How to Build a Wood Fence Gate (Step By Step)

[@johnfolmar]

Great video. Thorough and covered all the steps for a novice DYI homeowner to build a gate. Really appreciated the physics white board explanation about how to mount the crossbeams to the gate to keep it from sagging. Thank you!

[@jpmia2510]

this is the best gate video I’ve ever seen shows the correct way to build a gate then proceeds to build it the wrong way this is awesome not confusing to people who actually need it but hey whatever man

[@people744]

Yes the brace is wrong

[@Principlesofpleasure]

Please everyone who’s watching this follow his direction this is the only guy I’ve seen doing it right I do construction and I see these new guys using finish nails that’s not the way those lil pin nails ain’t made for weather conditions this is why your gates fall apart and never last .everyone remember to measure twice so you only cut once and always use the right material, a counter sink bit and screws are the best way 👍🏽 you killed it brotha 🔥

[@StayHandy]

Awesome thanks!

[@justinreynolds6318]

It was not done right. The support brace on the final gate was flipped and wrongly positioned.

[@nhatran4640]

You are absolutely right when you explain the gravitational force. However, the handyman wrongfully applied the diagonal piece on the gate.

[@jmfa57]

I had to watch this three times to notice that myself, before I even looked at the comments to see if anyone else saw it too! 😂 Whoopsie.

[@johno.7016]

Yep. That diagonal piece is incorrectly positioned; it should be flipped over where the bottom is taking the weight from the top outside of the fence towards the bottom corner of the gate (towards the bottom hinge).

[@Blkswan911]

Lol @8:40 I scrolled to the comments to make sure I wasnt just having a stroke! Lol, after that WHOLE explanation he did it wrong... Lol Now either he messed up the diagram or he messed up the gate!

[@nickgarciaman]

Rushed to the comments for the exact same reason... I was beginning to think something was wrong with my comprehension and planning skills, that or a dementia. LOL

[@startariot5648]

He actually said to do the opposite of what he had done in the video at 4:18

[@A_New_Yorker_Lost_In_Florida]

hanging 3 gates in the am to finish a job .... 240 feet of shaowbox and my helper was MIA and left me to do it all by myself.... i used to have a fence company but that was almost 20 years ago and every inch of this fence made me feel every minute of my 50 years 🤣 thanks for the refresher - i'd forgotten all the lil bits ...u are a good builder,teacher, film maker ect ... ty

[@StayHandy]

Glad it helped you out!

[@ryanstafford4997]

Thank you. I built a gate 3 years ago and was never happy with it. I followed your video and rebuilt it abd it turned out great.

[@scarumanga]

Thanks, followed your video and built a new gate today using your instruction. This video really helped me out with making a much better gate than I did many years ago, it was sagging bad and planks pulling out. The new gate looks amazing and it's square and level, I spaced my planks using a 1x6 on its edge and it worked out exact with no trimming needed.

[@Knowledgeispower2000]

I just want to say thank you for the step by step guide. The gate took us about 3 hours to complete and it came out better than expected. Thank you very much

[@StayHandy]

Good work!

[@scarlettburke6449]

Just started my handyman business and i came here for a refresher on the direction of the gate supports. Great Video! i love the bit on the end telling people that they can work for themselves. too many people are stuck getting yelled at by a boss every day when you can support yourself just fine helping people out!

[@allysoninwv1247]

I just finished building my new fence gate. Followed your instructions precisely, and it turned out awesome and 💯 solid. About 4 hours of work total. Thanks so much for this video & tutorial!! 🙏

[@frodosdojo]

I think this is the best, thorough tutorial I have watched. Thank you !

[@VeganMindset]

This is the Best instructions on how to build a gate on KZbin!! Thank you love!!🙏🏿🥰

[@jasonchenier5654]

This is an excellent video. Very nicely done.

[@josemena7644]

Thank You. I appreciate your details and honesty in correcting yourself on building it backwards. Very helpful. Great Content 👍🏼

[@StayHandy]

Thanks!

[@joemartinez4997]

One of the best simple and easy to understand videos. Thank you for making it.

[@chelseacoleman1335]

I just looked at your diagonal beam while you were placing the outer wood is your diagonal frame pointed in the wrong direction isnt the bottom to be on the hing side? For your cross beam

[@StayHandy]

Yes, that was a mistake.

[@miketheresonator]

That was the first thing that caught my eye. The primary reason wood gates sag is that most people, for some reason, point the diagional incorrectly as you noted in this video. Wood will only compress a tiny bit so the diagonal should be braced against an "unmoveable" hinge. This way the screws that hold the gate together do not have to hold ALL of the force of gravity, most of that is vectored to the diagonal 2x and then to the hinge. The hinge screws are not under excessive stress since they are screwed into a thick 4x4 and they are excellent at resisting shear forces of the hinge. As an additional note, if the diagonal is installed like the video shows all of the force of gravity is transferred through the screws and over time outdoors the wood will "change" and the screws will get loose and the gate will then sag.

[@Smafferfiss]

True

[@wbshappy1]

You're a doofus. He said he didn't do it right so you would know he already knew it and wouldn't need to comment on it. What's wrong with you? THINK!

[@JoeCoolR1]

Thanks for making this instructional and simple video. I made a gate and it worked perfectly just like yours (except the mentioned diagonal support on the video). I logic(ed) that the last time I made a gate and it never sagged.

[@antoniades1]

Very helpful! I built a gate for my mom and dad in a few hours and it looks great! Now they want me to build another one for them...

[@StayHandy]

Nice work!

[@sheri023]

Even though the diagonal part is put on backwards it shows how to the measure and cut the diagonal brace and that is what I needed to know. Thanks for the video.

[@annafowler2474]

Explanation is great for women who have never done this before.

[@kayhaus1]

Great vid. Thank you! I appreciate your whiteboard explanation. Will help me to remember what once it stops raining so I can get to work. 😊

[@fredericmokren9737]

Thanks for the video. Used this as a template to build my gate last weekend. Came out great.

[@urspecial2me]

Very good explanation on what others tell me "It's so easy!" Quick tips like what to measure help to give me confidence I can do this. Thank you!

[@StayHandy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@skent714]

Awesome teacher! Thanks for taking time to explain and demo! Thanks!

[@jzsanchez]

Thank you so much, i just built one for a client, and he was very happy. I just did it the opposite. Its feels really strong

[@StayHandy]

Glad it helped! You mean the diagonal brace started at the bottom hinge? If so, then you did it the best way.

[@karlwogoman7570]

This video helped me immensely with my gate build! Thank you!

[@City559]

Thank you for the step by step guide. I just put mine up and it came out great!

[@StayHandy]

Great to hear!

[@CALIFdon9898]

Many GREAT gate videos out there but this is clearly the best. Many show this same type of T-hinge, functional yet so beautiful it can be installed on the front "nice" side, for all the world to see. The latch is even better. Despite my best efforts, the latch string on my old gate always got caught on something and didn't work half the time. I am attempting to build a new 4-foot wide gate. If it starts to sag, I'll add a third hinge and maybe even a turnbuckle. Thanks Handyman Startup!!!! P.S. Hey folks, yes the bottom of the brace should go to the bottom of the hinge side. But as he said, he inadvertently used the other side. It's still a superb video. Now we can all build one, no?

[@StayHandy]

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@eljaydiver1]

I noticed that about the diagonal...but this is a great video at any rate.

[@Khyron9]

Quick question: Why is your cross brace not set up the way you taught earlier in the video that it should be? Or am I reading something wrong? On your whiteboard you say it needs to be on the latch side at the top, but in your build it is on the hinge side.

[@StayHandy]

It was a mistake on the gate. Follow the advice on the whiteboard.

[@TommyTheCat22]

I noticed this too. The cross brace should have its gravity forces compressing it to reduce sagging (high side furthest away from the hinges).

[@cougarcn]

I know exactly built the brace incorrectly, but that was probably the best way to explain it that I've ever heard. Thank you for that.

[@StayHandy]

Glad it helped!

[@alphacampbell21]

excellent video. clear, concise instructions and explanations. Thanks.

[@StayHandy]

You are welcome!

[@blacksinthebible5098]

Outstanding step by step sir! Thank you.

[@zebracrew100]

Very well explained. Then I noticed you put that support piece from top of hinge side to bottom of latch side? That just needs to be reversed so you get the compression. Thank you

[@StayHandy]

Yes, correct

[@DCarolina-ky3cq]

great information I will start on my gate this week.

[@jenjen331]

Thanks for the video, very easy to follow. What size lag bolt would be best to attach the gate hinges?

[@StayHandy]

The bolts are usually supplied with the hinges.

[@callingcar51]

Great video. I learned a lot and built a nice arched gate

[@tikicat147]

omg thank you! going to try this because you make me feel like i can do it with all the good detailed steps! Love this!

[@StayHandy]

You’re welcome!

[@makeupbychristy505]

Thank you for this! First time building anything like this and it turned out great!

[@jettaluv101]

Really well explained and understood. Thanks for a great video!

[@StayHandy]

You’re welcome! Thanks for the comment.

[@erickethan1]

I noticed too. Lol

[@dominiqueritchey6795]

You got a subscriber

[@danbell9975]

This was terrific, and thankyou for your step by step.

[@StayHandy]

You’re welcome!

[@unbreakableironman]

Great video. I thought your video would include the 4x4s dug in as well. I have two questions for you or anyone else who wants to chime in. 1. If I need to install the 4x4s, how deep should I go into the ground? 2. If I am connecting to an existing 4x4 (the neighbors fence), would you recommend connecting to it? Bonus question: If my gate will be touching my brick house, would I need a 4x4 next to it? Any ideas?

[@jonathanwilson2767]

You want to install the 4x4s below your frost line to avoid shifting. I wouldn't connect to the neighbors fence, they could change their mind, move, etc. Also, for the gate against the house, I'd install a 4x4 next to the house so the gate can swing onto an attached latch

[@StayHandy]

In most of the US, 24” deep is fine. In Canada and northern regions you need to go 36”. Not sure what you mean on the other questions.

[@thomasjpak4481]

Just wondering... according to the narrator's instructions, the diagonal support on the bottom should be mounted near the hinge. So, did the person in the video mount the gate upside down?

[@mikekennedy3173]

Thank you for your great video.

[@manishjadav9]

you make some one life lot, easy to understand

[@jackmewhalle6937]

I appreciate you taking the time to do this. I built Gates before but I just figured it out as I went. The one thing that I did not know and I do appreciate it deeply. The diagonal board should be on the hinge side. Makes total sense now that I think about it. I am currently rebuilding my fence and I definitely needed a new gate I was going to just hang a chain link gate. Until I seen how much they cost...... Thanks again for taking your time and given us these tips

[@StayHandy]

You’re welcome!

[@jcraath]

I am glad I checked the comments to that you made it incorrectly to what you said. Thanks for the info, lekker gate

[@StayHandy]

Yes good call!

[@ehade]

Nice job in explaining compression and tension. 👍❤️🙏

[@StayHandy]

Thanks 👍

[@troyleuenberger5291]

The diagonal tension board was installed backwards

[@pedropereira8924]

Nice video, thanks for sharing 🎉

[@franciscodelreal9541]

so I am confused , to avoid sagging, the bottom part of the diagonal brace has to be closest to the bottom hinge and top part of the diagonal brace away from top hinge, but it seems you have it backwards (check min 8:39). which is correct? this is the best one I have seen by the way. building mine the same way

[@StayHandy]

From the bottom hinge up. The gate example is a mistake.

[@knutelund8039]

Now I can do it! Thanks.

[@peaceofmind6141]

THIS WAS REALLY GODD MAN

[@StayHandy]

Thanks!

[@eseloco340]

Thx bro imma make this tomorrow!

[@harrywensel8456]

Great video. First time I have watched one of your videos. I just replaced the gate post on an ancient rental house I have and built a Z gate to replace the rotten gate. I have done many of these removals. If you have a simple less time and labor intensive method then I would love to see a video.

[@maximonatividad9653]

Greetings sir so amazing ur talent is a gift fm God. I am just impressed of how u r doing it and thanks for sharing ur talent and i hope i can do it also in my house when i have complete tools like what i see in yours. Tc God bless.

[@StayHandy]

Thanks!

[@johnjenkins8576]

What if you want gate to swing in? Could you mount hinges to inside of post instead of outside?

[@williamkreth]

Very helpful video good work

[@claudiapineda3719]

Muchas gracias por este video 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@toni3528]

Great Video!

[@sterlinghearth3651]

Beautiful. Creative with the driveway straight edge and circular saw notching. Good work big D.

[@StayHandy]

Thanks Sterling!

[@BradErickson-pw9xn]

Are we also suppose to place a vertical 2x4 on the opposite side of the gate ( opposite the latch side) ?

[@StayHandy]

It's not necessary.

[@reneepennington8115]

Will this method work for a 5 foot wide gate, or is 5' too wide and likely to sag? I am replacing a gate, and there are 64" between the fence posts. I was thinking of trying a caster for support. Thanks for this video - I am not handy yet using your instructions I was able to build two narrower gates that are light and work great.

[@ritoluis4903]

Is it your preference to use screws rather than nails on gate pickets?

[@AdamSchaumburg]

What bit size do you use to pre-drill the holes for the diagonal brace?

[@bevtrumble6710]

Thanks for your help❤️

[@xisotopex]

do you need to make the rails on the gate match the rails of the fence?

[@noelalejandroreynosorique]

Nice!!!

[@brianrickenbach9841]

do you subtract and inch on both sides or an inch total?

[@Moulds45]

is this the same process for two gates that open with each other?

[@luiscarrasquillo8299]

Great video!!! Thank you

[@kirildimitrov5073]

Hey, did you get the diagnol brace on the wrong side of the actuall install? I see you were talking about bottom being on the hindge, but then on the install you got it on the oposite side.

[@dalebrouxtom]

Great explanation of the diagonal bracing but you did it opposite. Why?

[@StayHandy]

It was a mistake.

[@SeanW-y3e]

Am I missing something? It looks like the hinge placement relative to the diagonal brace was different than the instructions.

[@ken1958]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@StayHandy]

You’re welcome!

[@shawannawilliams2221]

😊Great video

[@he7is7at7hand]

Thank you. This is great!

[@StayHandy]

You're very welcome!

[@harthebarr9671]

What is the name of the latch you used. Nice job

[@johncontos9577]

Excellent content! Everything was explained very well!

[@StayHandy]

Glad you liked it!

[@alexkid1978]

Why did you build the diagonal brace the opposite (i.e. the less structurally sound) way in the video, especially since you mention in the whiteboard section why NOT to do it that way?

[@adolfopadilla3205]

How do you open the gate if inside of the gate?...asking because I see the latch on the outside of gate.

[@wulimu]

One quesiton about the latch: isn't it desirable to install tte latch on the other side so that the owner can lock it? I'm assuming the smooth side is facing the street.

[@StayHandy]

Most people don't lock their gates. But you can still lock it with this design.

[@startariot5648]

Just pointing out he says to do the opposite of what he did in the video in regards to the diagonal brace at 4:18

[@jambatvee3803]

Excellent video! Very precise, no fluff about what your dog ate 😂

[@EricGComedian]

Is there a reason a gate would open out vs in? All the ones I"ve seen open in towards the yard.

[@Victoria-uy5lx]

Thanks!! High five!

[@gergemall]

Great job

[@StayHandy]

Thanks!

[@samueladams584]

Using the smallest of the 3 measurements allows you to adjust the gate so it's level ?

[@StayHandy]

So you don’t build it too wide. You want a gap so it can open and close.

[@michaeldang8189]

Just a question, the side that is showing in the video is what we see when we approach from outside of the house, or from the inside yard of the house?

[@michaeldang8189]

Shouldn't the hinge be in the house side?

[@StayHandy]

You want the diagonal brace side to face the backyard so the more finished side faces the street.

[@StayHandy]

That doesn't matter. It's more important for the gate to be functional, so whichever way makes the most sense. But usually the hinges are away from the house as shown here.

[@prohow]

Thanks for another great video, Dan!

[@StayHandy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheCollabCurator]

That latch is exactly what I’ve been looking for. 🎉

[@StayHandy]

Nice!

[@juddheess6983]

Very thoughtful videos , thank you

[@StayHandy]

You’re welcome!

[@chelseacoleman1335]

I just looked at your diagonal beam while you were placing the outer wood is your diagonal frame pointed in the wrong direction isnt the bottom to be on the hing side? For your cross beam?

[@StayHandy]

Yes, the diagonal brace should start at the bottom hinge and go up and out. Sorry for the confusion.

[@christophergoetz6074]

Hey,,, you put the diagonal brace in the wrong direction....!!

[@thomasjpak4481]

Yes right. That is what I thought too

[@petethehandyman9185]

Good video Dan! I always enjoy your content

[@StayHandy]

Thanks Pete! I'll keep it coming.

[@kait6204]

At the end is the diagnal in the wrong position?

[@nonamechannel8110]

For all of those diy-ers do not use a socket with an adapter, use a nut driver. Usually 3/8 or 7/16 for most 1/4 hardware.

[@MultiPascher]

Great Video

[@StayHandy]

Thanks!

[@jimorsheryl]

After explaining in great detail the diagonal brace, the finished gate has the brace improperly installed. If this is supposed to be a teaching video you should correct this confusing error.

[@mikel460]

He says thats what he is doing @ 4:22

[@Smoked_Ronies]

Definition of:"I messed up so you don't have to" Be greatful M8 😂

[@streveo13]

Would this work for a gate with a width of 84"? Thank you for the information!

[@StayHandy]

7’ is pretty wide. Your best bet is to do a double gate, so you’d have 2 gates 42” wide each. Otherwise installing a wheel on one side is a good idea.

[@garryk6208]

Would using pressure treated 2X4s better or just using non pressure treated 2X4s? Thank you for the infomative video

[@StayHandy]

Use redwood. It resists moisture damage and isn't packed with nasty chemicals. Pressure treated lumber is usually only worthwhile when your wood has contact with the ground or foundation of a house.