American Flag Gate

Show your patriotism by building a gate that looks like an American flag.  PDF Click the image above for a measured drawing of the gate.

All it takes to create an all-American gate is a little elbow grease, the right tools and supplies, and the appropriate patriotic spirit.

Materials:

hammer
drill, with countersink bit and driver bits
Phillips- and flat-head screwdrivers
jigsaw
exterior high-gloss paint
paintbrushes and paint supplies
1"x3" pressure-treated boards (cut into two 3-foot, four 18-inch, and four 5-foot lengths)
1"x4" pressure-treated boards (cut into three 5-foot and four 3-foot lengths)
set of 8" gate hinges
gate latch
3/4" pressure-treated plywood
1" galvanized wood screws
1-1/2" galvanized wood screws
1-1/2" finish nails
wood putty
safety glasses

* The measurements for your gate will vary depending on the width of your gate opening.

* For a more polished look, countersink all pilot holes.

Steps:

1. Assemble a rectangular frame consisting of two 5-foot 1" x 3" horizontal pieces and two 3-foot 1" x 3" vertical pieces. Set the horizontal pieces in place first; then lay the vertical pieces on top of them. Drill pilot holes, and secure the boards together with 1-inch wood screws.
2. Place a 5-foot 1x3 diagonally across the frame, drill pilot holes and secure it to the horizontal pieces using 1-inch wood screws.
3. Flip the frame over and place another 5-foot 1x3 diagonally across the frame so that the two diagonal 1x3s form an X. Drill pilot holes and secure the second diagonal board to the vertical pieces of the frame. Then secure the two diagonal boards to one another where they meet in the center.
4. Next, you'll need to build up the rear pieces of the frame to create a flat surface for attaching the 1" x 4" stripes. Flip the frame over again, and center two 18-inch 1x3s over the horizontal pieces. Drill pilot holes and attach them with screws. Then build up the rear diagonal piece by placing two 18-inch 1x3s over it on either side of the front diagonal piece. Drill pilot holes and secure the two boards to the rear piece with screws.
5. When the frame is assembled, fill all of the pilot holes with wood putty. Paint the frame white and allow it to dry.
6. To create the stripes, use a jigsaw to cut wavy edges on one of the 5-foot 1x4s . Use that board as a template for cutting out the rest of your stripes. Paint each board red.
7. To create the background for the stars, use a jigsaw to cut out a 24" x 19" piece of plywood. Cut a wavy edge on the bottom of the plywood so that it matches the stripes. Paint the plywood blue and allow it to dry.
8. Paint white stars on the plywood. You may want to use a template.
9. Attach the plywood to the upper left corner of the frame with 1-1/2-inch wood screws.
10. Dry-fit the stripes so that they are evenly spaced. Drill pilot holes and secure them to the frame with screws. Because the second and third stripes won't have adequate support, you'll need to toenail them to the plywood with finish nails or wood screws.
11. Fill all holes with wood putty, and touch up with paint as necessary.
12. Finally, attach the gate hinges and latch, and secure the gate to your fence posts.