Self-Closing Deck Gate

Before: The lack of a gate makes the deck less secure.

Materials and Tools:

six pressure-treated 2x2x8 boards
four pressure-treated 1x4x8 boards
two self-closing gate hinges
gate latch
Gorilla Glue (polyurethane glue)
clear wood sealer
air compressor with hoses
clamps
galvanized finish nails

After: The custom gate looks great and helps keep shady characters off the deck.

jigsaw
measuring tape
pattern bit for router
pencil
pneumatic nail gun - finish
power miter box
router

Steps:

1. Measure the opening. Be sure to allow for any obstructions, like handrails and post-caps.

2. Make a full-scale sketch of the gate on a piece of particle board to act as a template. This will help visualize the gate and assist in making the form later.

3. Using the power miter saw cut all the straight pieces. Label the pieces and set aside.

Figure A

4. Cut a piece of particle board to form the curve of the gate top using the template. Make a total of three of these, using the first one as a template, cutting the others with a router with a pattern bit. The template should be a rectangle with the arch cut thru it. Allow 3/4-inch for the arch.

5. Cut 3/16-inch strips of the wood to form the arched top of the gate. If these are not flexible enough, cut them thinner. The strips should be wider and longer than necessary, they'll be trimmed to fit later.

Figure B

6. Apply a liberal coating of polyurethane glue to each side of all the strips. Stack the strips on top of each other.

Figure C

7. Put the bottom of the form with the convex curve on the table, then the stack of strips, then the top of the form with the concave curve.

Figure D

Clamp the two forms, and tighten until the strips curve around the bottom of the form and bend into place. Clamp tightly and let sit at least eight hours.

Figure E

8. After the glue has set, remove the form. Trim the sides to remove excess material and glue. Use a circular saw or table saw to remove the excess.

Figure F

After the sides are trimmed, put the curve on the template and mark the ends. Cut to fit with a miter saw.

9. Assemble the gate using the polyurethane glue and finish nailer, following the template.

10. Leave the gate flat until the glue sets.

Figure G

11. Hang the gate using spring-loaded self-closing hinges. Once it's secure, install the latch.

12. Stain the gate if desired, and seal with a water-repelling sealer.