How to build a wooden farm gate

Measure and cut the stiles and ledges of the gate according to the cut list above – feel free to adjust to suit your space.

Fit a ¼” round over router bit and router all edges of each ledge and stile. This gives a smart and professional looking finish to the gate.

On the stiles, measure and mark four evenly-spaced spots for bolt holes, leaving an extra 35mm at the top. 

Use a 30mm Forstner bit to drill 10mm-deep pilot holes, then drill through using a 12mm drill bit.

Measure and mark for holes at both ends of each ledge piece and drill through using a 12mm drill bit.

Arrange the stiles and ledges on a flat surface for assembly and fit M12 bolts into the holes. 

Turn the gate over and attach M12 washers and nuts, making sure the ledges are square with the stiles. Use a ratchet or spanner to tighten.

Place a brace piece diagonally across the gate and mark the angle to cut, repeat this step for both braces. 

Use a drop saw to cut the angles, then router all the edges.

Measure and mark the holes to attach the brace to the ledges. In one of the braces, drill 10mm-deep pilot holes with a 30mm Forstner drill bit.

Clamp the braces either side of the gate and drill a pilot hole using a 3mm drill bit. Drill through using a 12mm drill bit. 

Unclamp and drill countersunk holes on the opposite brace in line with the pilot holes. Secure braces with M12 bolts, washers and nuts.

Measure and mark the angle on one of the packer pieces, then cut the angle and router all the edges. 

Measure and mark for bolt placement and use a 4.5mm drill bit to drill pilot holes, then countersink with a 15mm Forstner bit. Attach the angled packers to the bottom ledge using 50mm hex drive screws.

Router, drill and attach two remaining packer pieces to the top ledge.

Mark the hole placement for the hinge straps on the top and bottom ledges. Drill through using a 12mm drill bit.

Insert M10 bolts and secure with M10 washer and nuts.

Prepare the Resene Furniture and Decking Oil by stirring it well and pouring it into a paint tray. 

Use a brush or roller to apply two coats of Resene Furniture and Decking Oil to the entire gate, allowing to dry between coats.

Place the gudgeons into the hinge straps, then measure the distance between the gudgeons. Transfer this measurement to the fence post.

Use a 20mm drill bit to drill through the post. Insert the gudgeons and tighten them using an adjustable spanner. 

Position and lift the gate onto the gudgeons and then adjust the gudgeons so the gate sits level.

Consider your chickens or other animals secure and protected. 

If your chickens are prone to going rogue, adding chicken wire to the gate adds an extra element of protection for them.