Meet Wendell.

He’s the reason for my next project.  A new gate.  Btw, for those wondering, he is a 1 year 3 month Australian Cattle dog mix (blue healer). I got him from the Denver Dumb Friends League.  Its an outstanding shelter in my area.  The previous owners dropped him off because he kept stalking their older cats.  Cats don’t like to be herded apparently.  Who knew!

I want to keep my house with that cottage feel.  I think a standard double swing gate gives off a fortress feel.  I don’t want that.  I wanted the privacy and a way to keep my dog in while maintaining a welcoming feel. I think a lattice-top double swing gate did the trick.

Construction of the gate is fairly simple, but some simple mistakes can be very detrimental to the appearance.  I made these mistakes, but got very lucky.  This is a two to three person job.  Two worked for most of the project, but a third came in handy now and then.

First dig your post holes for each support.  When digging these holes, dig both holes to the necessary depth to have each post top the same height.  This is more of an aesthetic thing, but can be necessary when hanging each gate. If your ground is uneven, this gate may not work the way I am describing.  When concreting each post in the ground make sure they are lined up even with each other.  This is a very important step.  If you fail to do so, the gate may not swing correctly and close ideally.  See the small gap near the center of my gates. Lesson Learned.  Also, don’t get lazy when pouring the concrete.  Do not pour dry concrete into the ground and add water. Are you nuts?  Your concrete will never cure right and you will have an unstable post.  It may take a few years, but you’ll be replacing that post again.  You have already payed for the concrete, don’t get lazy.  Fully mix it with water in a wheelbarrow before pouring.

Putting the gate together is fairly simple.  Simply make two frames.  I cut 4 pieces per gate.  The sides, top and bottom.  I decided to use 45 degree angles with my cuts.  Straight cuts work also, I just thought this would look better.  I also used general purpose screws.  Make sure you pre-drill the holes.  Since the wood I used was rough cut cedar, had I not done this, the wood would have split.

Now that the frame is together.  Secure the lattice cap for the sides and top.  Cut and slide the lattice into place.  Now cut your middle board and lattice cap.  Secure them to each other and slide up into place under the lattice.You can either do this or leave the top off the frame.  Your preference.  Either way, you will need to leave same way to slide the latice into place.  It has flimsy construction.  It can bend, but will break very easily.

Next you will want to cut two support board to screw the panels into.  I went with 2×2′s.  One top and one bottom.  I placed them 1 inch back.  This allowed my panels to be recessed 1/2 inch back and match the lattice recess.  You will need to cut the desired number of panels.  Before screwing any in place.  Place them where you want and attempt to get even spacing between the boards.  I did this with the gates already in place.  I had to move several boards.  If you do it with the gate lying on the ground, I imagine it will be much easier to space each panel.

When hanging the gate, place a 2×4 under the two gates to prop them off the ground.  You want the gate to swing freely.  This prevents any drag.  If you need more height, use more boards.  This part certainly requires two people.  Also make sure you have the correct hinges.  You will only be able to secure the hinges to the 2×4′s.   They will need to be narrow.  I attempted to put in a center hinge and ended up splitting one of my frame 2×4′s.  With the gate hanging, put in your anti-sag line.  Traditional gates use wood.  I choose to use a steel kit.  It allows me to tighten later, where the wood will not.  I decided to go from corner to corner for the kit.  In hindsight I would have used to center beam.  Simple because the cable now shows from behind the lattice.   Oh well.  Its not that ugly, but lesson learned.

The gate is almost done.  I still need to get a support rod to hold the gate from swinging.   The busted out concrete doesn’t really appeal to me.  I also need to find a latch that will work.  Not sure what I am going to use.  I’ll keep looking.  For now the gate holds and the dog stays in the yard.  If you want more clarification on the gate, please ask.  I didn’t find to many lattice top plans on the web, so I winged it and got lucky.  Total cost for both gates was $350.  Not to bad.  It took a full weekend to construct, but I am far from experienced doing this.