Free DIY Wood Gate Plans
Category: Wood Fence
Build your own gate like a Pro by using our Free DIY Wood Gate Plans! Let us help you build a better gate that resists sagging and adds rustic charm to your property!
Once you have chosen a gate style below, then you will be able to view our detailed gate plans, building instructions, and materials lists. If more than one hinge option is available, then you will choose Central Eye hinges for gates that open in both directions or Rear Eye hinges for gates that only open in one direction.
Sizing Notes:
All sizes noted on the drawings will be in inches. Size recommendations (height and width of gate) are intended guidelines but may be altered to fit a specific location. A single gate leaf should not exceed 12' in width, per hardware instructions. Please consult an engineer if constructing a larger gate leaf.
Materials Notes:
The best gates are constructed from dry hardwood, cedar, or some of the cheaper "teak" like woods imported from the tropics. Our gate plans are designed to be constructed in layers to create a square and braced frame that resists sagging. Recommended lumber dimensions are included with each detailed plan.
Building Notes:
Detailed plans and building instructions are linked for each style of gate. We offer fastener packs for each style of gate. Depending on your style of gate, the below tips will be helpful:
- Horizontals and diagonals should intersect and each intersection should be secured with a carriage bolt or fastener as shown in the plans.
- All Horizontal members can be mortised into the verticals by using a 5/8" dowel and water resistant glue.
Rail Gate Plans
Double "V" Rail Gate
The Double "V" Rail Gate can be built as single gates (up to 10'W) or double gates (up to 20'W). The gates can be hung either with our Central Eye Double Strap hardware (8312) or with our Rear Eye Double Strap Hardware (8324). These gates are intended for pedestrian or vehicular access routes.
Instructions: Double "V" Gate Instructions (PDF)
- Double strap hinges sandwich the gate between the straps, virtually locking the corner square at 90°. This helps to prevent the gate from sagging.
- Gates can be hung on a square or round post when using the Central Eye Double Strap hardware.
- The typical gap allowance is 4-1/2" to 5".
- Gates will open approximately 100° in each direction.
- Easy lateral adjustment .
- Heavy duty hardware manufactured from forged steel.
Hardware Used:
Hinges: Hinges are available as a kit or sold separately!
Heavy Duty Central Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3" Thick Gates (8312-S) | Heavy Duty Central Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3" Thick Gates (8312-E) | Double Strap Hinge - Central Eye | Adjustable Bottom Gate Fitting | 3/4" Threaded Adjustable Hinge Pins
Latches: Snug Cottage Hardware offers additional latch styles for traditional or contemporary esthetics. Snug Cottage Hardware Latches
Fastener Pack: One pack needed per gate leaf.
Double "V" Rail Gate Fastener Pack
Instructions: Double "V" Gate Instructions (PDF)
- Double strap hinges sandwich the gate between the straps, virtually locking the corner square at 90°. This helps to prevent the gate from sagging.
- Gates to be hung on a square post when using the Rear Eye Double Strap hardware.
- The typical gap allowance is 1/2" - 1".
- Gates will open 180° (one direction), folding back against the adjacent fence.
- Easy lateral adjustment .
- Heavy duty hardware manufactured from forged steel.
Hardware Used:
Hinges: Hinges are available as a kit or sold separately! If your gate thickness is less than 3" or greater than 3-1/2", then you would need to use our Heavy Duty Cranked Strap Hinges.
Heavy Duty Rear Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3" Thick Gates (8324-S) | Heavy Duty Rear Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3-1/2" Thick Gates (8325-S) | Double Strap Hinge - Rear Eye (3") | Double Strap Hinge - Rear Eye (3-1/2") | Mounting Plate with 6" Adjustable pin | 3/4" Back Plate for Mounting Plates
Latches: Snug Cottage Hardware offers additional latch styles for traditional or contemporary esthetics. Snug Cottage Hardware Latches
Fastener Pack: One pack needed per gate leaf.
Double "V" Rail Gate Fastener Pack
"X" Rail Gate
The "X" Rail Gate can be built as single gates (up to 10'W) or double gates (up to 20'W). The gates can be hung with our Central Eye Double Strap Hardware (8312). These gates are intended for pedestrian or vehicular access routes.
- Double strap hinges sandwich the gate between the straps, virtually locking the corner square at 90°. This helps to prevent the gate from sagging.
- Gates can be hung on a square or round post when using the Central Eye Double Strap hardware.
- The typical gap allowance is 4-1/2" to 5".
- Gates will open approximately 100° in each direction.
- Easy lateral adjustment .
- Heavy duty hardware manufactured from forged steel.
Hardware Used:
Hinges: Hinges are available as a kit or sold separately!
Heavy Duty Central Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3" Thick Gates (8312-S) | Heavy Duty Central Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3" Thick Gates (8312-E) | Double Strap Hinge - Central Eye | Adjustable Bottom Gate Fitting | 3/4" Threaded Adjustable Hinge Pins
Latches: Snug Cottage Hardware offers additional latch styles for traditional or contemporary esthetics. Snug Cottage Hardware Latches
Fastener Pack: One pack needed per gate leaf.
"X" Rail Gate Fastener Pack
Cape Cod Board Gate
The Cape Cod Board Gate can be built as single gates (up to 10'W) or double gates (up to 20'W). Possible double gate configurations include two equal sized gates or a smaller man-gate and larger access gate for easier pedestrian use. The gates can be hung either with our Central Eye Double Strap hardware (8312) or with our Rear Eye Double Strap Hardware (8324). These gates are intended for pedestrian or vehicular access routes.
Instructions: Cape Cod Board Gate Instructions (PDF)
- Double strap hinges sandwich the gate between the straps, virtually locking the corner square at 90°. This helps to prevent the gate from sagging.
- Gates can be hung on a square or round post when using the Central Eye Double Strap hardware.
- The typical gap allowance is 4-1/2" to 5".
- Gates will open approximately 100° in each direction.
- Easy lateral adjustment .
- Heavy duty hardware manufactured from forged steel.
Hardware Used:
Hinges: Hinges are available as a kit or sold separately!
Heavy Duty Central Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3" Thick Gates (8312-S) | Heavy Duty Central Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3" Thick Gates (8312-E) | Double Strap Hinge - Central Eye | Adjustable Bottom Gate Fitting | 3/4" Threaded Adjustable Hinge Pins
Latches: Snug Cottage Hardware offers additional latch styles for traditional or contemporary esthetics. Snug Cottage Hardware Latches
Fastener Pack: One pack needed per gate leaf.
Cape Cod Board Gate Fastener Pack
Instructions: Cape Cod Board Gate Instructions (PDF)
- Double strap hinges sandwich the gate between the straps, virtually locking the corner square at 90°. This helps to prevent the gate from sagging.
- Gates to be hung on a square post when using the Rear Eye Double Strap hardware.
- The typical gap allowance is 1/2" - 1".
- Gates will open 180° (one direction), folding back against the adjacent fence.
- Easy lateral adjustment .
- Heavy duty hardware manufactured from forged steel.
Hardware Used:
Hinges: Hinges are available as a kit or sold separately! If your gate thickness is less than 3" or greater than 3-1/2", then you would need to use our Heavy Duty Cranked Strap Hinges.
Heavy Duty Rear Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3" Thick Gates (8324-S) | Heavy Duty Rear Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3-1/2" Thick Gates (8325-S) | Double Strap Hinge - Rear Eye (3") | Double Strap Hinge - Rear Eye (3-1/2") | Mounting Plate with 6" Adjustable pin | 3/4" Back Plate for Mounting Plates
Latches: Snug Cottage Hardware offers additional latch styles for traditional or contemporary esthetics. Snug Cottage Hardware Latches
Fastener Pack: One pack needed per gate leaf.
Cape Cod Board Gate Fastener Pack
Maine Board Gate
The Maine Board Gate can be built as single gates (up to 10'W) or double gates (up to 20'W). Possible double gate configurations include two equal sized gates or a smaller man-gate and larger access gate for easier pedestrian use. The gates can be hung either with our Central Eye Double Strap hardware (8312) or with our Rear Eye Double Strap Hardware (8324). These gates are intended for pedestrian or vehicular access routes.
Instructions: Maine Board Gate Instructions (PDF)
- Double strap hinges sandwich the gate between the straps, virtually locking the corner square at 90°. This helps to prevent the gate from sagging.
- Gates can be hung on a square or round post when using the Central Eye Double Strap hardware.
- The typical gap allowance is 4-1/2" to 5".
- Gates will open approximately 100° in each direction.
- Easy lateral adjustment .
- Heavy duty hardware manufactured from forged steel.
Hardware Used:
Hinges: Hinges are available as a kit or sold separately!
Heavy Duty Central Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3" Thick Gates (8312-S) | Heavy Duty Central Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3" Thick Gates (8312-E) | Double Strap Hinge - Central Eye | Adjustable Bottom Gate Fitting | 3/4" Threaded Adjustable Hinge Pins
Latches: Snug Cottage Hardware offers additional latch styles for traditional or contemporary esthetics. Snug Cottage Hardware Latches
Fastener Pack: One pack needed per gate leaf.
Maine Board Gate Fastener Pack
Instructions: Maine Board Gate Instructions (PDF)
- Double strap hinges sandwich the gate between the straps, virtually locking the corner square at 90°. This helps to prevent the gate from sagging.
- Gates to be hung on a square post when using the Rear Eye Double Strap hardware.
- The typical gap allowance is 1/2" - 1".
- Gates will open 180° (one direction), folding back against the adjacent fence.
- Easy lateral adjustment .
- Heavy duty hardware manufactured from forged steel.
Hardware Used:
Hinges: Hinges are available as a kit or sold separately! If your gate thickness is less than 3" or greater than 3-1/2", then you would need to use our Heavy Duty Cranked Strap Hinges.
Heavy Duty Rear Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3" Thick Gates (8324-S) | Heavy Duty Rear Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3-1/2" Thick Gates (8325-S) | Double Strap Hinge - Rear Eye (3") | Double Strap Hinge - Rear Eye (3-1/2") | Mounting Plate with 6" Adjustable pin | 3/4" Back Plate for Mounting Plates
Latches: Snug Cottage Hardware offers additional latch styles for traditional or contemporary esthetics. Snug Cottage Hardware Latches
Fastener Pack: One pack needed per gate leaf.
Maine Board Gate Fastener Pack
Garden Gate Plans
Newport Picket Gate
The New Port Picket Gate can be built as a single gate (up to 42"W). This gate can be mounted flush with our 12" Old Fashioned Band Hinges (8292). These classic New England gates are intended for pedestrian use.
- Strap hinges are through bolted to help keep your corners square at 90° and to prevent the gate from sagging.
- Optional Faux Hinge Fronts can be purchased to add strength to your gate and provide a finsihed look on both sides of the gate.
- The typical gap allowance is 1/4" to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood.
- Gates will open approximately 180° (one direction), folding back against the adjacent fence.
- Heavy duty hardware manufactured from forged steel.
Hardware Used:
Hinges: Choose any of our band hinges for this build! The recommended hinge size is 12". Optional Faux Hinge Fronts are available in most styles.
Old Fashioned Hinges (Stainless Steel) (8292-SS) | Old Fashioned Hinges(8292-p) | Contemporary Cranked Band Hinges (6295-p) | Cranked Band Hinges (8295-CB-P) | Faux Hinge Fronts (8293-p)
Latches: Snug Cottage Hardware offers additional latch styles for traditional or contemporary esthetics. Snug Cottage Hardware Latches
Gate Closers: Consider adding a traditional gate closer to your auto latching hardware so that your gate isn't left swinging open.
Snug Cottage Hardware Gate Closers
Hyde Park Gate
The Hyde Gate can be built as a single gate (up to 36"W). This gate can be mounted flush with our 12" Old Fashioned Band Hinges (8292). These classic New England gates can be built with lattice or picket tops and are intended for pedestrian use.
- Strap hinges are through bolted to help keep your corners square at 90° and to prevent the gate from sagging.
- Optional Faux Hinge Fronts can be purchased to add strength to your gate and provide a finsihed look on both sides of the gate.
- The typical gap allowance is 1/4" to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wood.
- Gates will open approximately 180° (one direction), folding back against the adjacent fence.
- Heavy duty hardware manufactured from forged steel.
Hardware Used:
Hinges: Choose any of our band hinges for this build! The recommended hinge size is 12". Optional Faux Hinge Fronts are available in most styles.
Old Fashioned Hinges (Stainless Steel) (8292-SS) | Old Fashioned Hinges(8292-p) | Contemporary Cranked Band Hinges (6295-p) | Cranked Band Hinges (8295-CB-P) | Faux Hinge Fronts (8293-p)
Latches: Snug Cottage Hardware offers additional latch styles for traditional or contemporary esthetics. Snug Cottage Hardware Latches
Gate Closers: Consider adding a traditional gate closer to your auto latching hardware so that your gate isn't left swinging open.
Snug Cottage Hardware Gate Closers
Solid Board Gate Plans
Dumpster Enclosure Gate
The solid board Dumpster Enclosure Gates can be built as single privacy gates (5'W to 7'W) or double privacy gates (up to 14'W). The gates can be hung with our Rear Eye Double Strap Hardware (8324). These gates are intended for pedestrian use.
- Double strap hinges sandwich the gate between the straps, virtually locking the corner square at 90°. This helps to prevent the gate from sagging.
- Gates to be hung on a square post when using the Rear Eye Double Strap hardware.
- The typical gap allowance is 1/2" - 1".
- Gates will open 180° (one direction), folding back against the adjacent fence.
- Easy lateral adjustment .
- Heavy duty hardware manufactured from forged steel.
Hardware Used:
Hinges: Hinges are available as a kit or sold separately! If your gate thickness is less than 3" or greater than 3-1/2", then you would need to use our Heavy Duty Cranked Strap Hinges.
Heavy Duty Rear Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3" Thick Gates (8324-S) | Heavy Duty Rear Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3-1/2" Thick Gates (8325-S) | Double Strap Hinge - Rear Eye (3") | Double Strap Hinge - Rear Eye (3-1/2") | Mounting Plate with 6" Adjustable pin | 3/4" Back Plate for Mounting Plates
Latches: Snug Cottage Hardware offers additional latch styles for traditional or contemporary esthetics. Snug Cottage Hardware Latches
Fasteners: Quantities needed are listed on the gate plans.
3/8" x 6-1/2" Carriage Bolt (5 packs) | 3/8" Carriage Bolts (2 packs)
Five Bar Mortise & Tenon Gate Plans
Five Bar Mortise & Tenon Keel Gate
The Keel Gate can be built as single gate (up to 10'W). The gate can be hung set-back behind the post with our Rear Eye Double Strap Hardware (8324). These classic European gates are ideal for pedestrian, agricultural, or vehicular access use.
- Double strap hinges sandwich the gate between the straps, virtually locking the corner square at 90°. This helps to prevent the gate from sagging.
- Gates to be hung on a square post when using the Rear Eye Double Strap hardware.
- The typical gap allowance is 1/2" - 1".
- Gates will open 180° (one direction), folding back against the adjacent fence.
- Easy lateral adjustment .
- Heavy duty hardware manufactured from forged steel.
Hardware Used:
Hinges: Hinges are available as a kit or sold separately! If your gate thickness is less than 3" or greater than 3-1/2", then you would need to use our Heavy Duty Cranked Strap Hinges.
Heavy Duty Rear Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3" Thick Gates (8324-S) | Heavy Duty Rear Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3-1/2" Thick Gates (8325-S) | Double Strap Hinge - Rear Eye (3") | Double Strap Hinge - Rear Eye (3-1/2") | Mounting Plate with 6" Adjustable pin | 3/4" Back Plate for Mounting Plates
Latches: Snug Cottage Hardware offers additional latch styles for traditional or contemporary esthetics. Snug Cottage Hardware Latches
Weldon Barrier Gate Plans
Weldon Barrier Gate
The Weldon Barrier Gate can be built as single barrier gates (up to 10'W) or double barrier gates (up to 20'W). The gates can be hung with our Central Eye Double Strap hardware (8312). These gates are intended for vehicular access routes.
- Double strap hinges sandwich the gate between the straps, virtually locking the corner square at 90°. This helps to prevent the gate from sagging.
- Gates can be hung on a square or round post when using the Central Eye Double Strap hardware.
- The typical gap allowance is 4-1/2" to 5".
- Gates will open approximately 100° in each direction.
- Easy lateral adjustment .
- Heavy duty hardware manufactured from forged steel.
Hardware Used:
Hinges: Hinges are available as a kit or sold separately!
Heavy Duty Central Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3" Thick Gates (8312-S) | Heavy Duty Central Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3" Thick Gates (8312-E) | Double Strap Hinge - Central Eye | Adjustable Bottom Gate Fitting | 3/4" Threaded Adjustable Hinge Pins
Latches: Snug Cottage Hardware offers additional latch styles for traditional or contemporary esthetics. Snug Cottage Hardware Latches
Fastener Pack: One pack needed per gate leaf.
Weldon Barrier Gate Fastener Pack
- Double strap hinges sandwich the gate between the straps, virtually locking the corner square at 90°. This helps to prevent the gate from sagging.
- Gates can be hung on a square or round post when using the Central Eye Double Strap hardware.
- The typical gap allowance is 4-1/2" to 5".
- Gates will open approximately 100° in each direction.
- Easy lateral adjustment .
- Heavy duty hardware manufactured from forged steel.
Hardware Used:
Hinges: Hinges are available as a kit or sold separately!
Heavy Duty Central Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3" Thick Gates (8312-S) | Heavy Duty Central Eye Double Strap Hinge Hardware Set-3" Thick Gates (8312-E) | Double Strap Hinge - Central Eye | Adjustable Bottom Gate Fitting | 3/4" Threaded Adjustable Hinge Pins
Latches: Snug Cottage Hardware offers additional latch styles for traditional or contemporary esthetics. Snug Cottage Hardware Latches
Fastener Pack: One pack needed per gate leaf.
Weldon Barrier Gate Fastener Pack
