How to Build A Gate For A Wooden Fence

See how I built a 12 foot wooden gate that won't sag. I've been meaning to rebuild one of my wooden fence gates that is over 12 years old. I have a family member parking their trailer at my place for a couple of months, so it was finally time to go ahead and rebuild the gate.
In this video, I show you how to build a 12 foot wooden gate that won't sag. The secret is the lap joints that make for a strong joint that will keep the gate from sagging for years to come.
Everything I used to built the gate I ordered from Amazon (except the lumber), so here is everything that you'll need:
Wood Glue - Exterior : amzn.to/2U8nljX
Hidges: amzn.to/2UfHGUw
Latch: amzn.to/2H89vue
Handle: amzn.to/2H8QE21
Screws: amzn.to/2BVIzue
Drop Rod: amzn.to/2ILbZ47
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig: amzn.to/2EjPrlD
Oscillating Tool: amzn.to/2Ucxdt5
Impact Driver Drill: amzn.to/2tIMuWI
Speed Square: amzn.to/2BXVnAq
Hitachi Circular Saw: amzn.to/2tHO6jy
The table Saw I Want: amzn.to/2H6wzcJ
**Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of these links may be affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links. It will not, however, affect your price. These links are in association with the Amazon affiliate program, and I am an Amazon associate.
Be sure to follow me on instagram: / iamafixer and visit the website at iamafixer.com
If you haven't already subscribed to the channel, please consider subscribing and sharing this video.

[@buildingbrick]

How much did this cost for materials? not including tools

[@IAmAFixer]

Sorry for the delay, Michael. Here is a link where you can download the project costs: iamafixer.com/how-to-build-a-gate-for-a-wooden-fence/

[@TitoTellsTheTruth]

@@otallono 2x4x8 cedar boards bryan with 1 5/8 exterior screws

[@XxJD1RTYxX]

Today $1,000,000

[@dakotahumphrey9890]

@@XxJD1RTYxX right was just thinking this lol and there starting to slowly go down was $2.25 a 2/4 three years ago is currently $9.52 was up to $12 something a couple months ago

[@XxJD1RTYxX]

@@dakotahumphrey9890 I know shits crazy i just wanna buy play wood to put the floor in my attic but not at $70 a sheet that shit will wait lol 😂

[@Welonist]

one small note, when building a cross beam, always make sure that it is supported on the upper and lower boards, because the video shows that the gate you made has a diagonal beam supported on the lower one, and a side beam (away from the hinges), so that at the end of the gate there is a place (play) near the beam itself where the gate can fall gently (even a few cm gently for each m of the gate's length). Overall nice job!

[@ArayahIru]

Thank you for this tutorial and clear explanation. I just got my quote from a company and it's a lot and wouldn't be exactly the style I want. So now I can go forth and make two gates for my needs thanks to you. Also appreciated the father son moments. Very great way to get him interested in the trade at a young age

[@jessicahenrichsen8090]

Thanks for the great tutorial. Had not thought of doing the overlapping joints for the frame! Best part of the whole video though, hands down, was your little helper. So neat to see him helping out! He's going to habe good memories helping his dad.

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks! He loves helping out!

[@twc9000]

I like how you put in the description, "The table saw I want:" It's great to always be looking ahead. :)

[@TheJimmyv]

Thanks for the video! I have a fence that needs quite a bit of repair and have been putting it off because the double gate was in the worst shape of all. Built the gate last weekend and now my project is finally going. After seeing your helper my son wanted to drive a few nails. I like that the video is straight to the point and your explanations are very clear.

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks, Jimmy, I’m glad it helped you. It’s great to let the little guys help out. So much better than video games.

[@michaelquillen2679]

Like your little helper. Mine was like that years ago. Now, at age 30, he is the one that takes charge and I follow his directions.

[@IAmAFixer]

That’s awesome! Hope mine sticks with it. Seems like the older he gets, the less interest he has. My little girl seems to show more interest. Thanks for watching!

[@ronfontenot4534]

Thank you for sharing this information. I need to fix my gates now.

[@IAmAFixer]

You’re welcome, thanks for watching!

[@downloadableskills]

Love how the little man is helping out. Already see a future building and fixer in the making there. Well done man.. Well done.

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks for watching!

[@LatinoGrande]

Jeremy, I followed every step/instruction and everything came out perfect. I don't have that Kreg pocket Jig but I used a bigger drill to start the hole and a small one on an angle to make it across. Then a 3'in deck screw and it worked out just fine. Only difference I have a metal fence pole, so it was a bit different. Thank you for sharing!

[@jaywedo9349]

I have metal poles aswell, can u share a link on how you attached it to the metal?

[@LatinoGrande]

@@jaywedo9349 I have no video of it, Just use a little imagination and it worked out!

[@vicenteserrano9864]

Excelente trabajo amigo, we install fences here in Pennsylvania and you did a phenomenal job my friend. 👍🏼🔨🔨

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks, Vicente! I’m actually in PA right now visiting family. What part of PA are you from? I’m visiting about 30 minutes from Punxsutawney.

[@eoncartertripp2598]

I built this gate to your plan and it came out perfect!! I can't believe how easy it was. The one thing I wish I would have done better would have been the knoching I was a little less then half the boards thickness and it shows but still looks and is very strong. Thank you.

[@IAmAFixer]

That’s great! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@brighterdays2come]

That little boy is the anchor that made me want to watch the rest of the video! Kids are awesome little people!

[@IAmAFixer]

Yes they are! Thanks for watching!

[@jonkite2002]

Oh man yes takes me back to when my boys were that age now they are 18-14 and have other things to do 💚😊

[@rb.867]

Good job, your a good Dad too I noticed your patience with your son.

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks! I appreciate you watching and the kind words!

[@stevenw973]

Great design! Just an FYI for others -- when it comes to diagonal fence bracing, if the angle between the edge of the brace and the vertical frame member on the non-hinged side is less than 45°, then it needs to be in compression. This means it needs to be attached to the top horizontal frame member and the bottom horizontal frame member. It should always run between like frame members, never between a horizontal and vertical piece. Think about when it's open and you were to sit on top of the non-hinged side. You want that weight to be directly transferred to the hinged-side frame member via that brace.

[@rogernelson67]

Huh, explanation needed

[@stevenw973]

@@rogernelson67 I’m referring to the diagonal bracing. For instance - on the left gate it runs from the vertical hinge piece of the frame up to the horizontal top piece of the frame. It should’ve run from the bottom horizontal frame piece up to the same top horizontal frame piece. Hence why I said “it should run between like frame members” (ie. Horizontal-to-horizontal). Not vertical-to-horizontal

[@MKRM27]

@@rogernelson67 An explanation was provided

[@jasonlapointe1876]

Not to mention it's better to do 2 cross braces notching where both meet in the middle over lapping one another also gives it that extra support and nailer for pickets to keep from curling. I always like using 2 cross braces

[@analarson2920]

Really thoroughly shared. No questions left in my head. Keep sharing.

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks, Ana, I appreciate the kind words. I’d love to hear how your project turns out.

[@WyrGuy2]

Nice work, and LOVE how you also interact with your son...! Only (small) comment I’d add is to double check for square of your gates using the diagonal measurement across corners... that small speed square is good, diagonal measurement makes sure that its REALLY square before you added the additional screws.

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks, and good call! I actually did that, but forgot to film it, but you are absolutely correct. Thanks for watching.

[@onebackzach]

Looks great! An exterior construction adhesive would also be a good choice for this application instead of the wood glue, because wood glue can be a bit brittle and crack when the wood expands and contracts. It also allows for a little bit of slop in the fit of the joint. It definitely won't be a problem in this case because the overall construction is already pretty bullet proof, but it's a small detail to keep in mind that may come in handy for future outdoor projects if you do end up relying on a glued joint for a structural component.

[@MKRM27]

Find a better wood glue, if that what’s happening to you.

[@jake-mv5oi]

I like your design for the cross-braces better than all the other designs I've seen on KZbin. Thanks

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks, Jake. I appreciate you watching!

[@ginnytaylor1765]

Thank you for the informative video and thank you for not editing out your little helper! He's adorable, you are a great dad! (from a crazy grandma) :)

[@IAmAFixer]

Thank you, and thanks for watching. Glad it helped you out!

[@jimbritttn]

I love how your son is helping you..so cool

[@pastortommymiller6099]

I followed these instructions to a T and I have a fantastic double drive gate now. Thank you for sharing! I wish I could post a picture of it here!

[@IAmAFixer]

I’d love to see it. Thanks for watching, glad it helped you out!

[@69ztang]

On the hinges I like to use bolts with nuts so they grasp the whole assembly and stay tight longer. Some hinges have a square hole for using carriage bolts.

[@mauriciogomez5167]

thank you very much sir.... need to work on replacing my gate and this video it's so much help. I'm working on a single one so it should be half the time, lol.... also I am using self closure hardware

[@IAmAFixer]

That’s great! Definitely let me know how it goes!

[@Francisco50771]

Awesome video. God bless you and family ☺

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks, Francisco! I appreciate you watching and the kind words!

[@JorgeLopez-vt5qt]

You made me conformable enough to make this on my own , currently outside working on it, thanks 🤙🤙

[@IAmAFixer]

That’s great, Jorge! Thanks for watching. Let me know how it turns out!

[@michaelking42]

Nice work. I've been watching a few guys make 'no sag' gates and yours seems to be the only no sag gate out of the lot.

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks!

[@beverlymayfield5773]

Lucky man that you have such help. Enjoy

[@Tina-pp1rd]

Boy am I glad you posted this! We have a fence like this in our backyard that is in horrible condition because it was built so terribly. We got a quote of over $2k for a new one and didn’t think we could do it ourselves till we watched this. Doesn’t look necessarily easy but definitely doable. Thank you for making and posting this video!

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks, Tina, glad I could help. Definitely a job you can do. If you are replacing the posts, the biggest thing is to make sure you space them the right distance so the fence panels meet right in the middle of the post. Use a level to make sure each post is plumb, and I use an entire bag of concrete per post to make sure it is rock solid. Let is dry a day before you screw a fence panel to it. Send me a message on my website IAmAFixer.com if you get stuck and need some advice.

[@sniperlanoza]

Great Video! You make me feel very confident that I can follow this video and do the same thing, roughly! Thank You!

[@IAmAFixer]

You’re welcome, thanks for watching! You can do it!

[@dgriffin6074]

Well done video; thanks. Where I live carpenter bees LOVE cedar (along with other untreated wood), but I do like working with cedar.

[@nunyadamnbizness9600]

I'm not interested in the fence/gate but love watching the dog. He is just chillin.

[@jaycusaac5447]

Just what I was looking for. Thanks, buddy!

[@stevenellis9801]

Nice job buddy, looks real nice.

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@LuciusKyrus]

Very cool. Nothing better than a father and son project. Looks good.

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks Lucius! He’s definitely my little helper (when he wants to be... ha)! Thanks for watching.

[@brianruesch2930]

Thank you for this, I am building a gate and this was super helpful!

[@IAmAFixer]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@philoktitis7]

Thank you so much for this video! It's very well done and super helpful.

[@IAmAFixer]

You’re welcome, thank you for watching!

[@TitoTellsTheTruth]

Excellent vid thank you!

[@donaldeubank1308]

Great video! Thank you!

[@carpenteryschool3790]

Hello thank you for this video, and I'm very like your son he's very smart

[@leandroleiva1345]

thanks for the vid. you couldn't have done without your son's help.:)

[@IAmAFixer]

Ha. You’re absolutely, right. Nor would I have wanted to. Thanks for watching!

[@themckenziefamilylife5411]

Love the gates

[@laurietinto5211]

good vidio, nice to see the brace's going in the right direction. I see so many people put them on going in the wrong direction.

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks Laurie. I appreciate you watching!

[@Pete4875]

I don't understand why the braces go in this direction. The center is what's going to Sag and bringing a brace from the center out to the top seems like the logical way to do it

[@IAmAFixer]

Gravity pulls down on the center, so you put it from center top to bottom outside. That way it transfers the load to that outside vertical piece. If you do it the other way, it pulls down on the center and doesn’t transfer the load.

[@Pete4875]

@@IAmAFixer let's say you just had the hinge board and the bottom piece. It would be like a bridge. If you wanted to strengthen it with a wire you would put the wire from the end of the bottom piece to the top of the hinge piece. Why wouldn't it be the same with wood.

[@slavapal00za]

Pete4875 you’re correct that if you used a wire, you would attach it to the top of the post side and to the end of the bottom horizontal member because you are putting the wire in tension. With wood, you do the opposite. Attach the brace to the bottom of the post side and to the end of the bottom horizontal member so your brace is in compression. Wood is stronger in compression than it is in tension with load applied parallel to the grain.

[@Ryan-wu6pc]

Just built this yesterday. Great video.

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks, Ryan. I’m glad it helped you out. Thanks for watching!

[@gulashonu]

Have to love those half laps. Those babys will be strong. Well done. P.s. teamwork makes the dream work lol!

[@IAmAFixer]

Ha, thanks gulashonu! Are you building a gate?

[@danashick9971]

Great helper!

[@guillermoarreola4479]

Excellent Video... Thumbs up... Thank you very much.

[@methodk9]

Good Dad :) Thanks for the video. This was much help!

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks, you’re welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@Bishopoflyons1217]

Mr. Fixer you did a great job. No one is perfect but you did a job well done. I guess you are raising up your son to be the next Fixer. I see how your son is pitching in. Keep up the good work. Thanks for the video.

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks, Darryl, appreciate the words and you watching!

[@tacticalcoffee7397]

thanks for the video, im gonna build this gate this weekend for my dog lot. those pocket jigs sure make life easy dont they? Fantastic video

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks! And yes they do. I’m glad I ordered the jug.

[@laniscott2133]

Love how you work with your Son....really good video!

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks, Lani, I appreciate it. Thanks for watching!

[@TheBeast11744]

Thanks for the video. Very helpful

[@kobeferrari5684]

Your an inspiration

[@davidblue435]

Thanks for your video

[@KnightsArmory]

Extremely helpful video. Exactly what I was looking for but the kid got you a new subscriber LOL😂👊

[@IAmAFixer]

Ha, he’s pretty great. Quite fond of him. Thanks for watching, glad to have you!

[@floydpink6238]

what a excellent helper you have. ja ja. by the end of the video if you don't say about the wrong 2x4 place i wouldn't see it.. ja ja.. Thank you for the clip. have a good day. bye...

[@jackstraw2679]

Good job and thanks for the idea of cedar for it's lighter weight. I have a large one to build and weighing options. A tip for anyone cutting lap joints, if you clamp all four together and measure both ends, use the clamp as a saw guide, you can then cut them all in 2 moves. after you cut them, flip 2 over and assemble. If it isn't a square gate, you have to separate them and cut the ends of the shorter pair. Loved your son, you're doing it right.

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks, Jack, I appreciate the kind words. That’s a great tip on the lap joints. I’ll definitely use it next time. I definitely love doing projects with my little guy. It’s crazy how fast he’s growing. Thanks for watching!

[@shanesmaineshop]

Great build it came out great.

[@IAmAFixer]

Glad to hear it. Thanks for watching!

[@justinstinson3082]

Great build!

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks

[@mav1937]

What an Awesome dad :)

[@romyrohovit5043]

Really great video, I appreciate the tips

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks! I appreciate you watching. Let me know how it turns out

[@montesmanuel01]

Dude you are amazing.

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks! I appreciate you watching. Let me know how your project goes.

[@JAYY_JAYY]

I would put a wheel at the bottom of both fences to both relieve pressure on hinges as well as easier to open and close

[@MKRM27]

Especially as the hinges look tiny

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Nice job thank you sir

[@MGB-learning]

Great Job.

[@IAmAFixer]

gsg5master thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@gergemall]

Wonderful job.

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks!

[@alleyboy2514]

I own a fence company in San Diego ca west coast fence co.i will give you a 9 and a half on your project great job.you also saved about 800$.congradulations.keep up the good work

[@yasilislee4954]

Good explanation

[@silvergrizzly316]

Hey Jeremy, don't know why I didn't get a notification, but it's not the first time it's happened. Nice job buddy and I like your little fixer ya got helping you. Love that little hammer!😃. That's one thing I could never have is anything cedar, found out 15 years ago I was extremely allergic to it! My luck. It would be real easy to fix that cross board but who cares brother, still looks AWESOME! Take care and God Bless my friend. ☆Jay. 👍👍

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks, Jay! He loves helping me. I tried to let to do as much as my patience will allow. Not sure about the notifications. I will sometimes get notifications for channels I watch days after the videos are posted. Not sure why that happens. Thanks for watching!

[@thehulk8322]

Awesome video! My kid is just like yours when I'm doing any DIY projects loves to help!!!

[@IAmAFixer]

Thank you! Yes, he loves to “help”. I did the same thing with my dad. We gotta pass on the fixing gene.

[@mariojackson5155]

Good job

[@t.c.t.c.8234]

Ha ha “glue em and screw em” lol 😂😀

[@chrisgraham2904]

By adding the diagonal cross brace the rectangle of the fence is supported by two triangles which are the strongest shape to maintain the square and prevent the gate from sagging over time. You have run the brace from the bottom "hinge side" up to the top "open side". I've seen others run the diagonal brace from the "top hinge" side to the "lower open" side. Does it matter? The first pushes and holds the top rail up on the "open side". The second pulls the bottom rail up on the "open side".

[@orbitaaltube]

Great channel man. I just build a set of gates like these 5 years ago and the timber is still in good shape. I went with a full mortice and tenon joint in mine but it took like a whole week to build and I didn't have any power tools at the time. I like your method of doing the half lap using the circular saw.

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks, I appreciate it. I can imagine it would take a while with hand tools. Mortise and tenon will definitely be stronger over the long haul.

[@donaldfrazier5244]

If your skilled at running a saw you can use it to plane the half lap no chance of uneven gouging and better glueing surface

[@renostubbs8504]

This is a nice fence

[@tdp8819]

Hey Jeremy great video! helped me out a whole bunch thanks for posting it

[@IAmAFixer]

That’s great, I’m glad it helped you. Thanks so much for watching! Hope to see you on another video.

[@farealwitit7947]

good vid ty

[@leodeboca]

good job

[@jwrhynejr.6689]

AWESOME BUILD!! I AM GOING TO BUILD ONE SET VERY SOON! TY FOR YOUR SHARING YOUR BUILD!

[@blacksole161]

nice job mate...

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks!

[@jask320]

Working with wood is a joy

[@decocatani]

Best parts are those with the kid and the dog

[@bigabbott5150]

If you take left side off and flip it, will match other side..😎 Looks good tho! I'm about to build a fence similar to this but with walk-thru gate in on of panels.. debating on whether to just make it one big gate (with walk-thru gate in) or have 2 panels like this one..

[@richbentley6502]

Great job. But for future post removal use your spud bar to break foundation from post. Much easier to remove in pieces

[@massacoor6162]

nice job

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks

[@gopann6522]

very useful video ....also like your cute boy and smart Lab.

[@Viking_6_3]

Going to rebuild my gate just like this.

[@HandyTim]

I like it reminds me of the statement jack of all trades master of none 😂😂 You're definitely on the right track though. However next time you do a gate run the slats level across the top going with your lowest post then cut the higher post down to lower height post. Use 1&58" tan starbit decking screws to hold the pickets to the 2x4's this will make your pickets stay on longer. The pickets would literally have to be falling apart with age and rot before coming off the screws. Nails always back out leaving pickets hanging, twisting or coming loose from the 2x4's. I just did a 389' picket fence with all screws. No nails.

[@bentrishaleemartin926]

Very nice ...subbed

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks. Great to have you!

[@chips5085]

Beautiful 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@arcticgummibear4500]

well done.

[@IAmAFixer]

Thanks, I appreciate you watching!

[@01234567893787]

Tan lindo ese mono, saludos desde Colombia

[@IAmAFixer]

¡Gracias, es un gran ayudante!

[@mike28caveman1]

Good deal man 👍

[@Trex505shorts]

Thanks for the vid ill be building mine 2morrow...

[@IAmAFixer]

Awesome, good luck!

[@Trex505shorts]

@@IAmAFixer thank u sir

[@JaredCampbellMusic]

Dude that kid can hammer like a pro!

[@IAmAFixer]

Ha, thanks. Gotta raise ‘em right! 😀

[@linofeijoo6730]

Gracias me ayudó mucho Brother USA

[@rush2124u2]

Nice job good and solid. How do you calculate the wood when building a fence ? Is there fence calculator.

[@herenow2895]

13:50 All you have to do to put that right is unscrew the left hand brace and turn it through 180 degrees so that the bottom left is at the top right. Then it will match the other side.

[@IAmAFixer]

Yes, you are correct! I just wasn’t paying attention when I attached everything. Shame on me. Thanks for watching and for the comment.

[@farealwitit7947]

a quick way to make the chiseling easier is to edge cut the board w ur skilsaw. saves x

[@jameshadden834]

I have a bi swing gate that has the hinge concreted in to brick pillars so im gonna have to rebuild it in place.