Fences constructed of welded wire mesh are inexpensive and effective barriers for containing your pets and protecting your garden. Building a wire mesh gate to complete the fence is a straightforward project that can be completed in a couple of hours. The gate has two essential components: a rectangular wooden frame and wire mesh infill. The frame is constructed with mitered corners for long-lasting stability. Once the corners are braced, the wire mesh is simply stretched over the frame and stapled in place. No special tools or advanced knowledge of carpentry are needed to complete this project.
Instructions
1. Measure and note the distance between the gateposts. Subtract 1 inch from that distance to calculate the width of the gate and length of the rails of the gate frame. Decide the height of the gate. For continuity in appearance, the gate is typically built to the same height as the fence. Subtract 2 inches from the height of the gate to determine the length of the stiles. This will provide clearance at the bottom of the gate, making it easier to open and close.
2. Set the chop saw to make 45-degree cuts. Place a 2-by-4-inch plank on the saw table, with the 4-inch-wide surface horizontal and securely held against the guide fence. Trim the end of the plank to make a mitered cut. Remove the plank. Measure and mark the length of the rail on the longest side of the plank. Cut the plank at 45 degrees so the cut ends are convergent, not parallel. Measure, mark and cut the second rail, identical to the first. Measure, mark and cut two planks to the length of the stiles.
3. Divide the length of the shortest framing member by two. This dimension will be the length of the longest side of the diagonal braces for your frame. Place a 1-by-4-inch plank on the saw table, with the 4-inch-wide surface horizontal and securely held against the guide fence. Trim the end of the plank to make a mitered cut. Remove the plank. Measure and mark the length of the brace on the longest side of the plank. Cut the plank at 45 degrees so the cut ends are convergent. Repeat to measure, mark and cut four braces.
4. Arrange the gate frame like a rectangular picture frame on a flat surface, with the rails and stiles meeting to create mitered corners. Position a corner brace so it is centered on the outside of one mitered corner. Use a drill and driver bit to screw the brace to the ends of the rail and stile, securing the mitered joint. Repeat to join the other three corners.
5. Position the wooden braces across the corners of the frame, aligning the cut edges of the braces with the edges of the frame. Use a carpenter's square to square the first corner. Screw the wooden brace to the frame with three evenly spaced wood screws in each rail and stile. Repeat to square and brace the other three corners. Turn the frame over.
6. Cut a piece of welded wire mesh with wire cutters so it is larger than the frame. Drape the mesh over the frame. Arrange the mesh so that wire intersections are positioned over the framing members. Attach the wire mesh to one rail by positioning a poultry staple diagonally across each wire intersection and hammering it into the frame. Once the mesh is securely affixed to the first rail, ask an assistant to grasp and stretch the wire mesh across the frame. Affix the stretched wire mesh to the opposite rail. Securely attach the wire mesh to the stiles.
7. Trim excess wire mesh from the outside of the frame, using a wire cutter. Use needle-nose pliers to curl the ends of the wires so sharp ends are not exposed.
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