How to Build a Split Rail Fence Gate

Whatsapp

If you choose to have one of the many commercial fence systems out there, there’s a good chance you can purchase gates to match off the shelf without too much trouble.

Even if you build a wood fence from scratch, there are wood fence gate kits that make things pretty simple. However, if you’ve built a split rail fence (or bought a property that has one), you might very well be left wondering how to build a split rail fence gate when you need one. After all, there’s no store you can buy those at! Here’s what you need to know!

Use Matching Posts

The simplest option for your split rail fence gate is to use the same posts as your fence, and since many split rail fences use very hefty posts that might even be 6 x 6 inches in some cases. As long as they are in good condition, that kind of fence post is very capable of handling most gates.

We do recommend that you install your split rail fence gate posts in concrete simply because all the back-and-forth movement is a lot harder on posts that are installed in dirt or gravel.

If you already have a post in the right position to be a hinge post and it’s in good shape and in concrete, you may only need to add a latch post on an existing fence.

Make Allowances in Your Calculations

The next thing you need to know about how to build a split rail fence gate (or any gate, for that matter) is that you need to make certain allowances in your calculations.

Most gates have about 2 inches of clearance on the hinge and latch post to give you somewhere to install your hardware and to ensure that it has room to work.

If you’re installing a double gate, you would have 2 inches on either side and another two inches in the middle, between the center stiles of the gate.

This may vary slightly depending on the hinges and latches you’re using, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s documentation if you have it before you start your calculations!

Split Rail Fence Gate Materials

Split rail fence gates are usually made from the same materials as the fence, which helps to ensure it matches your fence when you’re done.

This usually means you have fairly lightweight rails, and usually, you can use the same material for the vertical stiles on either side of each gate leaf.

We do recommend that you include a diagonal brace on your split rail fence gates, which helps to keep them square and sturdy, even if they are used frequently.

So your cutting list for each split rail fence gate leaf will be:

• 2 stiles of appropriate length to match fence height after accounting for about 2 inches of ground clearance
• Horizontal rails in the same quantity as your fence rails, cut to allow for the appropriate hinge and latch clearances
• A diagonal brace on each leaf – you can use Pythagoras to calculate how long this should be!

As far as wood material, that’s about it for each split rail fence gate you want to build.

Split Rail Fence Gate Hinges and Hardware

When you’re building something like a split rail fence gate, one of the toughest decisions you will have to make is what kind of hardware you’re going to use on your gate.

Because split rail fence gates usually aren’t commercially available, there’s no standard answer to this question, but there are a few good options you could consider.

Lag Screw and Eye Bolt Hinges

Wood Gate Hinges and Latches

Slam Lock Style Latches

Split Rail Fence Gate Upgrades

Know that you know how to build a split rail fence gate, you might be interested in some of the upgrades you can do to this kind of gate. These include:

• Adding mesh to your split rail fence gate so that it keeps animals and children in or out
• Adding a drop bolt to your split rail gate, so you can hold it in place in the open or closed position when needed
• Adding self closing hinges to your split rail gate, so that it will close automatically after use
• Automation – you can automate some kinds of wooden gates, provided they are built properly – but if you want to do this, we recommend speaking to a gate automation pro!

Split rail fence gates look great, they’re easy to build, and they get the job done. If you want to build one of these gates, download our design sketch so that you have a plan to get you started!