Using an old Italian door design for a garden gate - no workshop build

[@surewhatever8843]

I’ve grown weary of the $100K YT workshops touting DIY projects. I appreciate your wobbly work bench, basic tools, and reference photo. Walking us through how you figured out the base structure, the angles, and the order of assembly is wonderful. Keep up the great work!

[@philj1228]

You, sir, NEED to stop underestimating your skills and abilities. The sign of a craftsman is being able to produce beautiful work with simple, basic, tools. You, sir, are a craftsman.

[@ellieboa]

💯

[@afontirs]

Thank you, very kind 😄

[@duncan5800]

Well said! Although I think there are too many commas 😅

[@TheWrightTimes]

Very well said

[@philipwhite8353]

@@duncan5800😂😂😂😂

[@Miss_Toots]

I definitely would build a stone archway above the gate ....will look like it's more 'meant to be' if that makes sense x

[@stevegeoff]

Certainly agree. That gate fitting into a stone arch would look really really good.

[@afontirs]

Yes I see what you mean.

[@nodnodwinkwinkV]

Stone would be a tough job to get right considering the age of the wall either side. I'd go for a metal arch and cement it into the wall either side instead. You could encourage a few climbing vines up along it as well. +1 for a few a layers of boat varnish to protect it though, special attention to the end grain because it's going to soak up a lot of moisture and expand/contract a lot without it!

[@Miss_Toots]

@@nodnodwinkwinkV build a wooden support, lay stone over it secured by mortar, remove wooden support...been tried and tested for thousands of years. I've even done a small one myself for a water feature and I don't know how to brick lay....easy

[@notfeedynotlazy]

@@afontirs I also encourage you to try a stone arch. Weathering it to look like the rest of the wall, of course. Not too difficult to do. And since it's just a small stone arch atop a low wall, you _still_ have the garden _not_ being hidden by the door. Best option, in my very humble opinion.

[@bendy6626]

It's not the tools that make the door -- it's the skill. Beautiful work!

[@k9insomniac783]

I’m a wood worker, carver, and turner with 50 years on this planet. I would be more than pleased with that door had I made it. I really don’t know how else you could have went about the support frame of that door to be honest. You e actually inspired me to maybe try one of my own. And if I’m being honest, I’ll make it the same way you have. My hats off to you sir.

[@E3ECO]

It's a beautiful gate, but I think it needs to have an arch all the way around it, like it does in the picture. Maybe just a hedge one as you suggested, or you could build the stone up around it but that might be a bit overpowering.

[@poephila]

Agreed!

[@afontirs]

Hedgerow arch is certainly a lot easier! but yes I agree it wouldn't look right without an arch.

[@susanross1651]

There’s nothing I like watching more than a man that’s good with his hands, you’ve done an amazing job, that gate is beautiful.

[@shelbyvonplinkenhorn6126]

Same here.

[@JeffJK000]

I think it suits it with a full stone archway.

[@DavidS5118]

Stunning. You may say you do not have all the skills and tools but you did a mighty fine job regardless.

[@jackiea8394]

When you showed us the picture of the Italian original I thought now that’s ambitious, but you’ve done a brilliant job, and with so few tools! It’s magical so I imagine anyone walking past won’t be able to resist opening it to see what’s hidden on the other side!

[@afontirs]

Thanks! yes it was ambitious, but I wanted to make a feature that people would stop to look at.

[@jackiea8394]

You've definitely achieved that, well done! @@afontirs

[@BobBrandon]

@@afontirs Really beautiful work. I agree with everyone about creating an arch. This is a piece that will stand the test of time. Someday someone will come across an image of your door and be inspired just as you were.

[@carollloydjones1313]

Well! What can I say?! Absolutely stunning! It so fits the area. And you haven't done much woodwork for 15 years? Give yourself a big pat on the back 👏👏👏👏 Prydferth! 👌

[@afontirs]

Thank you very much!

[@AgileSnowWeasel]

@@afontirs You should send the video to your school woodwork (design and tech?) teacher :)

[@zeegervanroemburg9146]

Totally agree ! ❤❤

[@NailahRoberts]

If you have any spare stone, I think a stone arch would set it off perfectly and give your garden added security

[@kristhemanc87]

Its looks incredible. Mighty fine work. Nothing better than watching a master craftsman do his thing.

[@jeremy1350]

Hello, Yeah, I like it. It's beautiful and bloody BRILLIANT !! Nice work. I think the Secret Garden door will work just fine.

[@philipdan202]

I love the gate where it is at. I might suggest instead of building a rock arch above the gate, I'd extend the growth of the hedge and form an arch with that. The hedge overtime could then be trimmed down to whatever size and form you'd wish in the future.

[@Yutani_Crayven]

Making something will always beat making nothing, no matter how it comes out. This is especially true if it serves its purpose. You made a beautiful door. Is it a perfect replica? No. Does it match the theme? Yes. The line between challenging yourself and aspiring to do better on the one hand, versus never being happy with what you accomplish is a fine line.

[@LeannaRuthJensen]

It's a beautiful gate. It depends on what you want but for a secret garden gate you couldn't do better.

[@mumstheword8]

This is beautiful! Don't sell yourself short. Not many people can do such beautiful work. Great job!

[@69Buddha]

I'm a pretty picky dude, and that looks amazing. It's perfect for the roadway gate, but like a bunch of others have said, the stone arch over it would seal the deal.

[@nidfest]

This is what youtube was meant for! You may not be an "Italian Master Craftsman" but you're a humbly self confident man with a brain, and skills, and have thought your way logically through the project, overcoming obstacles as they presented themselves. Whilst making an excellent film of the whole process! I like your central detail more than the original. Top marks that man! If only there was more content like this on youtube. I subscribed to you a while back and have been delighted with the content you create. Excellent job, best regards.

[@besteven]

Realized I very much enjoy the informal nature of your videos and your running narrative/explanations. And the gate was a brilliant choice and really well made, particularly without a shop. Delightful video.

[@angelcoops511]

I think you have done an amazing job on this gate. You should be proud of yourself. The gate looks perfect there.

[@Fearnstein]

That was a very intelligent solution to the construction of that door. Well done and congratulations it looks perfect

[@raerobertson5509]

That is truly impressive. Wonderful job!

[@fleurjardin1012]

The gate is beautiful! It definitely makes me think secret garden. Wherever you end up putting it in your garden it will be a show stopper. Thank you for sharing your project.

[@HetWonder]

It looks magical, like a doorway to a fantasy world. Nicely built!

[@nagoyakuroi6353]

As Italian and with an uncle that do wood working and helped him many times I love how this gate came out not to mention the few tools and the wobbly working table ... Just amazing ! well done can't wait to enjoy the end result .

[@Softsqueakyduck]

It turned out beautifully! I like it in the gate area, but I think maybe adding something around the top of the gate that matches the rivets would kick it to the next level. I love working with wood and I'm soon going to have to replace a fence and gates, so you've inspired me!

[@afontirs]

thanks. good to hear! hope your project goes well.

[@danielleshepherd5678]

Beautiful ! I love it ❤ I would love to have a few of those gates in my own yard. Great job ! Love it where you put it. I agree that a stone arch above it would make it even better. ❤✌ 🇨🇦

[@leonply]

The door is brilliant. Perhaps finding a local blacksmith, who could create a frame to fit into the opening of the stone walls, mounted fully into the ground and walls, would allow for hinges strong enough to hold the door in place, as well as having a curved top, upon which to add an archway of matching stone or vine. Bravo and well done you!

[@richardstoc]

This kind of carpentry reminds me when I when I saw my father working as a finish carpenter out on the job, no shop, just out on a site. He would make the most amazingly simple sturdy projects even at home he had no shop, lots of hand tools and basic power tools table saw, drill ,jig saw and His Skill saw & trusty Hammer

[@afontirs]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@karengossett1475]

As usual everyone has an opinion and I guess that is what makes the world go round 🤷‍♀️ My opinion is...watching you put your heart and soul into this restoration warms my heart 🙏💞 Plus I love the door!

[@SteveMirabelli]

You have done a better job with simple tools and no shop than most can do with a complete kit. Bravo.

[@afontirs]

cheers!

[@nancyannirvin4507]

SOOOO impressive. The door/gate would fit there. It would likely look good where ever you put it.

[@apoco_lips9957]

It looks great there, with or without an archway

[@ellieboa]

I think it looks great! I like the round metal insert better than the square one in the photo

[@afontirs]

I have warmed to the round metal insert now! I agree it does look nice. Thanks

[@muskerp]

in some ways its a shame you cant see through the metal insert but depending on where the door ends up privacy, windproofing and the basic problem of how to secure it would be a challenge.

[@shirleycarson646]

The door is absolutely beautiful! Wonderful craftsmanship!

[@graceburrell8800]

One word...POLYURETHANE. BOTH SIDES. And I absolutely LOVE th design.

[@brianelliot2719]

I wouldn’t use polyurethane, it’s a film finish and will lift after 2-3 years and then you’ve got a lot of scraping, sanding, and refinishing to do. You could use a marine varnish such as Epifanes (it’s for boats), but that probably only gets you 5 years. An oil finish is ok but you must reapply every couple of years. Lastly, you can leave it natural and it will turn a nice gray colour. Wood decays at 1/4” per century so it will last a while. 😊

[@SideQuestStijn]

Exactly, plus it would only be on the outside, the inside of the wood would still breathe. Not a recipe for succes.

[@choimdachoim9491]

Epoxy is the most water-proof resin for marine-use. Seal the trivet too or it'll drip rust.

[@limeyB-star-D]

Natural oils, linseed is cheap and if it's good enough for a cricket bat.....

[@CandaceHolt-o7r]

Absolutely breathtaking! Great craftsmanship!

[@WilliamNast-v1g]

YOU DID A WONDERFUL JOB WITH THAT GATE! VERY MUCH FUN TO WATCH YOU CREATE THAT BEAUTIFUL PIECE, JUST FANTASTIC!

[@piccalillipit9211]

*MATE THAT LOOKS FANTASTIC* yes its right for the space - once it ages and weathers it will look just like the picture

[@afontirs]

Thanks. Yeah it's a bit stark when freshly stained but that's always the case I guess. once weathered it will blend in you're right.

[@piccalillipit9211]

@@afontirs- Yeah - it looks like a new gate cos its a new gate. You can age it with a wire brush on an angle grinder or even a hand-held wire brush, maybe even singe the surface with a blot torch and then wire brush it. BUT - all of that is going to shorten its life...

[@mariabean8627]

Your gate looks amazing, look forward to seeing it with an arch over it

[@judithcatlett8518]

It’s fantastic. Love the rivets. They really brought the door to life. I think it’s perfect for that space, but look forward to seeing another coat of varnish.

[@lynnew5619]

You did an amazing job of re-creating that gate. Like you I have reservations about putting it there, but ultimately it’s how you feel about it. Great job.

[@oliviasmith7044]

Beautiful. Someone else said stop underestimating your skills, and yes ditto to that. Yes, no workshop, limited tools, but the end result is very lovely. Excellent work!

[@TheLostTowerDiaries]

We think you did a great job and it looks fantastic!

[@whitby910]

Looks great, in my humble opinion.

[@Henning_S.]

To make the rear side of the door look good, you can cover it with some vertical boards or if you want to make it perfect, you can cover it the same way as the front side...

[@erikgranqvist3680]

Looks good. Will be amazing when it has been weathered for a while.

[@cheryldarke8324]

Early on, i understood this was more than I can fathom. I am not settling back to watch the beautiful magic happen. Brillant!!

[@luannpatterson5888]

Looks great! I, too, agree with others that something over the top would be good. A stone arch or a trellis for flowers & vines to grow on.

[@lmdyment]

Absolutely beautiful garden gate. Well done. Perfect. 👍

[@ruthburr1951]

That sir, is a work of art and magic.

[@OurFrenchHouseRenovation]

100 % it is right for the space, as it weathers it will look even better, great job considering the tools you had to hand, love your attitude and ability to work all this out.. don't underestimate your skills... thanks for sharing.

[@MrRocksoil]

After a lifetime of woodwork my view is well done my friend 10 out of 10.

[@packgrog]

I like it in that space, especially if you build a stone archway over the top of it, and I actually like the trivet you used better than the square thing in your example photo.

[@muttimerewifey]

Love the gate! Agree that a stone arch over the gate would be perfect and enticing to enter

[@johnstup4479]

That gate came out looking really good! Well done!

[@FunWithWoodworking]

The door looks great, but I think that it would match the space much better with a stone arch and a much darker stain.

[@julieb9478]

I love it. When it is fully framed by your arch, be it stone or flora, it's going to look even more amazing than it does already.

[@matthewpayne42]

You did a really good job. It looks beautiful. 👌

[@agirlandme]

wow, now that's impressive !

[@someoneelse6362]

I now feel like if I wanted to make that door, I could. Your skilled craftsmanship and instructional relatability are inspiring. Thank you for making it all so available. You are a good man.

[@valeriegmz]

I’m sure your hard work will pay off & whatever you decide the space will be amazing when you complete it ❤

[@chriboman8492]

Thank you for this great video. Good to see, that there are still people who create beautiful projekts without all the fancy tools which can cut angles to 0.05°. I think the design looks very good in the stonewall. The tapered wood pieces which meet in the metalpiece seem to draw you into the garden. Even if you cant look through. And it is a nice contrast to the horizontal lines in the wall. But you really should cut the little tips of your frame uprights. They will catch rainwater an the softwood will start to rot easily.

[@michaelallen8498]

looks perfect in the garden wall

[@iCookMe]

Gorgeous!! Love the passion you have for this place 💖✨

[@tracybrowne4665]

Lovely gate looks fabulous in the space, really enhances the wall. Fits on brilliant. Well done.

[@RogerRivera-x1x]

A gate worthy of the shire! Well done!

[@bryanhampel9140]

That gate is off-the-hook-beautiful! Put me down as impressed by your rusty old school math. It is a pretty setting deserving of an attractive gate. Well done!!!

[@oxfd611]

Sir, you are resurrecting the wonderful old idea of the Secret Garden. You doing great.

[@ericlee3421]

Love it, I would darken it a wee bit. Could be the light of course. 👍

[@delo1951]

That is a beautiful gate and the craftsmanship is outstanding. Please be kind to yourself you did an amazing job!

[@57motherbear]

Your gate is lovely. It’s very grand, but it looks totally at home in your wall. I say “yes, absolutely”.

[@NunyaBiznes-vs1gy]

Wow, beautiful !

[@Leed216]

The gate is very enchanting. Well done. You have skills! Most definitely weather proof it.

[@dorotheaisserstedt9238]

Das Tor ist sehr gut gelungen und steht am richtigen Platz.

[@pictishwolf7]

It turned out really nice! I especially like the trivet. Everyone who sees that gate will be left guessing what wonders they might find if they could go through it.

[@kennysr.1054]

Fantastic Mate ! You crafted a door ! That makes you a craftsman!

[@patrickflanagan8008]

Such a beautiful gate, the work of an artisan. Nice one matey.

[@bryanwhitfield7125]

It looks wonderful there, much more intriguing and characterful than a picket gate would be.

[@duanekc]

It's a nice, simple recreation of a classic design, and I think the reveal on either side is just about perfect. I do think that an arbor or hedge arch would be more appropriate for the setting than a stone arch, personally.

[@stephenbellini1225]

It IS as good as, it’s not identical it is an alternative that others will see as preferable to your picture.very well made and fits the wall like a glove. Never stop

[@EurydiceUndead]

It's absolutely perfect for the space . As another commenter mentioned - a stone arch above would look spectacular, but even as it is, it sits wonderfully. Bravo!

[@rickjoyner3281]

Your modesty becomes you. I find nothing out of place in your approach or execution. You have a new subscriber.

[@zacmalanka7504]

Dude. Your humble nature is refreshing. This is dope it’ll age gloriously. I agree with other comments to frame it with a stone arch or beefy timber frame arch. You got a new subscriber never stop making never stop challenging yourself. You’re awesome!

[@trumpetmano]

This is EXCELLENT! Great work young Man.

[@selucks]

It looks absolutely amazing and as it ages it will mellow down and settle into the space quite nicely I think.

[@shannondh83]

I think that the metal circle is even prettier than a square for this door. It really draws the eye in. I would love to see it in a year after some aging. Magical.

[@sheep1ewe]

Awesome! Of course it will!

[@JasDarc]

It deserves to be in a position where the passing world can see and admire it. Fully waterproof it so it can give decades of service and pleasure.

[@johnwooldridge9994]

A most excellent piece young man and looks perfect set into the stone wall.

[@jaymanishere]

That looks absolutely fantastic! Don't underestimate your skills.

[@carolinegray7510]

Your beautiful gate will enhance ANY place you choose to place it!

[@danamcgrew8288]

Love the Secret Garden feel of it. Well done YOU.

[@jilliedillie]

You really know what you’re doing, and the end result is stunning. Mostly I admire that you even had the idea and persistence to do all that work. Great job!

[@HS-qf5of]

It’s beautiful and in the wall it will age and look like it belongs there. Would an arch over top be more beautiful? Yes! But if that is not what you are into working on, it is fine as is. Very skilled craftsman and mathematician!

[@neutonrenda2303]

It looks really amazing, don't sell yourself short. Great recreation, and very original.👍

[@douglasfrank9323]

I think you've done very well replicating not copying the original. I belive some of what you like about the original is the patina that age provides.

[@justinbeesley-hunt8421]

That gate looks mint and fits the location perfectly