There are few structures in the garden more prominent than a gate. A good garden gate can invite a person into the garden, protect the garden from intruders, and becomes a feature to draw the eye. This weekend I put together a gate for my vegetable garden fence (which is still under construction). I managed to complete the majority of work on the gate over the weekend but I still have some odds and ends before I would call it a finished project.
All materials for this project were supplied by Lowe’s and the Creative Ideas Network of Bloggers!
- Deck Screws: 1 1/4″ and 2″
- 4 – PT 2″x 4″s
- 2 – PT 1″x 4″s
- 2 – Garden Trellises
- 4 gate hinges
- 1 gate latch
- Wood Glue
To begin building my garden gate I came up with the idea to build two rectangular boxes and insert trellises inside as a design element. I started construction with a few measurements. Due to the warping of my arbor I ran into an issue, the top of the arbor was 58 inches apart while the bottom was 59 inches. I based everything around the 58 inch measurement. You need to allow for the with of the hinges and a small space between the two gates so they work easily.
I began making the two gates by using 2×4’s to create a frame. To connect the lumber together I used an angle drilling tool called a Kreg. It makes these nice little pocket holes and allows you to get a solid grip at an angle with your screws.
Before I screwed things down I used wood glue to help with the connection.
I clamped the wood down on the table and screwed them together with 2″ screws.
Next I attached trim pieces to the opposite sides of the frame from where the pocket holes were. The 1×4 pieces help to create a stronger frame which connects the two side pieces together. Then I measured and cut a few inches of my trellises off. I drilled two holes on the bottom part of each gate door to allow the trellises to stick in easily.
The trellises have a little dragonfly design that I thought was neat! We have quite a few of them that float around the garden each year.
I attached the two gates with heavy duty hinges. I haven’t completely decided how to attach the trellis to the top. I am considering cutting the top and drilling holes so that the entire trellis fits inside the wood frame area.
I love the garden gate! I need to start blogging again and do a post on my garden/garden gate and chicken coop and run that my husband and I build last year! Took us all summer! It looks fantastic though. Only thing left is the coop needs a paint job. The trellis on the gates is a cute idea!
That's a very nice looking garden gate. I need to get something like that for my backyard. For me, a sliding gate would work the best. Do you know any brands of sliding gates?
http://www.agmautomation.com.au/automation/sliding-gates