A yard enclosed by a sturdy fence is a safe place for kids and pets to play. Most yards have a 36-inch-wide fence for accessing the yard. However, anyone who has a large lawn tractor or a trailer needs a larger gate. The do-it-yourself handyman can construct a double gate to allow access for large equipment.
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Things You'll Need
Pencil
3 2-By-4S
2 1/2-Inch Exterior Deck Screws
Router Table
Tape Measure
Screw Gun
Miter Saw
2-By-6-By-8-Foot Boards
45-Degree Bevel Router Bit
Framing Square
Construction Adhesive
Caulk Gun
Step 1
Measure the gap between the two posts to calculate the size of the gate, using a tape measure.
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Step 2
Cut 2-by-6-by-8-foot boards to 6 feet, using a miter saw. This is the typical height of a privacy fence. Change the height as needed to match the height of your fence.
Step 3
Set a 45-degree bevel bit into a router table. Adjust the height of the router bit to cut a bevel on each of the 2-by-6s used in the two gates. This provides an attractive detail for the gate.
Step 4
Lay out each gate on a flat surface just as it will be assembled. Measure the width of each of the gates. Cut two 2-by-4s to the width of each of the gates. Theses are for the horizontal supports for the gates. Apply a strip of construction adhesive to each of the 2-by-4s. Use a caulk gun for this. Attach a board 9 inches from the top and bottom of each gate. Make sure is it is perpendicular to the 2-by-6s. Use a framing square to check this. Place two 2 1/2-inch wood screws through the 2-by-4 into each of the 2-by-6s.
Step 5
Place a 2-by-4 diagonally across the gate from the top to bottom. Align the outside edge of the diagonal board with the outside edge of the horizontal supports. Draw a line on the 2-by-4 to show where it needs to be cut to fit between the two horizontal supports. Apply construction adhesive to the diagonal 2-by-4 and screw it in position in the same manner as the last step.
Tip
Use heavy-duty hinges to support the gate and keep it from sagging over time.
Warning
Wear safety glasses when using power tools.