Building a self closing gate for the fenced in Garden

Ever since we fenced in the garden, I have been needing to building Garden Gates on the entrances. Today I am finally going to get one of the gates built. And I am going to make it a self closing garden gate with the help of a door spring.
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Country View Acres
P.O. Box 469
Robinson, IL 62454
We live in southeastern Illinois on a 41 acres homestead. We just finished building our log cabin overlooking our pond. We are trying to grow our own food and raise livestock. Follow us on our journey living the rural life and developing our property and becoming more self sufficient.
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[@CentralNH]

Get some pavers to replace grass that will help from digging under the gate also

[@therankings7706]

Hey Evan, good job! If you don't like the door dragging the grass, grab one of those concrete pieces you had laying around and set it underneath, gravel works too. Or better yet, do a concrete /cement slab. No more grass problems and also no digging.

[@VelvetRedRoses]

Yes, good advice especially because you want to swing the gate open easily (hands are always full of tools or stuff) and if it is higher, the rabbits and other critters can get inside if the gap is high enough. I do love the gate and it looks like it will last a very long time. I think I will be copying your design.

[@pa.fishpreacher6166]

Nice job

[@larrysowada9905]

You might want to build a good set of sawhorses. Just a suggestion, Larry

[@beanepatchbeane8194]

Or at least spread them apart farther when working with the longer boards.

[@davidfeatch1436]

We use those springs in the UK. Tie a wire to the hole in that metal locking shim so if it ever pops out you will find it hanging on the spring.

[@jonkwin9620]

Good job, I have the same system - you will need a latch though, otherwise it will bang bang bang all night when it's windy.

[@wileycoyotesr8623]

I like the gate. Design, construction, appearance, and function are fine. Ya done good! I suppose some sort of stone at the gate entrance will keep it flush with the ground and not rub on grass. ???

[@valeriepritchard677]

Paving slabs would be great, stop the grass and keep the gap between the ground and the gate as small as possible. Set down level with the membrane to avoid trip hazard.

[@salmonhunter7414]

I always say if is out an 1/8 or less. We are not building a piano.

[@PlanetMojo]

My grandmothers garden gate had a weight and pulley system that closed it. Always loved watching that weight go up and down 😊 Nice work Evan!

[@carolsuesamuelson7935]

Same here with my grandma. I had thought may be he would do the same.

[@davidgambler1591]

Place large flat stones under the garden door swing area, so grass doesn’t affect the swing of the door.

[@anthonymiller8979]

Was just going to say the same, dig the sod back a little and use a few pavers or flat stones.

[@ruralcore541]

I loved this video, it was the actual process of building something and all of the things that go wrong and the learning that goes along with it. Love the gate.

[@dns938]

Dig the grass out in front of the gate and put a couple of patio blocks

[@fallingzeppelin69]

You should do a garden update. Cause I’m in south East Indiana and my corn is nowhere near that high and I don’t have any beans yet lol extremely envious of your garden setup too

[@lenpellerin]

Evan, I really appreciate the efforts you put into your work. You make building things simple and you show very good camera angles that make everything seem unique. We have been following you along your journey since the purchase and you continue to improve. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@brendanballard2216]

Love seeing all the little mistakes along the way. Thanks for showing the whole process! Looks good

[@deannamarie4149]

Would it help to dig the grass out from under the gate and put a couple of landscaping blocks under the gate? The are fairly inexpensive.... Scrap lumber would even work. Hello Rebecca!

[@silkedavid8876]

I guess the more you walk through and open and close the door the grass will go down. Make sure you do not loose that little bit of metal for the spring, looks like you could attach a little bit of wire and secure it. The garden looks lush, I miss working on my allotment, but as a single person I just produced too much!

[@Pinziee]

I always put the spring at the inside. The spring always want to go back to the shortest distance ;-)

[@wendyjuk4035]

I PUT MINE ON THE INSIDE .....good job though.

[@MrBigblueford]

Dig out grass area and make.a wooden landing platform area under the door so that no grass inhibits the spring action of the door closing

[@tannenbaumgirl3100]

Rabbits can slip through that wire. It'll keep the dogs out though. Nice gate otherwise.

[@python3574]

Fun fact: a rabbit can squeeze thru the square openings of a chain link fence if your grandmother is closing in on him with a broomstick. Witnessed it many times...lol.

[@carlahelin5203]

I'm so inspired. I appreciate that you show your mistakes as teachable moments and walked us through how you went forward with each issue that came up.

[@batpherlangkharkrang7976]

Hi...... Evan I really enjoy your video nice growing vegetables and nice gardening and nice farming and you are great, thank you for sharing your video homestead chicken farmer garden 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 👕🐔🐓🐥🐕🐈🌱🐐🎥👍👍👍

[@justinbussey2442]

I've never seen a spring mounted on the front.. always seen inside. That way the spring can be stretched out while opening. Just my 2 cents 😁 nice design and the garden looks great!

[@mandiegarrett1706]

Hmmmm...that makes sense...now I wonder if he place it on the wrong side OR maybe either way works.

[@CountryViewAcres]

The spring is actually being twisted tighter when the door opens. And it wants to untwist to close the door. It can being mounted incorrectly, which would cause it to twist incorrectly.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Great job Evan, I was thinking of a latch also to prevent smart animals from being able to open the gate slightly and getting on in the garden. The gate will prevent most though. Looks great, thanks for sharing with us, Fred.

[@vinnypinatelli221]

I love the way you built the gate to keep it from sagging right? It looks good

[@steve-xo5bc]

Note to self buy glue before I build something!

[@chopshop6446]

Get Titebond 2 wood glue over gorilla glue. In college we tested all the wood glues and at that time Titebond 2 was mountains above every glue.

[@Me-ov9nw]

I agree, self latching hardware will prevent wind blowing open and shutting.... great garden!!!💕👍

[@joannak4640]

The gate looks great!! I get so happy when I see a new video posted from you. Thank you for sharing ❤️ Now hurry up and get the next video up 😂😂😂

[@ruadhscottygirl2480]

Couldn’t you add a flat magnet duo under the section where the handle is so it won’t swing open when dogs paw on it or if the wind catches it?

[@csnanny1882]

That gate looks nice. Good job Evan. Your garden really looks like you will have ton’s of vegetables. Better get your canning jar’s washed up. You are looking like your back is on the mends.God bless,take care.

[@robineggbluebu4371]

Your garden is really popping. The plus side is you don't have to weed it. I grew a garden about twice that size, and whew, I had to get out there every week and run a tiller. I'm planning on buying some of this ground cover in the future.

[@workhardlivefree3818]

Could dig some patio stones or bricks into the entrance area to keep the grass away from the swing zone of the gate

[@jansmith8021]

Glad your back is on the mend! It is hard to keep a good man down!! 😊

[@terrynoraturner1848]

To high and the rabbits will pass.

[@anitamoolman168]

Your garden gate looks like a garden gate should look

[@gilstover590]

Outstanding job on the door but, I think you need to build some DECENT/STRONGER saw horses...good video...thank you.

[@VelvetRedRoses]

I have the same ones and yes, you are right but sometimes the light ones like this are good enough and they are also easy to move and store, but I do agree that shaking while working is truly annoying. In my life, when I can't stand the annoyance anymore, then I take the time to fix it. Funny how that is.

[@foreverturningpeterkipfer5468]

I've had the same issue with those type of hinges not really fitting the gate frame & the one screw ending up on the joint of the 2 boards. Because of that I've started using self closing hinges ( can adjust the tension) which negates the screw issue as well as the need for the spring. At times I've needed to use 3 hinges just because of the size of door. Along with the door stop I've gotten into the habit of using catches so that the door stays closed even with a wind. Great video as usual, keep them coming. Even got my work fe to start watching them.

[@VelvetRedRoses]

Smart animals paw on the door and put their snout in when it swings open then walk inside which is why your latch comment is spot on as well for animals. Yes, great video and a nice looking and functional gate.

[@cathyreed6180]

The garden is looking good. I was my house plants looked as good, I don’t have much of a green thumb.

[@aa999xyz]

maybe some thin patio blocks under your garden so you don't have to worry about the grass or animals digging under it? Looks great

[@kingkong7617]

Easy fix to your gate hitting the grass is to take your shovel and shovel out under the gate about a inch or so and the gate won't hit the grass and you could dig about two inches deep and put down a plastic barrier and then put some gravel on top of the plastic and grass won't grow back.

[@johncourtneidge]

Excellent! Well done! Every project evolves as it goes along. The key thing is to start. Which is what you did. On balance I think that the tight fit at the bottom us beneficial, to stop low crawling 'visitors'. If course, the corollorary is that trimming the grass at the threshold is yet another grower's task . . . Adam's curse!

[@chaunceypullman3380]

Love the way your garden is just blooming. Sorry on the rabbits. They would become part of the meat in the freezer. You remind me of my Dad. No matter what, the man had a plan. Made mostly whatever was needed done himself. Wished we had more time for him to school me. Enjoyed the learning experience. Country at Heart from Shreveport.

[@gscott5778]

No need for springs or other store bought hardware other than about 5 feet of chain or nylon cord. Use any weight like the old window weights or pour a ball/cylinder of concrete with a hook in it. 5-10 lbs works best 1) Fasten one end of the chain to about mid point on the gate. 2) Hang the weight from the mid point of the chain. 3) Fasten the other end of the chain on the fence (Fence top or middle rail about 12 to 18 inches hinge point. The chain should form a V when the gate is closed and at full open the chain will be straight or close to straight. The amount of weight will determine how fast the gate closes. I've heard them called "Williamsburg Gate Closers" because they use them on the garden gates in historic Williamsburg Virginia. There they use like a small 6-8 lb cannon ball. Plenty of commercially made closers out there. If you buy one with the ball and chain it's expensive but you can make your own very in expensively and the 'spring' never breaks. Search "Williamsburg Gravity Gate Closer" for examples, pictures and commercially made options.

[@BUD100ify]

I live in Florida, our days are shorter.....with your long summer days your things are growing about twice as fast as our things do...watch for Japanese beetles in your fruit trees...Spectrecide makes traps for them

[@deannaoverstreet4146]

Looks great! Garden is beautiful! Weed eat the grass!

[@albundy1956]

Now you have to mount something to keep the door open when crosing with a wheel barrow or what not... good job Evan. In the sixties, when I was a kid and lived in the city, we all have those spings on the old outhouse door in the back yard.

[@lorenmeyer5290]

Great video Evan! Love love the garden! Always happy to see your videos! You make my day better! THANKS!

[@stevenbushnick7745]

Nice solution for your garden door.

[@angelapinnock3793]

Maybe put a catch on the post for the gate to latch on to, animals can still get in if they're determined enough. Just a suggestion. I don't know what kind of animals you have where you live.

[@conniewilson5531]

Cut your grass down low (or maybe you don't even have to) and use a piece of ground cover, the length of the swing of the gate. That should solve that problem.

[@coryhatcher]

What is that material you have on the ground throughout your garden?? Keeps grass and weeds from growing right? Thanks for the informational content

[@mimicolvin3200]

Nice gate, you do great 👍 work.

[@tomekapompey563]

My adventure with woodworking started with Woodbex plans.

[@paulvalley5604]

Every person who works on home projects has that moment of "The reason I'm screwing these in by hand is that I can't find my #3 Phillips" loved every second of this!

[@marytucker9404]

The gate looks perfect with the rest of the fence. Nice and simple it's always the best design. I like it!👍👍

[@steve-xo5bc]

BOLTS,NUTS AND FENDER WASHERS for the gate hardware!

[@milkmaid4077]

Put a rubber stall mat under the gate fo keep the floor flat and the grass from growing to prevent it interfering with the gate closure.

[@Infinity.....]

Perfect! 👍

[@EC4400]

Nice gate, Evan. Your garden looks like it is doing great. Hope your all better.

[@sharonanspach2734]

gate came out perfect for what you need

[@lotus....]

I love how you dont have *building tourettes* likemy husband does lol!!

[@josephbrown-ut9ty]

JudithB I need to build two gates one to replace the chicken pen gate and a new one for the garden. I think I would like an X look so they look symetrical somehow!! LOL Great video and info I needed saving $85 per wire gate at Lowes since I need taller gates!! Thanks!!

[@ilg212]

Thank you for the video. What gauge is the wire fence that you're using?

[@davep5972]

Great job Evan the gate looks great!

[@beckjumper5787]

Quick tip. When you cut the half laps with a circ, cut from the edge inwards. Then you have solid timber under the saw all the way.

[@VelvetRedRoses]

Good tip, thanks!

[@MakkIsLooking]

Wow. Cool gate. Neato spring.

[@corydriver7634]

Some clamps would help put that gate together a bit easier. Gate looks good so does the garden.

[@SheepyHollowCanada]

Patio blocks underneath and the dogs won't be able to dig under either plus no drag on the grass.

[@gotthyme]

R u putting a latch on it? Trash panda's will open that fine gate in a heart beat! Nice job

[@andyteohockguan2235]

Awesome

[@billmetal]

Would it have been better to have used another piece of wood as well and made a cross in the center of the gate for a added brace

[@jongreen4893]

My gate is already screwed up. Ill look at another vid!

[@marksimonar1550]

Ya should have used spring loaded hinges on the garden gate. Just a suggestion.

[@jouvelleaguiar556]

Did you use weed barrier on the interior floor or black plastic ?

[@benlai7975]

Good job. What's the name of the spring?

[@jakovsklepic2177]

You can put mowed grass under the crops my grandma does that.

[@d.j.robinson9424]

Looks great earl, maybe a pool catch latch on there.💚💙👍

[@dennishayes65]

Nice job on constructing the garden door Evan !

[@stevedurr2149]

Build yourself some GOOD saw horses!

[@elvisestevez5816]

Great video... how much did it cost you to make the door?

[@Bex-rg8pj]

Looks great!

[@ncrpejxi]

Should put a lock on it so animals won’t push it open it

[@cqangie29]

What depth was the saw blade set to to cut out that over lap section??

[@genecarr4568]

Take a que from Kevin on Living Traditions Homestead. It doesn't have to be PERFECT, just Homestead Perfect.

[@lindasmith6654]

Looks great, as does your garden.

[@kouroshmusavi7339]

I was wondering what is the material you used to cover the ground to control the weed? Your response greatly appreciated.

[@CountryViewAcres]

DeWitt sunbelt 3.2 ounce woven. Ground cover

[@gregj2647]

Informative video. Is there any rule as to which direction the angle piece goes on the gate? Is it stronger bottom left to upper right like you did?

[@beerider63915071]

Greg Just . Bottom it nearest the hinge and connect the top of it to the top of the gate so the ‘7’ stops any sagging at the outer edge of the gate.

[@anastasiaserwaczek204]

Thank you for doing this video. I like the humble approach. In an ideał world everything would work perfectly. But for amateur do it yourselfers, this is still worthwhile to view.

[@devinthompson5643]

What kind of black liner is that?

[@evelynconrad3473]

you need it low to keep the critters out. :)

[@donniechapman5922]

I like the notches you put in the outside frame. Heck I'd probably would have used a screen door spring, all you would have needed to Staples and the spring.

[@mailmanx69]

9:09 - The bane of every project I have done - some nasty little surprise. However, fix it like a pro as if you planned it that way! GREAT video! I love the thorough and well presented tutorial. I have built a couple gates in years past. They never looked this nice and they always sagged a bit. I could have used your video a long time ago. 10:05 - Belt sander, baby! I've had to do that before. With the aid of a belt sander, it became perfectly matched and nobody was ever the wiser. Nice looking garden, by the way!

[@remushaynes2693]

evan, i am reminded of the song on "hee haw" when it comes to things not working out right for you. "if it weren't for bad luck, i'd have no luck at all; gloom, despair and agony on me". everything will work out, just keep plugging away at it.........g

[@brucear1]

I agree with the pavers, you will be wearing a path which will become muddy any way if you don't. Plus it will leave a finished look Did you aline a closet on each floor of your house so that in thirty years from now when you can't climb stairs you can put in a inexpensive elevator instead of having to move out, Bruce

[@marcerivest6204]

It looks pretty good to me, it is not a house.

[@loriconley3890]

We have the same fence around our yard. It has kept rabbits out till now. Mrs. Bunny has had two litters this year under a large pallet in the middle of the yard. We finally got her to move her family out. Cute to watch but they bring fleas. I havent had fleas on any of my dogs in years. Plus I feared for the life of the bunnies.my dogs have high prey drive. But dang I'm envious of that garden.

[@tmoomoo42]

Nice piece of work. 2 hints. 1 set a small board on ground when setting gate, when done take board out now you have clearance at bottom of gate. 2 glue your lap joints for a tighter fit. Never even thought of screwing in your cross brace in like you did much easier than a angle jig. I do like some one else's comment about some kind of latch or you might hear that thing slam all night long in the wind and drive ya nuts. lol

[@rickster9993]

Try This if you want. Cut a piece of 6-8 in PVC to fit at ground level between the gate post of your gate. Fill with Cement. Add a couple of pieces of rebar If you want. Dig it in below your gate to form a thresh hold with a gap of whatever you want.

[@peggysizemore4207]

yes looks like it belongs.....nice