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Horse FencingSUPPLIES
- 3/4-inch high-quality smooth-finish plywood, 8 feet long by 4 feet wide
- 2-by-4 board
- Measuring tape
- Circular saw
- Sander
- Wood stain or paint
- Water sealant
- 5/8-inch wood screws
- 2-inch nail
- Four heavy-duty hinges
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
Overview
These step-by-step instructions are for building a simple 3-foot-high folding wood fence gate in the size you need. For this example, 4 feet is used for the overall gate width to allow the steps to be clear. To accomplish this task, you'll need a few carpentry tools, plywood, wood stain or paint of your choice and hardware.
Cutting the Pieces
Step 1
Take the sheet of plywood and measure two sections that are each 3 feet long and 1 foot 11 inches wide. Cut these out with the circular saw. Always take off 1 inch of width from each section of your gate to allow for extra space between the gate and the fence.
Step 2
Measure and cut a 2-foot-long section of 2-by-4 board for the arm that keeps your gate straight when it is closed.
Step 3
Cut a small 2-by-2 inch square section from the 2-by-4 board. This is the rest for the arm to lay on.
Step 4
Sand all rough edges off the three pieces. Apply wood stain or paint and allow to dry.
Step 5
Apply water sealant to all pieces. Allow to dry.
Constructing the Gate
Step 1
Lay the two sections of plywood together with the 3-foot-long edges side-by-side. Place two hinges across the cut 6 inches from each edge. Screw the hinges to both sections.
Step 2
Flip the completed section over and attach the other two hinges to one 3-foot-long outside edge. Screw half of the hinge to this side of your gate 6 inches inward from the top and bottom of the gate.
Step 3
Flip your gate over again. Pick one 4-foot-long side of your gate as the top, considering which side the outer hinges will be on. Place the 2-foot-long 2-by-4 board perpendicular to the fold so that a 1-foot 6-inch section is on one side of the fold. Position the board 9 inches below the top, and drive the nail through the board in the center of the 1-foot 6-inch portion. The board is the lever that keeps the gate extended and will spin around the nail.
Step 4
Position the 2-by-4 board in the original position across the fold. Place the 2-by-2 inch square piece of 2-by-4 on the other section of the gate without the nail just below the lever. Screw this piece to the gate. The lever rests on this piece to keep the gate shut.
Step 5
Place spacers on the ground where your gate is to be attached and rest the bottom of your gate on them so the gate is upright. Attach the outer hinges to the fence post securely with screws. Pull the spacers out from under the gate.
Step 6
Attach a hook on the side of the gate that opens to hook it to the fence. This prevents the entire gate from swinging open while the lever is down.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- WARNING : Be cautious when using power tools.
