We had this chain link fence installed last week and they wanted $500 to install a gate. I knew I could do it for cheaper so I am going to build a wooden gate for $100 today!
Here is all the materials I need for the project.

#DIYRobb
Step one: dig a hole
I've dug myself quiet a few holes in my lifetime (if you know what I mean) but this is probably the most perfect hole I have ever dug. 12" diameter and 30" deep. Time for some gravel.

#DIYRobb
6 inches of gravel tamped down. Time to pour the concrete!

#DIYRobb
Concrete poured and the post is nice and level. Time to add the water.

#DIYRobb
Water added. Time to let the concrete set. Normally takes 4 hours so I am in a race against daylight to see if I can finish today. Next step assemble the actual gate.

#DIYRobb
I am framing the area between the two posts and it will go no lower than the wooden retaining wall. So I need two 2x4 89.25" long and two 2x4 40" long.

#DIYRobb
Full charge on battery pack and this is when the saw decides to quit on me. The last piece needing to be cut.

So while power pack is recharging I will assemble the fence pieces that I currently have cut.

#DIYRobb
Well I think I hit a stopping point. The frame brackets are supposed to accommodate a 2x4 but as you can see the wood is just slightly wider than bracket. The wood was wet when I bought it so I hope drying it outside tomorrow will help shrink it?

Time for a beer.

#DIYRobb
Well I think I hit a stopping point. The frame brackets are supposed to accommodate a 2x4 but as you can see the wood is just slightly wider than bracket. The wood was wet when I bought it so I hope drying it outside tomorrow will help shrink it?Time for a beer. #DIYRobb
Well I think I hit a stopping point. The frame brackets are supposed to accommodate a 2x4 but as you can see the wood is just slightly wider than bracket. The wood was wet when I bought it so I hope drying it outside tomorrow will help shrink it?Time for a beer. #DIYRobb
Welcome back to #DIYRobb

I am going to finish off the gate today. First things first, going to finish cutting the vertical gate piece that was left uncut when my saw died last weekend.
Last weekend I discovered that the wood was just a little too big to fit the brackets so I am going to have to cut out small notch on each end so the wood will fit the brackets properly.
#DIYRobb
Last weekend I discovered that the wood was just a little too big to fit the brackets so I am going to have to cut out small notch on each end so the wood will fit the brackets properly. #DIYRobb
Last weekend I discovered that the wood was just a little too big to fit the brackets so I am going to have to cut out small notch on each end so the wood will fit the brackets properly. #DIYRobb
Brackets fit properly now so I can mark the screw holes and pre-drill everything. Buuuuuut first I thought I would make sure my cross beams would fit in the opening properly. #DIYRobb
And guess what? They are too long. Glad I checked before assembling the gate. So going to remeasure and cut them to the appropriate size. #DIYRobb
Cross beams fit properly! So now time to start marking all the pilot holes for the brackets. #DIYRobb
Cross beam pilot holes marked. Going to attach the cross beams to the brackets first before marking and drilling the pilot holes for the vertical beams. #DIYRobb
Brackets attached and rechecked length between gate posts and everything clears!

Marked and drilled pilot holes for vertical beams and attached outer support. This is actually starting to look like a gate!

#DIYRobb
Brackets attached and rechecked length between gate posts and everything clears!Marked and drilled pilot holes for vertical beams and attached outer support. This is actually starting to look like a gate! #DIYRobb
Brackets attached and rechecked length between gate posts and everything clears!Marked and drilled pilot holes for vertical beams and attached outer support. This is actually starting to look like a gate! #DIYRobb
So the kit I bought actually provides a 1/8 drill bit for pre-drilling all the holes. I thought "what a great idea" until this happened.

The rest of the bit is planted firmly in the wood. lol

#DIYRobb
And just like that! I have a gate!

While I am waiting for a friend to come over to help me attach it, I am going to cover the frame with some rabbit fencing.
#DIYRobb
I should have tried to fit the gate before adding the fencing. I forgot to account for the addition of the cross beams to the too and bottom so the gate is too tall. I'll have to remove the fencing and then cut the vertical beams to proper height. Tomorrow.

#DIYRobb
I should have tried to fit the gate before adding the fencing. I forgot to account for the addition of the cross beams to the too and bottom so the gate is too tall. I'll have to remove the fencing and then cut the vertical beams to proper height. Tomorrow. #DIYRobb
I should have tried to fit the gate before adding the fencing. I forgot to account for the addition of the cross beams to the too and bottom so the gate is too tall. I'll have to remove the fencing and then cut the vertical beams to proper height. Tomorrow. #DIYRobb
So I lied. There was still plenty of daylight and I couldn't just leave this as it was. So I removed the rabbit fencing from the gate. Removed the top cross beam. Cut the vertical supports to proper length and reassembled. Looking good.
#DIYRobb
Finally finished the gate this morning. The fence covering it looks a little slapdash. A friend suggested some fence planks instead. But for the time being the rabbit fencing will work just fine.

#DIYRobb
Why did I go through all of this? It was for this guy. To keep him safe and out of harms way.
#DIYRobb
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