Build a Driveway Gate
Anyone can build a driveway gate for a fence. All it takes is a plan, materials, and some time. Most stores that sell treated lumber for a driveway gate also sell plans. Following these plans are simple and the lumber store will be happy to sell you all the materials you will need. However, there are a few things that you must recognize about the process of building a driveway gate before you begin. Follow these steps: Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Select a design for your driveway gate. Simple straight across slat plans are the easiest. The more curves and designs in your plan the longer it will take to build and the more chances that you might make a mistake. Most lumber yards or hardware stores where you buy wood for your gate will also sell plans for about $20. Be sure that you pick one that is within your abilities.
2. Carefully measure the opening for your driveway gate. Use a tape measure and record the distance between the gate posts and the height of the gate. Remember to consider the height of the existing fence when planning a height to build a driveway gate. These measurements will tell you how much lumber to buy.
3. Cut the lumber for the driveway gate first. Do not attempt to cut as you go. This will lead to uneven pieces. Measure all the pieces of the frame, the slats, and the supports carefully before cutting. Use cut pieces as a guide to cut the rest. Lay it all out on the driveway to make sure it looks right.
4. Construct the frame of the driveway gate. Make sure that the lumber of the frame is thicker than the rest of the wood in the driveway gate. It should be at least 1 1/2 inches thick. Cut a groove down the center for the slats to fit into. Bolt together the top, bottom and short side.
5. Insert the driveway gate slats. These are thinner, flat pieces of lumber that make up the face of the driveway gate. Slide them one by one into the groove cut into the frame. If the driveway gate is cureved, be sure to start with the smaller pieces and work your way up to the larger ones. Once all the slats are inserted, bolt the large end of the frame to the driveway gate.
6. Add supports. Many larger driveway gates have cross beams to add strength. Place them horizontally or diagonally across the slats with the ends touching the frame. Bolt them to the frame then nail them to the slats.
7. Ask a friend to help you hang the driveway gate. This is incredibly difficult to do by yourself. The top of the driveway gate should be even with the top of the fence. There should be a 1/2 inch space between both sides of the driveway gate so they wont touch then they close. There should be at least a 2 inch gap beneath the driveway gate so it swings freely. Attach the driveway gate to the gate with hinges.
8. Add a latch and a lock. Do this only after the gate is hung. The latch should be at a comfortable height so that it can be opened and shut with ease. A gate lock can be added at the bottom of one or both sides of the driveway gate. Drill a hole in the concrete below so that the bolt of the gate lock can slide down into it. This keeps the driveway gate from opening.
9. Decorate and Protect the Driveway Gate
If you purchased finished wood to build your driveway gate, there is no need to do anything else to it. However, if the wood is unfinished or you want it to be another color, you can paint or varnish it. It is best to wait until the driveway gate is complete to do this since the paint or varnish could be damaged during construction.
Tags: driveway gate, driveway gate, driveway gate, frame driveway, frame driveway gate
