Are you trying to find a way to improve the aesthetics of your home without sacrificing privacy or accessibility? If you want to add practicality and aesthetic value to your backyard, constructing a double fence gate is a great project to undertake. Whether you’re an experienced do-it-yourselfer or just getting your feet wet, this article will show you how to build a robust, attractive double gate. In order to wow your neighbors and secure your territory, all you need is a little preparation and the correct equipment, and you can swing open those gates in no time. Coming right up!
Build A Double Fence Gate
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Measure for the gates | Measure the width of the opening between the fence posts. Deduct approx 25mm (1″). Example: for an opening of 2125mm (85″), make each gate frame 1050mm (42″). This allows for an 8mm (1/3″) gap between gates and posts. |
| Plan Alignment | Ensure the bottom horizontal frame member aligns with the bottom horizontal fence rail. This is crucial for gates needing an offset bottom hinge. |
| Precise Measurements | Consider using a laser level for ultra-precise measurements and smoother gate openings. |
| Gate Frame Construction | Make two rectangular frames from 75×50 (2×3) lumber. Square and brace the frames by measuring diagonals until equal. |
| Bracing the Frame | Lie a piece of 75×50 (2×3) lumber diagonally across the frames. Mark, cut, and fix in place with galvanized screws. |
| Hinge Offset Block | Bolt a block of wood to the bottom horizontal frame member for hinge offset. Adjust thickness and overhang as needed. |
| Attach Vertical Boards | Nail 150×25 (1×6) cedar vertical fence boards to the frames using 60mm (2 1/2″) flat head galvanized screws. Ensure flush alignment. |
| Hinge Attachment | Turn gate frames over and attach hinges using sturdy screws. Ensure top and bottom hinges are properly aligned. |
| Gate Installation | Place gates between two posts on level board. Use wedges to ensure even gaps and stable position during hardware installation. |
| Check Gate Operation | Remove wedges and test gate opening to ensure smooth operation, with alignment checked for offset hinge. |
| Final Hardware Installation | Close gates and attach hardware securely. Place gate latch at mid-height, or higher for child safety, and cut a hand-sized opening near the latch. |
How to Construct Two Gates
- Determine the kind of gate you want to install.
There is a wide variety of double gates available in the market nowadays. You can construct a gate out of wood, or you can go with a chain link or ornamental gate instead. One option is to go with a farm gate that is inexpensive, but another option is to go with something completely different. In most cases, if you already have a fence, you will want to match the gate to that fence. However, if you are building a double gate to seal an entrance that is not in a fence, the first step in the process of creating a double gate is to select the type of gate that you want to use. - Construct the Posts for Your Gate
The gates and gate posts that are used by many expert fence businesses will be brought to the location where they will be installed together. However, if you are not a skilled fence installer, it is typically simpler to place your gate posts first. After that, you should measure the opening size to ensure that your gate is precisely the proper size for your gate. Because of this, the first thing you need to do is decide what kind of gate you want to install, since this will determine the kind of gate posts that you will require. Due to the fact that wider double gates are typically rather heavy, you will require a gate post that is more robust than the one you would use for a fence of the same type. This would also have an effect on the sort of post that you wish to use because different kinds of gates could be heavier or lighter than one another. When you are installing a double gate, it is typically recommended that you have a concrete footing of sufficient size for your gate posts. This is because the concrete footing serves as an anchor or even a counterbalance for the gate, and it must be solid! Give your gate posts and their footings a few days to cure and harden before you start thinking about installing your gate. If you need to brace them temporarily to ensure that they do not move out of square while you are installing your gate, you should go ahead and do so. - Select your components, then place your order for the gate.
Following the selection of the hardware that you want to be installed on your double gate, the next stage in the process of constructing a double gate is to submit an order for the gate to be produced. The majority of the time, fence businesses and suppliers will be able to provide you with gates that are constructed to the dimensions that you require. One possible exception is the use of wooden gates, which are typically constructed on-site to accommodate the opening. Choosing your hardware at the same time is also very crucial. This is because different kinds of hinges and latches require varying amounts of clearance in order to function properly. Therefore, you really do need to know what you intend to use before you can figure out the size of your gate. Keep your gate in place.
When your gate and gate hardware finally arrives, the concrete footings of your gate will have most likely dried up and are prepared to support some weight. Depending on the type of hardware that you are utilizing, this process may be more or less forgiving according to your preferences. Bolt-on gate hardware allows for adjustments to be made even after the gate has been hung, giving you more flexibility when it comes to the installation of that type of gate. On the other hand, if you are going to use hardware that will be attached to the gate and the posts, you will need to make sure that you properly measure and mark the position of the hardware. Additionally, you should make sure to use a level to check that both gate leaves are installed at the same height.