Outdoor gates come in all shapes and sizes. When thinking about building or replacing a wooden gate, we find it best to build something that’s custom sized to the space, as some gates need to be taller or have a similar aesthetic detail as an existing fence, like incorporating lattice for instance.
Wooden gates are typically built of either treated lumber or cedar. Cedar is a bit more expensive, but is a lovely wood to use and it smells great too! Treated lumber is similar to conventional framing lumber, but is rated for exterior use. Both of these options are great choices and will lead to a solid gate that will last a long time.
We find that sometimes gates can be an afterthought or can just be screwed together, which can lead to them sagging and not lasting as long as they should. Because a gate needs to be able to handle not only the weight of the gate itself, but also the loads from using, closing, or slamming it, it’s best to ensure the construction consists of more than just pieces that are screwed together - a diagonal brace is essential for a long lasting gate.
When we build a gate, we use half lap joints that are glued and screwed. We cut the wood in a way to join it so the shape of the wood joint itself maintains its orientation, keeping the gate from sagging (basically ever). We use outdoor rated waterproof glue and exterior screws, so that our gates are built to last. We are also picky about the hardware that we use. We typically use spring hinges with an adjustable tension, so the gate will self-close behind you when you have your hands full.
As a means of security, a gate is a deterrent, but we can also equip a gate with a variety of outdoor lock systems.
See our Project Spotlights for a gate we built in Cabbagetown!