This garden gate designed of wood works well with stone fencing.
A flower or vegetable garden space may need special fencing to separate it from the rest of the yard; adding visual appeal, a recycled metal or wooden gate works well. For an inviting garden entryway, a newly built gate with scroll work, a floral design or simple wooden slats is inviting. Some gates complement certain posts or columns better than others, so try various designs to see how fancy or plain the gate needs to be. The overall design largely depends on how close the gate is to the house too. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Use a measuring tape to define gate space. Include room for columns or an archway over the gate, if desired. Figure out exactly where posts will be installed and how wide the gate itself needs to be. Consider any issues with removing part of the existing fencing.
2. Sketch a basic gate design. Figure out how high the actual gate should be. Should it be waist high, for example, or should it be shoulder high? Choose a style that fits the surroundings, which might mean installing a simple gate or an extremely ornate one. Select a gate with lots of detailing, if it's far away from the house. Use a simpler design that doesn't stand out, in most cases, if the gate is close to the house.
3. Draw the garden space with the gate. Create a drawing to represent the lawn areas as closely as possible. Include all landscaping and garden plants to get a true idea of how the gate will look. Sketch any planned walkway with stepping stones or vines that will climb on gate columns or posts. Look at the overall picture from the perspective of the home's front curbside to ensure the design will work.
4. Choose a gate color. Use black glossy paint, if the gate is near the house, to match black house trim. Paint the gate pale green, for instance, to blend in with the lawn and not stand out. Use a rust-colored paint to create a garden with "shabby chic" tables, chairs and flower pots scattered about.
5. Plan install the gate. Sink wooden or metal posts in concrete on each side, for example. Let the concrete dry for 24 hours before adding the actual gate via heavy-duty hinges. Use a lock if you want to keep small children out of the garden. Line up the gate and support post properly -- then fit with a small deadbolt.
Tags: actual gate, garden space, gate with, works well
