How to Build a Side Fence and Gate - Start to Finish

Follow me as I show you how I built a side fence and garden gate next to my house out of traditional timber fencing materials.
ITS website: www.its.co.uk
How to Dig, Set and Concrete in Fence Posts Video: • How to Dig, Set and Co...
How to Make an Easy Garden Gate Video: • How to Make an Easy Ga...
Amazon links to the tools and materials used in this video...
UK Links:
► Gatemate/Perry Lock: amzn.to/3g3Ftse
► Magnetic Wrist Holder: amzn.to/3CFSi5E
► Katsu Router: amzn.to/3j2ozel
► Dewalt Circular Saw: amzn.to/3ldRrmG
► Dewalt Impact Driver: amzn.to/3tvYFmq
► Dewalt 18v Combi Drill: amzn.to/2MiM71A
► Titebond 3 Wood Glue: amzn.to/3A2B5C6
US Links:
► Magnetic Wrist Holder: amzn.to/3yQsZLV
► Budget Router: amzn.to/377bE58
► Dewalt Circular Saw: amzn.to/3fvUF1d
► Dewalt Impact Driver US: amzn.to/3xwcpQe
► Dewalt 18v Combi Drill US: amzn.to/3q7uzW7
► Titebond 3 Wood Glue: amzn.to/36WTeEg
The Amazon links above are affiliate links. It doesn't cost you anything to click on them but I do earn a small commission if you do. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Music used in this video from Epidemic Sound and Artlist:
Deep Blue by Beauty in the Struggle
Road No.42 by Martin Klem

[@ashleymccarthy6232]

Favourite channel to watch on KZbin; Your videos are really spectacular, You should be proud!

[@ProperDIY]

That's very kind words - I do try.

[@garulusglandarius6126]

Love your work, your attention to detail is commendable. The fact that you’re engineering trained is clearly evident, your mix of engineering knowledge and competence in construction is inspirational and results in great work. It’s a real advantage to me that you explain/show your construction methods but also why. Keep them coming and I’ll keep watching. Thank you for great tuition and advice. 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Very nice of you to say that - I suppose it's the way my brain works after my time on site. I'll keep making them if people keep watching!

[@andrewrobinson7797]

Hi Stuart. I'm here after recommendation from RagnBone Brown. I fit those locks all the time. Couple of things - if you had used one full length FE board you wouldn't need to worry about getting the handle centred; I use a 25mm spade bit and ream out the hole with a file to get the barrel to fit. Good video 👍🏻

[@1955DocBrown]

When it comes to the subject of corded or cordless tools, I am yet to be convinced. I think cordless tools are perfect for tradesmen who use them on a job site every day, time is money and ease of use. But for someone like me who uses them for DIY I still mainly believe in corded tools (with the exception of the cordless drill and impact driver of course!). Due to the cost of the batteries and the deterioration of the amount of charge they hold, plus if the batteries are compromised they can be a massive fire risk, especially the 54V ones. But I could just be a dinosaur 😊

[@Spoonychief]

I agree with you, cheaper, more power what's not to like.

[@johannes.f.r.]

I think it would depend on the type of work you want to do. If clumsy tools keep you from starting a build, because you have to spend half your time setting up, then batteries might be the way to go. If you are doing just maintenance type work, then corded is just fine, just a little less convenient on certain places. But you never have flat batteries with a cord and most DIY-ers only have a few of those usually.

[@somewhereelse3813]

5 keys and not one in your pocket 🤦‍♂️. Great stuff, AS ALWAYS

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks 👍

[@alanlongridge6487]

I note your videos for the fence and gate does not show how you finished the top of the fence (capping I think). What material did you use and how?

[@davemcdave2169]

Love the channel. Love the content. You're like another knowledgeable amd wise uncle I never knew I had. The Monty Don of DIY. Thank you sir.

[@IgnatiusZaaijman]

"Brick, with a touch of plastic"....just your normal soil!

[@PerformanceSC]

Love the channel, however ,that is cant rail, not arris rail. Arris rail is the triangle one. Don’t hate me….

[@mburton5365]

Hey Stuart, proper Gatemate locks come with the correct spade bit in the box. Not sure how good they are but I have always used my own spade bits.

[@ProperDIY]

It's strange that Amazon sell 'Gatemate', on my order it's Gatemate but comes as Perry!

[@mburton5365]

@@ProperDIY Maybe contact Gatemate and ask them ? Or the Amazon seller is pulling a fast one, claiming them to be Gatemate but they are a copy ?

[@fireblaster9961]

A full board where the lock was positioned would have looked better

[@offcuts4146]

Really good video. Word of warning regarding them gate mate locks they freeze over an awful lot in the winter. Ive got 2 on my driveway gates have to keep wd40 to hand or get hot water. Apart from that they are realy good locks

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. That's interesting. I will keep an eye in it over the winter and will do update video next year

[@mburton5365]

I put a bit of graphite powder in mine each year, gets used everyday throughout the winter and works fine.

[@TheIanBach]

I used wd40 silicone spray, seems to have done the trick nicely.

[@offcuts4146]

@@mburton5365 cheers for the advice i will defo have to try that just saw some on amazon

[@mburton5365]

@@offcuts4146 When you squirt the graphite powder in, operate the lock a few times so it spreads the graphite around inside. If you ever put water onto / into a lock, be sure to flush it out with WD40 or similar. Any water left inside will freeze.

[@PaulBednall]

I too have an SDS drill with a breaker attachment and I can confirm how easy it is to perforate an old lead water pipe - instant water feature.

[@ProperDIY]

That's what you call 'water cooled'!

[@stephennelson2734]

@@ProperDIY😮😮😮😮😮

[@lewisbrown51]

Brilliant video! Especially liked the mention of bending moment on the post 😅 the engineer never rests!!! This is fast becoming my favourite channel, I even hum your theme tune now when I'm doing DIY 😄

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@peterszilagyi6824]

those are the best parts :)

[@melaniedaniel5065]

I'm from the US, and it took me a while to figure out what a "garriage" was, but I have it now. I have shadow box fence that is in need of repair to keep my dogs off the highway. Love the videos, but I will admit having issues translating from millimeter to inches, but I am working on it. I found Proper DIY looking to fix a leaning fence post, and now I watch regularly. Thank you!

[@Saxondog]

Just remember that 1 inch is 25.4mm. We tend to forget the .4mm, so 50mm is 2ins, 100mm is 4ins etc. 1000mm is 1metre. Key ones to remember are 2 feet and to 16ins. That's 600mm and 400mm respectively. In England we abbreviate millimetres to "mil" so 750mil equates to 2ft 6ins. You'll get the 'ang of it.

[@MrBuyerman]

Love the videos, do you think ITS deliver to New Zealand? That drill was a killer price! Lol.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. I'm sure they will but the postage may be more than the drill!

[@DjGiluk]

Thanks Stuart. Useful video. Primary school paint brush 🤣🤣 love it!

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@gonzalojacome3586]

Stuart, any chance we could meet Clare one day?

[@MarcusT86]

Another brilliant video. Any chance you could divulge what's in the pipeline for the channel? Any subjects you won't be covering, like plastering, etc.?

[@cahg3871]

I agree-nothing is ever as straight forward as you believe it should be.Renovating my parents 50 plus year old home after the previous owner had his way at it has been one of the most frustrating experiences I have ever gone through.The previous owner took every short cut imaginable and completely butchered the house. 🤬

[@Top-Banana]

Hi Stuart, Looks like you’ve got an eight inch spring on the gate, does that work ok as the gate must be fairly heavy.

[@Giuseppe-fv9dr]

You have a real knack of making me feel that I can do more DIY than I thought possible so thank you.

[@Lord-Panda2112]

3rd!!!!!!

[@marcusaurelius3720]

Hey 1st In!!!

[@ProperDIY]

Well done!

[@latin105fm]

Hi Stuart.. Another great video. I have a question for you. I am building some double gates at the side of my house. The two side posts will be bolted to side of extension and the other side to the garage. the total width of he gap is 2.48m. Would 4x4 posts be ok for the side supports? I will be bolting as per your other video. Thanks

[@marcs5960]

thats not arris rail its cant rail, but great job

[@ProperDIY]

Correct. I know that as well so why I kept saying arris rail I have no clue! Sometimes my brain struggles!

[@marksmith7147]

I love the GateMate locks. I ordered two suited for my new shed, and now have ten keys 🤣. I was also very pleased that you fitted the handles the same way as me, although the wife has said that both you and I have them upside down!!!

[@ProperDIY]

Upside down!?!?!? Really!

[@marksmith7147]

@@ProperDIY, that’s exactly what I said 😂

[@harryinhuahin1272]

Could this be because on many doors the keyhole is below the handle...?

[@michaelevans1658]

As a keen DIY - er just subscribed .

[@ProperDIY]

Great

[@alpjim]

Love this video but I wondering how you set the rails from the house to the gate post so it stood proud?

[@AJellySnakeRebel]

gonna throw it out there. I have loved your videos from the very beginning. BUT! you could maybe try a Edd China type section in the video.. like where people have tweeted u problems or commented problems or advice on the comments and you pick out what is the good advice and with problems what you would do. honestly think this could add a great dimension to the videos. Keep up the great work! Edi: Doesnt have to be a long section of video.. maybe 5 mins.. see how it goes.. max 10mins (more than 10 mins and its taking away from your main video)

[@ProperDIY]

I've not thought of that but it may be interesting to combine with say a monthly or quarterly update etc.

[@MikeE-hb8zb]

Wish we has an ITS here in N.E. Ohio, USA.... Their website is very nice! We have Harbor freight but it falls way short by comparison! Great video!

[@ProperDIY]

Thats funny because i would love to have a Harbour Freight near me - maybe it's a bit of the grass is always greener...

[@iant535]

Proper quality once more

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@jamiesmith9719]

hello, i hear you refer to CLS timber quite a lot in your videos, i’m building some decking currently and have got a mixture of c16 and c24 joists, are c16 and CLS the same thing?

[@ProperDIY]

CLS stands for Canadian Lumber Standard which is a way of grading timber which we find being sold in the UK. C16 and C24 are different grades of CLS with C24 being slower grown, stronher and superior

[@wernervanniekerk7579]

awesome channel, but you missed the bit where you fitted the auto-closer spring thing. Having last weekend fitted one of these myself, and finding the instructions poorly written I had to resort to youtube to get an understanding. Would've been good if you'd covered that item, as to a newbie like me I was staring at a dog that was meowing when I first saw it.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. Sorry about that - I had to cut it out as the length of the video was just too long. I know what you mean about the instructions - left/right handed door - what does that mean. I get the feeling my spring is going to explode very soon - stand well back!

[@philtebble4390]

Superb mate true craftsman 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@jonty2020]

Another great video. Just a query..at the start you lined up your string with the front of the garage and house, but the end result was set back at least 6" by the look of it... What happened?

[@ProperDIY]

Good question and I didn't really explain in the video. I wanted both sides of the fence to be parallel to the house/garage but not in line with them. I set them both back 300mm which looked right.

[@BoloSoloX5]

Stuart u can’t keep us hanging 😂😂😂

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

I get the feeling that the handle if you had fitted it off centre only you would of noticed. I’m pretty sure the majority of professionals would of fitted it off centre and not batted an eye lid but it’s these little satisfying details we as DIYer’s pay attention to that makes a big difference to a completed project.

[@ProperDIY]

You are right. I think the pressure of time/cost and just a general lack of attention to detail by those I have employed over the years is prob why I do just about everything myself.

[@johncolquhoun6416]

Thats a fancy fence and great job. Have you tried chemical anchor in the holes first. Its great stuff and sets solid.

[@ProperDIY]

Not at home but we used to use a lot in construction. Absolutely the best fixing as long as you never want to remove them.

[@davetarpey5534]

Fence & gate looks great, you used screws on feather board are they better than stainless steel ring nails?

[@ProperDIY]

I prefer screws generally - and my neighbours prefer me not spending hours with a hammer!

[@chrisdowning7543]

Excellent and a really good funny it really could happen bit!!

[@ProperDIY]

thank you

[@pirasathstephen5349]

hey 2nd in !!!! you are the best 👑

[@Eire-]

Primary school paint brush haaa. That’s the exact ones lol

[@ProperDIY]

Yep - always keep some handy!

[@pringlesmcpringles1342]

Excellent video as always. Can't get enough of them.

[@ProperDIY]

👍

[@danbrown4420]

The broom in the intro always makes me chuckle 🤣

[@ProperDIY]

Good!

[@GaryThomsonJoinery]

Thanks for sharing, watched it in my workshop,,,,, (why do Joiners watch other Joiner working while they’re working) Thought you were going to jump over in that final scene,,,,, The Gate Escape 👍📐🔨

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

Aaaargh more tools!!! My house is sinking Stuart.... The wife has as many DeWalt tools as I do!! Great video and so happy you’re getting sponsors too. Well deserved.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you. Nice to see your wife into it!

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

@@ProperDIY oh yeah she does the wood, I do the metal! That’s why I’ve enjoyed your videos so much, I’ve learned tons on the woodworking side.

[@ProperDIY]

@@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524 That's really good. Could get some good metal & wood projects coming out!

[@garvielloken3929]

😎 NOOICE!

[@tracyoraw295]

So talented 👏

[@gordi40]

I like the attention to detail 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you like it

[@jeffsmith2144]

Do you not use pocket kit like (Krug) ?

[@ProperDIY]

No, don't own one - neither do 95% of my viewers

[@jeffsmith2144]

@@ProperDIY That's told me then!!

[@omarhanif1292]

Loving the videos 👍👍

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you like them!

[@olliekerslake3296]

Another great video!

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@michaelplays2449]

Good video, rhanks

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks for watching!

[@kerrielove7608]

Love the colour of the gate and fence what stain do you use?

[@ProperDIY]

The fencing comes naturally that colour from the sawmill - it's the brown treatment they use. I used an oak colour stain on the green timber which I find then tuns it the similar colour so it matches.

[@kerrielove7608]

@@ProperDIY thankyou also wanted to know what brand of wood stain please?

[@ProperDIY]

@@kerrielove7608 Its the Cuprinol water based stain. Have a look at either my Garden Table with Concrete Top or BBQ Station videos - I think they had a shot of the tin

[@kerrielove7608]

@@ProperDIY thankyou.

[@SuperTaita]

13:49 WILMAAA!! 😂

[@ProperDIY]

Exactly!

[@q9home1]

Great works

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@vinparaffin6082]

More like a cant rail !

[@ProperDIY]

You are right and I know that! Sometimes your brain doesn't always play ball!

[@jp6975]

@@ProperDIY sometimes you cant find the right word.. 😄😄

[@samehdarawshi3537]

lolll you are FUNNY

[@ProperDIY]

That's what my wife says but means it in a different way

[@samehdarawshi3537]

@@ProperDIY hhhh

[@jimlad01]

You've done that better than most 'pro's' - great tips and explanations, very educational. I wonder if you have any thoughts on using bitumen on exterior cut end grain instead of water sealer? I once spoke to someone who runs a company that manufactures pressure treated timbers, his view was that external wood treatments were a waste of time, except bitumen. Obviously he was biased but it was interesting to hear. Thanks Stuart.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you. I have used bitumen based paint on the end grain of timber (see my 'How to dig, set and concrete fence posts' video) and I think it's very good as long as you are not going to see it. You don't really want to end up with a fence that has black patches dotted around it really. Black bitumen paint is used a lot in the construction industry and does work well.