Step 3: Assemble the Frame of the Gate

Assemble the Frame of the Gate to build a garden gate
Photo: Kolin Smith
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Rip the top and bottom rails to 4 inches and the stiles to 2½ inches. Cut the top rail 1 inch shorter than the span between the posts to get a ½-inch gap on each side. Cut the other three pieces to length, then prime all four. Once dry, align the stiles beneath the top rail, like legs. Drive 3-inch stainless-steel screws at an angle through the edges and up into the top rail. Fit the bottom rail between the stiles 5 inches from their lower ends. Drive screws through its edges and into the stiles, as shown.
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    Tools List

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    • garden stakes
      stakes
    • mason's line
      mason line
    • post hole digger
      posthole digger
    • tarp
      tarp to hold backfill
    • four-foot level
      4-foot level
    • 2-and-a-half-inch paintbrush
      paintbrush
    • circular saw
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    • drill
      drill/driver
    • miter saw
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    • combination square
      combination square
    • hammer
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    • caulk gun
      caulk gun

    Shopping List

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    6×6 treated posts Get two.

    self-adhesive flashing

    ¾-inch drainage stone

    fast-setting concrete

    sandpaper

    primer

    5/4×6-inch deck boards to make the frame including the crosspiece, brace, and apron; 2×4s are cheaper but give you a thicker, heavier gate.

    3-inch stainless-steel screws to assemble the frame

    1×6 cedar for the brace1 5/8-inch stainless-steel trim-head screws to attach the pales to the frame

    1×3 cedar for the pales

    1 5/8-inch stainless-steel siding nails to attach the brace paint

    6×6 post caps Get two.

    adhesive caulk to attach the post caps

    reversible strap hinges Choose a size approximately one-third the width of your gate.

    latch hardware and stop