Build a wooden gate — step by step
A sturdy gate that lasts for years — and won't sag after one winter.
This is a complete guide to build a wooden gate yourself — step by step, with a material list, tools, a timeline and what it costs. It's written for anyone building at home without professional experience: count on 1–2 weekends and a material cost of around 1,500–4,500 kr.
Showing method: Classic gate with pickets
The price is an estimate based on typical material prices and can vary depending on size, material choice, location and store.
Which method suits you best?
Best for: A pedestrian gate into the garden or the front of the house.
Please note: Material quantities, prices and building methods are guidelines. Always check current prices, local regulations and product instructions before starting a project.
How a wooden gate comes together
A gate looks simple, but it has to be built right — otherwise it sags in its first year. The secret is a sturdy frame with a diagonal brace and heavy-duty hinges on strong posts. Here we build a classic wooden gate about 90 × 100 cm.
Materials for a wooden gate — full list
Check items off while you shop — the list stays with you on the page.
Build a wooden gate step by step
- 01
Measure and plan
A standard width for a pedestrian gate is 90–100 cm. Allow 1–1.5 cm of clearance between the gate post and gate frame so the hinges fit and the gate can swing freely. Mark where the posts will go.
Tip: Measure twice. A gate that's too narrow is awkward to walk through with a laundry basket; too wide, and it sags more easily. - 02
Set the gate posts
Dig holes 70 cm deep and set the posts in fast-setting concrete. Put gravel in the bottom for drainage. Check that the posts are plumb in both directions and that the spacing is the same at top and bottom. Let it cure for at least a day.
- 03
Build the gate frame
Cut two vertical and two horizontal 45 × 70 mm rails. Screw them together into a rectangle (90 × 100 cm). Check that the diagonals are exactly equal — that means the frame is square.
- 04
Fit the diagonal brace
Cut a diagonal brace running from the bottom corner on the hinge side up to the top corner on the latch side. It stops the gate from sagging. Screw it in place at both corners.
Tip: Always brace "up from the hinges" — otherwise the gate's weight pushes the wrong way and it will sag anyway. - 05
Nail on the pickets
Nail the pickets to the front with a 5–10 mm gap. Use a spacer block for even spacing. Cut the top of the pickets level — or curved if you want a classic arched shape.
- 06
Hang the gate
Screw the hinges to the vertical side of the gate frame, then to the post. Check the height — the gate should clear the ground by at least 5 cm. Get a second pair of hands when hanging the gate — it's unwieldy to do alone.
- 07
Fit the lock and sand
Fit a gate lock, hasp or magnetic latch on the latch side. Sand all edges smooth — especially where children and clothing can catch.
- 08
Oil
Apply two coats of wood oil or exterior stain to the gate and posts. Repeat every other year — that way the gate lasts 15+ years without greying.
Help specific to build a wooden gate
How the time breaks down
A gate with posts takes 1–2 weekends. Most of the time goes into setting the posts and waiting for the concrete to cure.
- Planning, measuring & shopping1–2 hours
- Digging and setting posts3–4 hours
- Concrete curing time12–24 hours
- Building gate frame + brace1.5 hours
- Nailing on pickets1–2 hours
- Hanging the gate + lock1 hour
- Oiling (two coats + drying time)1 hour + 1 day
How to save time
- If the posts already exist (e.g. part of an existing fence), the gate can be finished in an afternoon.
- Build the frame lying flat on the ground — much easier to get it square.
- Get help hanging the gate — two people manage it in 10 minutes, alone it takes an hour.
Questions and answers about build a wooden gate
How do you build a wooden gate?
A gate looks simple, but it has to be built right — otherwise it sags in its first year. The secret is a sturdy frame with a diagonal brace and heavy-duty hinges on strong posts. Here we build a classic wooden gate about 90 × 100 cm. The guide breaks the work into 8 steps — you start with measure and plan, set the gate posts and build the gate frame and work your way forward at your own pace.
How much does it cost to build a wooden gate?
Material cost is typically 1,500–4,500 kr. Total cost 1,500–4,500 kr depending on whether the posts are included or already in place. The biggest items are posts 95×95 mm (2 pcs à 2 m) 500–900 kr, joists 45×70 mm (~6 m) 200–400 kr and pickets 22×70 mm (~8 pcs) 200–500 kr. The price varies with size, material choice, location and store.
What materials do you need for a wooden gate?
You'll need things like posts 95 × 95 mm pressure-treated, joists 45 × 70 mm pressure-treated, pickets 22 × 70 mm pine, concrete (fast-setting) and gravel 8–16 mm — the full material list with quantities is in the guide and can be checked off while you shop. Tools you'll need at home: drill & batteries, circular saw or mitre saw, spirit level and tape measure, chalk & try square.
How long does it take and how hard is it?
Count on 1–2 weekends for a wooden gate. A gate with posts takes 1–2 weekends. Most of the time goes into setting the posts and waiting for the concrete to cure. The difficulty level is moderate, so you can manage it without professional experience if you follow the steps in order.
Which method should I choose for a wooden gate?
There are 3 common ways to build it: classic gate with pickets, solid gate (no pickets) and wide double gate for a car. Choose a method at the top of the page — the guide, material list and cost then adapt to that solution.
What's the most common mistake?
The mistakes we see most often: diagonal brace running the wrong way — the gate sags within a few months, posts too thin — 70×70 mm isn't enough for a gate. use 95×95 mm and flimsy hinges — buy t-hinges or post hinges at least 200 mm, not small kitchen-cabinet hinges. Read through the whole guide once before you start — that way you'll avoid most of them.
And that's it, done.
Take a step back, pour a cup of coffee and enjoy. You built it yourself.
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