DIY Gate Tutorial

Our backyard is the place our pups spend a lot of time in when we’re not home. They have a doggy door so they can be in the kitchen, or in the backyard. They have a beautiful tendency to dig holes in the grass, it’s just our favorite when they do that 😉 There is a side yard area that they love especially, so we realized that we needed to block it off {since they were trying to tunnel their way out of the yard by going underneath our HOUSE}to them-hence the fence DIY gate tutorial.

One of our close acquaintances initially recommended that we hire experts who specialize in swimming pool restoration. While we were intrigued by the idea of letting our pets splash in the water, we were a little skeptical and decided to remain on the fence. You want your backyard to look good, we want our backyard to look good, but when you have pets, they can see that as a challenge! So doing what you can to protect it is very important as you don’t want the pup version of The Great Escape going on in your backyard. Hence, we decided to get something similar to a PVC Fencing installed in our backyard. I think it might be a good decision for us as well as our neighbors. There is a lot of muck and mess that comes along with having pets, so when you finish building the gate, you may want to check out pressure washing Houston services or services close to your home, so you can get all that grime they’ve been digging up off of your yard and stones. Your backyard will practically go back to normal…until they try and find another way to get out (let’s hope that doesn’t happen).

One of the lovely holes they dug

Supplies:

• 2 2X4s
• 6 1X6 Gate Boards
• 6 3.5″ X 1/4″ bolts with matching washers
• 6 cement anchors
• 1 masonry drill bit
• 2.5″ wood screws
• 1 5/8″ wood screws
• Drill
• Circular Saw
• 1 Decorative gate, hinge, and latch set

Process:

Cut the 2x4s to approximately 52″ and screw one to the side of the house using the 2.5″ wood screws.

Drill multiple 1/4″ hole in the other 2×4 and mark where the piece of wood will go on the brick wall. At these marks use the masonry drill bit to drill 1/4″ holes. Once the holes are drilled insert the masonry anchors (I only ended up using 4 out the 6 anchors).

Attach the second 2X4 to the brick wall by screwing the 3.5″ bolts into the wood and into the anchors. Use the washers to ensure a tight fit.

Establish the direction that you want the gate to open up and install the hinges. Install the top hinge by screwing it into the 2X4s. Cut 2 pieces of wood approximately 1/2″ smaller than the width of your opening. Leave about 1/4″ gap on each side as you screw hinge into the horizontal piece of wood. Check the level of the wood as you install the horizontal piece.

Do the same for the top and bottom. Cut the gate slats to the desired length and sand them so that they are ready for Paint. I started at the far end to ensure a proper fit. Now you are ready to attach the gate slats of wood. I used a drill bit to space them evenly since the boards were a little warped. Use 2 1 5/8″ wood screws on the top and bottom of the slat to ensure a tight hold.

Next cut a diagonal brace for the back of the gate and attach each gate slat to the brace. This will add strength to the gate.

Next install the gate clasp and paint.

To show their protest to us making them stay in the yard, they decided to have a pillow fight……

“I swear i’m innocent”

Hope this tutorial is helpful! Don’t you just love pillow fights? So do they!