Looking to replace a broken fence gate without spending a fortune? We crafted a durable, rustic fence gate using a reclaimed pallet, and the result was both functional and budget-friendly.
If you’re ready to tackle this satisfying DIY project, we’ll walk you through every step—tools, materials, and practical tips included.
Why This Plan Works
- Cost-effective: Utilizes recycled pallet wood—no need to purchase expensive lumber.
- Beginner-friendly: Requires only basic tools and skills.
- Customizable: Easily tailored to fit any gate size or design.
- Sustainable: Repurposes materials that might otherwise go to waste.
- Self-closing mechanism: Door spring adds convenience and safety.
What You Will Need
- 1 standard pallet
- Jigsaw
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Combination square
- Drill with 3.5 mm bit
- Screws (40 x 35 mm)
- Door spring
- Hinges
- Crowbar or pallet dismantling tool
Step 1: Disassemble the Pallet
Use a crowbar, pallet dismantler, or similar tool to carefully take apart the pallet. Set aside the wooden planks—you’ll use these to construct your gate.
Step 2: Measure and Mark the Boards
Determine how wide your new gate needs to be. Measure and mark the required board lengths using a tape measure and pencil. Use the combination square to ensure your corners are marked accurately.
Step 3: Cut Boards to Size
Using a jigsaw, cut the planks to the marked lengths. The number of boards needed depends on your desired gate width. Make sure all boards are consistent in size for a professional look.
Step 4: Shape the Board Ends
Find the center of each board and mark the corners for shaping. Cut off the marked corners with the jigsaw to give your boards a finished, uniform appearance.
Step 5: Assemble the Gate
Measure the intended height of your gate. Arrange the boards side by side, leaving equal spacing between each one. Pre-drill holes to avoid wood splitting, then secure the boards together with screws.
Step 6: Reinforce with a Backer Board
For added strength, attach a horizontal backer board across the gate’s structure. This helps maintain stability and prevents warping over time.
Step 7: Attach Hinges and Door Spring
Fix the hinges to one side of the gate, ensuring they are level. Mount the gate to your fence or bridge. Finally, install the door spring. This allows the gate to automatically close behind you, adding both convenience and security.
Note: Always check for wood splinters and sand if needed for smoother edges and safer handling.
Other Details Display
- Wood type: Standard pallet wood (typically pine or hardwood mix)
- Gate dimensions: Customizable, typically ~3–4 feet wide and ~4 feet high
- Spacing between boards: Uniform—approximately 1 inch
- Backer board placement: Horizontal, across the mid or lower third of the gate
- Door spring type: Tension coil, mounted on the hinge side
- Finish: Optionally stained or painted for added weather protection
Summary
Building a DIY pallet fence gate is a rewarding project that’s both affordable and sustainable. With basic tools and a bit of effort, we transformed a broken gate into a sturdy, self-closing solution using just a reclaimed pallet.
This DIY pallet fence gate not only saved us money but also added a charming, rustic touch to our space.
This plan is a contribution by [hboom]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.