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How to Build a Gate Out of Recycled Doors

Adding a gate to the front of your home is a great way to add dignity and class to your front yard, in addition to providing a barrier for entry to dogs or other animals, providing your yard is fenced. By recycling a door to use as a gate, you can eliminate the largest expense in door installation. A small gate will only require half of a standard door, leaving enough door behind to add another gate elsewhere on your property if desired. Solid wood doors work best for this project, as they resist the elements and age well.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • 2 treated gate posts
  • Post-hole digger or shovel
  • Pencil
  • Saw
  • Sandpaper
  • Drill
  • Drill bits
  • 2 hinges
  • 2-inch wood screws
  • Latch
  • Waterproofing sealant
  • Brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the width of the door to be used as a gate. Add 1 inch to the width of the door and mark this distance in the ground where the posts will be attached. Dig two 1-foot holes with the post-hole digger with this distance between them. Bury the posts in the dirt and pack in the dirt all around the post firmly.

    • 2

      Hold the door in place between the posts and mark the desired length of the gate door. Cut the gate to size using the saw and sand the rough edges. Position the door appropriately, at least three inches off the ground, and hold the hinges up to the door. Mark their position on the door and the posts, and pre-drill them. Attach the hinges to the door and the post with wood screws. Test the door opening operation and make any adjustments necessary.

    • 3

      Place the latch on the door and the post and figure out the best location for an effective opening that can be operated from both sides. Mark the location of the screw holes and pre-drill those holes. Attach the latch to the door and the post with wood screws. Test the latching function to make sure that it works and adjust the positioning appropriately.

    • 4

      Cover the door and posts with waterproofing sealant to help the door withstand the elements inevitable with outside installation. Allow sealant to dry for four hours and apply a second coat.

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Lawn Ornaments
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