A driveway gate can be made of a simple wood or wrought iron structure that can be opened manually or automatically. A driveway gate can be made from a simple wood or wrought iron structure that can be opened manually or even automatically depending on your budget. No matter what it is made of, it will have a few common things which are essential parts of the gate\’s operation. Remember not to leave any spacing or gaps in between the planks when laying them side by side because they will eventually shrink and gap overtime and also dry out. Below are some of the guides on how to build a wooden driveway gate.
What you need:
- Treated Lumber
- Screws
- Drill
- Saw
- Tape Measure
- Level
- Shovel
- Sand/Gravel
- Concrete
- Double Sided Latch
- Hinges
Method:
- To check the gate post size (at least 6\’-by-6\’ to hold up the gate) to allow the attachment of the wooden gate. If you do not have fence, you need to have a 6\’-by-6\’ gate post with at least 1½ feet longer to be buried under the ground. Then dig a hole of about 2 feet deep, fill in with sand or gravel for the first 4 to 6 inches for allowing water drainage. After that, insert the post and fill it up with concrete and leave it to dry overnight.
- Build a 2-by-4 feet square frame between the posts leaving ½-inch on each side to enable the gate to swing freely. You also need to allow 4 to 6 inches of space between the ground and its bottom frame. Then, place a diagonal 2-by-4 from one corner to the other in order to support the gate from sagging in future.
- Then, drill the vertical risers into the frame (at least 2-by-4 size) and at least 1/8-inch to cater for swelling of the wood.
- Attach the hinges to the post and set your gate at the height that you have planned before screwing the hinges into the posts. Then, attach the latch to both sides of the post for ensuring its capability of opening from both sides.
Maintaining your property\’s privacy is the main reason on building your own driveway gate. A wooden fence doesn\’t cover what trespassers can see inside your property. Although a gate can be possibly by an expert but it can also be done by you on a small budget but be prepared for the hard work needed. When it will be completed, you will have your own gate which is way better than nothing. Now you no longer have to worry on who\’s trespassing your property.
Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2325357_build-wooden-driveway-gate.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2321227_build-driveway-gate.html
http://www.buildeazy.com/house_property_makeover/driveway_gate_5_07_page1.html
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/building-wooden-driveway-gates-in-4-steps
Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ktylerconk/1173741285/
