Gate for Privacy Fence

Tools:

tape measure
carpenter's square
circular saw
pencil
posthole digger
drill with paddle bit and other bits
reciprocating saw
ladder
spring clamps
keyhole saw
awl
concrete
landscape drainage rocks
4x4 post
pressure-treated 2x4s
screws
hammer
ladder
cat's paw pry bar
leather gloves
awl
dust mask
safety glasses
gate bracket system
screws and lag bolts
corner brackets
gate handle and latch

1. Decide where you want the gate, then remove a picket to expose the support post closest to that location.

2. You'll need a 40-inch opening for the gate, so measure and mark a point 40 inches from the post and mark the location. Remove the picket at and mark the point on the horizontal support beams. Be sure to salvage any pickets that are in the way before cutting.

3. Put on safety glasses and dust mask and cut through the fence supports (figure A).

4. Remove the section of fence and put away in a safe place (figure B).

5. Rake the area to clear out any undergrowth and debris.

6. Dig hole for new fence post using posthole digger (figure C). Dig the hole deep enough to bury about 1/3 of the post.

7. Tamp the soil at the bottom of the hole using the new post. Lay about an inch of drainage rocks in the bottom of the hole (figure D).

8. Mix cement according to directions. Center the post in the hole and pack cement in around post (figure E). Tamp cement down with the end of a 2x4. As the hole is filled, mound the top of the cement so that water will run away from the post.

9. Tie a string from the new post to the existing post at the other end of the opening to make sure they are aligned properly (figure F).

10. Brace and stake the post to hold it in place while the concrete dries (figure G). Let the concrete set up overnight before installing the gate.

11. Measure the opening and transfer measurements to 2x4 frame pieces. Use a carpenter's square to draw a perfect line for the cut.

12. Cut lumber with circular saw. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with power tools.

13. Select a one-piece hinge and support bracket for easiest installation and to help prevent the gate from sagging later (figure H).

14. Attach the brace/hinge to the bottom 2x4 frame piece by first pre-drilling the holes and driving in lag screws for better holding power.

16. Continue building the frame of the gate using the hinge/brackets and corner brackets (figure J).

17. Check frame to make sure it fits in the opening. Before hanging gate, brace the new post by tying it into existing horizontal support beams using brackets (figure K).

18. If your new post is too tall, trim off the top using the reciprocating saw.

19. Position the gate in place and attach the hinges to the post using heavy-duty lag screws. Which side you attach it to depends on whether you want the gate to open inward or outward.

20. Attach pickets salvaged from removed fence piece onto gate using galvanized wood screws (figure L).

21. Install handle and latch according to manufacturer's directions (figure M).