Build a Garden Gate

Wood gates add country charm to yards and gardens. Colorful flowers standing in front of a wood gate or fence makes a lovely combination. In winter, gates break the monotony of snow-covered ground. This gate has stood in my small flower garden for over 10 years now. 

Materials and tools 

1 x 4 lumber, 8-feet long

Nails

Hammer

Saw

Saw horses

Work Table
Two 36" steel stakes
Wire
Tape measure

    
Instructions 

1. Cut nine, 42-inch boards and two, 39-inch boards.
2. Measure down from the top of each 42-inch board, 6-1/2 inches. Mark the spot by drawing a straight line across each board. Turn the boards and repeat this process at the opposite ends.
3. Lay two 42-inch boards on the worktable vertically. Lay them about 39 inches apart with the marked lines facing up.
4. Place a 39-inch board across the two boards horizontally. Align the bottom edge of the board with the marked lines. Make the ends flush with the long edge of the vertical board. Nail the boards together.
5. Repeat this process at the opposite ends of the vertical boards. The vertical boards will extend 3 1/2-inches above and below the two horizontal boards.
6. Align six of the remaining 42-inch boards along the horizontal boards at 2-inch intervals. Nail in place at both ends.
7. Lay the remaining board between the two horizontal boards diagonally. Nail the board to each of the vertical boards.  
8. Hammer the steel stakes into the ground. Leave about 2 feet above the ground.
9. Stand the gate in front of the stakes. Use guide wire to secure the gate to the stakes.