What Is The Best Way To Build A Wood Fence Gate?

Before we talk about the best material to use and how to structure the gate, lets talk about fence posts and how it will help your gate and fence. As previous touched on in the “How do I set my fence post” article, I spoke on the importance of depth and placement of posts. Now, this relates to the gates because of the added stability, strength, and structure of the fence. Many contractors will have 1 post on each side of the gate to save time and money. Unfortunately, this is NOT the correct way to do so. We set 2 posts on each side of the fence, this is to help counteract the gate from sagging. Gates are the only part of the fence that should move, why not reinforce the gate? Especially with wood gates because of how HEAVY the wood can be. It is always better to go the extra mile!

We prefer to use metal gate frames, specifically the shark gate frame and hinges (see picture for example). This is superior to the wood gate frame method because the metal is not susceptible to warping or cracking, which are normal responses the wood has to being in the outdoor elements every day (that is why we only cover metal frames in our lifetime workmanship warranty). These metal frames bolt directly onto our galvanized posts and wood is attached by self tapping screws and galvanized ring shank nails.

Wood gate frames can also be built to last years as well. By adding bracing to the fence in an upward 45 degree angle from the bottom hinge to the top of the gate that will help the fence from warping. While gravity is pulling the fence down the brace is directing that energy to the bottom brace which is stronger than the wood itself. This is called the compression brace.

As previously touched on in the “How do I set my fence post” article, I spoke on the importance of depth and placement of posts. Now, this relates to the gates because of the added stability, strength, and structure of the fence. Many contractors will have 1 post on each side of the gate to save time and money. Unfortunately, this is NOT the correct way to do so. We set 2 posts on each side of the fence, this is to help counteract the gate from sagging. Gates are the only part of the fence that should move, why not reinforce the gate? Especially with wood gates because of how HEAVY the wood can be. It is always better to go the extra mile!