Can anyone give me some advice on how to go about building the gate for my chicken run? I'm in the home stretch, I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I've never built a gate before. DH is no help - doesn't think I can build a gate that will be sound enough to work well. Just doesn't seem like it should be that hard, and I really want to build this myself but I don't have any knowledge of carpentry. Doesn't need to be fancy - just sound. The posts are set 48 in. apart. Even just some pics would be great so I can get an idea of how to go about building one. Thanks a bunch, don't know what I'd do without BYC - so much support and advice!
We built a door--not a gate--but the principle could be the same. We ran 2x4s all the way around and put plywood bracers in the corners (a kickboard and two triangles on the top. We attached the extra wire from the run and added a crossbar and a latch. It's a VERY sturdy door, for people with no experience in that department. Oh yeah--we were able to pick up a "screen door set" at Lowes that had tow springy hinges and a handle (which we did not use) The hinges are great because the door latches behind us. The same thing might work on a smaller scale.
I bought a wooden screen door @ Lowe's ( big box hardware store) for $20 and installed hardware cloth on it - with 2 hatch style clasp locks. ...this pic is before I put the locks and hardware cloth on......
Here is mine. 4'x6' door. Posts on either side are plum, level and square to each other. Tied the two posts together with a header. Built a door that was 5/8" skinnier and shorter than the opening. Notice the bracing in the corners, that keep the door square. Gussets (triangle of plywood) on the corners would also work.
So it's not a "gate" per se, but this is what my boyfriend did for the composter he just made me. It's just regular 2x6's attached with a plain hinge and a very simple locking mechanism. He put the vertical pieces in to prevent sagging. Hopefully this will give you some ideas.
