Build a picket gate

Skill - 2/5

Time - 1 day

 

This pathway gate is made from treated pine pickets and posts attached to a masonry wall. Stops are secured to the posts to prevent the gate swinging through.

 

Cut the timber with a mitresaw and arris all edges with a hand plane before assembly. To resist corrosion use galvanised hinges and fasteners.

 

TIP Cut the pickets with a traditional point at the top or buy them precut.

 

Gravity causes the unsupported side of a gate to sag but a diagonal brace prevents this by moving part of the load to the hinged side.

 

The timber positioned diagonally from the base hinge to the latch corner transfers downward pressure to the other side of the gate.

 

Seal the cut surfaces with a timber primer during assembly then sand all over with 180 grit abrasive paper, applying a primer then two coats of coloured exterior acrylic paint.