The type of fence you have decided to build will have a bearing on your choice of gates. Like fences, gates can take many shapes and sizes but they should meet two main requirements: they should be in harmony with the fence and they must function effectively.

The various sizes, grades and textures of cedar recommended in this booklet for fence building are also suitable for gates. By using materials of the same quality and texture, you can maintain design continuity and bring fence and gate into harmonious balance.

Here's a short checklist of points to consider when planning a gate:

• Choose a style that complements the fence and maintains design and material continuity.

• Locate the gate for convenient entry as it relates to paths, driveways and the general landscaping plan.

• Decide upon the width of the gate. It should be wide enough for two people to pass through side by side and allow clear passage for garden equipment such as lawn-mowers and wheelbarrows. Note that gates wider than 4 feet are hard to support and tend to sag. Consider a two-section gate for wide openings.

• Determine whether the gate should slide or swing. If a swing gate, establish an unhindered direction of swing. A gate usually swings in towards the property except on sloping ground where it should swing downhill to avoid having to cut the bottom of the gate at an angle.

• Locate the gate at the top of steps rather than at the bottom and make it swing away from the steps for safety's sake.

• Build the gate solidly and attach it with good quality hardware.

A narrow vertical board gate nestles among a screen of slender conifers.


Semi-circular cut-out adds a creative flair to a simple narrow-board gate.


Flower boxes flank the gateposts of this easy-to-build lattcework garden gate.