The Z-frame gate, a simple, sturdy garden gate design, takes its name from its framework. The horizontal upper and lower portions of the frame are joined by a single diagonal piece of wood that prevents the gate from sagging and deforming. This structural support looks like a Z. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Preparation
1. Develop the design of your garden gate. Whether it's the entryway for your front lawn or for your garden, it should complement or match the rest of the fence. Generally, unless you have a staggered design, the horizontal support rails should line up with the rails of the fence.
2. Purchase the wood. The type and amount of wood will vary, depending on the specific design of your Z-frame garden gate. Purchase 4-by-4 inch wood for the hinge and latch posts. Remember, you must sink these critical support pieces at least 3 feet into the ground, so buy wood long enough. Buy 2-by-4 inch boards for the frame of the garden gate and 1-by-2 inch boards for the pickets. If you build your Z-frame gate to a different design, adjust your wood purchase accordingly.
3. Select the hardware. You need a wide assortment of screws or nails, 2 or more hinges (depending on the weight of your gate) and the latch. Choose metals for the latch and hinges that complement each other and the other hardware elements of your home or garden.
4. Dig the post holes at least 3-feet deep. Your hinge and latch posts must sunk into the ground at least one-third of the total height of the gate or 3 feet, whichever is greater. Use a post hole digger to dig these holes.
5. Sink the latch and hinge posts onto tamped gravel with a concrete collar or support stakes. Fill in the holes with densely packed earth or concrete.
Assembly
6. Build the Z-frame gate in your garden or yard. It's the best way to ensure that everything lines up and hangs properly.
7. Cut the horizontal supports so they barely fit within the gateway. Use heavy-duty drywall screws to mount them to the hinges. Use permanent screws to mount the hinges to the hinge post. Make sure these supports are perfectly level.
8. Measure and cut the diagonal support. This is the support that gives the garden gate its name. Drill pilot holes and mount this support to the horizontal supports with long screws appropriate for the weight. Make sure the upper portion is near the latch and the lower portion is near the bottom hinge, flush with the hinge and latch mount points.
9. Make the pickets or other vertical supports. Again, the specifics of your fence means that these designs vary widely, so refer to your specific plan. Cut all pickets in advance.
10. Use a square or pattern to mark the places to mount the pickets. Keep your marks symmetrical and perfectly vertical, with good even spacing.
11. Nail or screw the pickets to the gate's framework. Use at least 2nails or screws at the top and the bottom, and at least 1 to mount the picket to the Z-frame brace.
12. Remove the garden gate from the hinges. Cut off the excess wood from the horizontal supports. Remount the gate with more permanent, heavy-duty screws.
13. Attach the latch with heavy-duty screws once you have the gate remounted. Be certain the gate opens and closes smoothly.
Tags: garden gate, hinge latch, horizontal supports, your garden, Z-frame gate
