Measure the distance between your gate posts and deduct an inch for the width of the gate. Decide on the height you want your gate to be, remembering to factor in the 2 or so inches needed between the ground and the bottom of the gate.

• 2

  Cut two lengths of 1-by-3 lumber to the gate width. Cut as many pieces of 1-by-3 lumber to the height of the gate as will fit across the width of the gate with 1/2 inch between them.

• 3

  Lay the two width planks flat on a work surface and place the height planks across them, evenly spaced. Adjust the width planks so they are around 6 to 8 inches from either end of the height planks.

• 4

  Drill two countersunk pilot holes sized for 5/8-inch screws through the end of each height plank into the width planks, then drive in the screws. Use good quality screws with a sharp, deep thread because redwood, while drilling, has a tendency to pop out lesser-quality screws.

• 5

  Measure the distance diagonally between the opposite ends of the two width planks. Cut a length of 1-by-3 lumber to this length, and trim the ends to parallel 45-degree angles, so that it will fit flat on a diagonal between the width planks. Attach it with two screws per length plank.

Hanging the Gate

• 6

  Fit the gate in between the gate posts, positioned so that the upper end of the diagonal board is on the side where a latch would go and the lower end is on the side where the hinges are attached. Use scrap lumber to jam the gate into position, 1/2 inch from either gate post and around 2 inches off the ground.

• 7

  Place one half of a T-hinge over each of the width planks on one side of the gate. Connect the hinges to the gate with 5/8-inch wood screws.

• 8

  Attach the second half of the T-hinges to the gate post with 5/8-inch wood screws, then remove the jams from around the gate so that it can swing on the hinges.