Tongue and groove cedar boards that fit closely side-to-side ensure privacy.
Black wrought-iron hardware beautifully contrasts with the red cedar.
Tip
This tutorial describes how to build a 42-inch-wide wood gate, a common size.
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Change width by adding or subtracting cedar boards.
Many local building codes capfence and gate heightsat 6 feet.
Cut the Fence Boards
Cut the board to 72 inches long with the miter saw.
Use this board as a template to cut the rest of the fence boards at 72 inches long.
Cut these segments to create three boards, each 42 inches long.
Lay Out the Boards
Lay out the three 1x6 boards.
Two of the boards should be parallel to each other and 5 feet apart.
The third board should be parallel to the other two and exactly in the middle of them.
Lay the tongue and groove boards on top of the three boards.
Gently tap one board’s tongue into the groove of its neighboring board until all form a single unit.
The 1x6 boards underneath might move.
Pre-drill holes for the screws to eliminate splitting.
Measure and Cut the Diagonal Brace
Carefully flip over the gate.
Lay the remaining 1x6 cedar board diagonally across the horizontal braces.
Temporarily screw the diagonal board in place to secure it.
Lay your straight edge ruler over this diagonal brace, staying parallel with the lines of the horizontal braces.
Make six pencil marks on the diagonal brace parallel to the top and bottom of each horizontal brace.
Remove the temporary screws.
Then, cut the diagonal brace with your miter saw at those six marks.
Then, press the pieces in place on the gate in between the horizontal braces.
Weigh down the two glued pieces with cinder blocks, rocks, or anything sufficiently heavy.
Let the glue dry for about two hours.
Attach the Diagonal Brace
After the glue has dried, flip over the gate.
Screw the diagonal brace pieces in place with the 7/8-inch screws.
Leave about 1/4 inch of distance on the hinge side of the gate.
It’s helpful to have an assistant hold the gate in place at this point.
Check to check that the gate swings properly.
If necessary, adjust the hinges to level, tighten, or loosen the gate.
Screw their receiving sections on the gate frame.
Mount the flip latch in a similar fashion at the center of the gate.
Any fence installation company can install a wooden gate for you.
Some companies may be able to build a custom gate, as well.
