Looking for a practical, budget-friendly gate for your garden or paddock? We’ve got a straightforward plan that requires minimal tools, basic materials, and less than an hour of your time.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, this guide walks you through every step to build a sturdy wooden gate that does the job without breaking the bank.
Why This Plan Works
- Simple Construction: Basic tools and minimal joinery make this project accessible to all skill levels.
- Affordable: The total cost came in around $55 NZD, thanks to smart material choices.
- Time-Efficient: From start to finish, this gate took about 40 minutes to build and install.
- Custom Fit: Easily adaptable to different sizes depending on your space.
- Durable and Strong: Reinforced with a cross brace and coach bolts for added stability.
What You Will Need
- Wood – Approx. 8 meters of 100 x 40 decking timber
- 50mm nails – Around 60 pieces
- Hinges – For mounting the gate
- Latch – For securing the gate
- Coach bolts – 5 pieces for sturdy hardware attachment
- Chop saw, drill, hammer, spanner – Essential tools for cutting, assembling, and hardware installation
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Wood
Start by measuring the opening where the gate will go. In our case, the gap was 1100mm. To allow for hinges and smooth opening/closing, we cut five horizontal boards at 1050mm each. For the gate height, we went with 900mm, cutting two vertical pieces accordingly.
Step 2: Assemble the Frame
Lay out your two vertical boards and mark the positions for the five horizontal boards. Begin by nailing both ends of each horizontal board with one nail. Before securing everything, check for squareness by measuring diagonals. Once square, nail through from both sides to lock the frame in place.
Bonus Tip: For added comfort during ground-level work, we repurposed an old computer chair pad as a kneeling pad. It’s a simple trick that eases strain on the knees and helps with getting up after long sessions.
Step 3: Add a Cross Brace
To enhance structural strength, measure and cut a diagonal cross brace that spans from one corner of the gate to the opposite. Once sized correctly, nail it securely in place.
Step 4: Install the Hardware
Using a drill, create holes for your hinges and latch. Then, bolt them on using coach bolts for a secure fit.
The bolts provide extra durability compared to nails or screws, especially for outdoor gates exposed to the elements.
Step 5: Hang the Gate
With hardware in place, it’s time to hang the gate. Drill holes for pivot points, and screw in the pivots. Using a spanner here makes the process easier and ensures tight fittings.
Step 6: Secure the Gate in Place
Once hung, check the fit of the gate within your fence or paddock opening. You may need to install a large staple for the chain latch. We didn’t have one on hand but plan to add it for extra security.
Note: This entire build, including installation, took around 40 minutes – quick and efficient for such a functional result.
Other Details Display
- Gate Width: 1050mm
- Gate Height: 900mm
- Cross Brace: Diagonal, custom cut for frame dimensions
- Fasteners: 50mm nails and 5 coach bolts
- Tools Used: Chop saw, drill, hammer, spanner
- Hardware: Hinges, latch, large staple for chain
- Cost Estimate: $55 NZD
- Time Required: Approx. 40 minutes
- Optional Add-On: Kneeling pad from upcycled computer chair
Summary
Building a simple garden or paddock gate doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. With basic tools and materials, we created a sturdy wooden gate for just $55 NZD in under an hour. Perfect for gardens, paddocks, or any outdoor space needing secure access.
Let us know if you’d like any adjustments to the structure, style, or details – happy to tweak as needed!
This plan is a contribution by [buck2217]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.