- 1). Mark the position of the two side posts on the ground with spray paint.
- 2). Dig an 18-inch deep hole at both marked positions. The holes should be about 6 inches wide and 6 inches long.
- 3). Mix a thick batch of ready-mix cement with water with a shovel in a large tub. You want enough to fill each hole 1/3 of the way.
- 4). Place a 6-foot 4-by-4 post into each hole. If you select a post with a decorative head, it should be positioned upward. Because it will be subject to rot, use weather-treated wood.
- 5). Fill the holes around the posts with concrete. The thickness of the cement will allow the posts to stand without help.
- 6). Use a level to ensure that the posts are perfectly vertical as the concrete dries. Check the level every hour until the concrete has hardened.
- 7). Cut a piece of 1-inch plywood into a gate. It should be 4 feet tall with a width that is 1/2-inch less than the space between the posts. If desired, round the top for a more decorative gate.
- 8). Sand the surface of the gate and posts with 120-grit sandpaper and a palm sander. You don't have to go all the way to the concrete on the posts so long as the entire above-ground portion is sanded.
- 9). Brush wood stain in the color of your choice onto all three wood pieces. Wait the same amount of time for each before wiping off the excess with a rag. The wood will be darker the longer you wait before wiping the stain off.
- 10
Let the wood dry overnight. - 11
Fill in the holes the rest of the way with dirt. - 12
Place a 2-by-4 board flat on the ground between the posts. - 13
Rest the gate onto the 2-by-4, flush with the front side of the posts. - 14
Attach one side of the gate to its post with two strap hinges. Screw the hinges to the gate with 3/4-inch wood screws and to the post with 2-inch wood screws. - 15
Remove the 2-by-4. The gate can now swing back and forth, slightly above ground level. - 16
Attach a hook-and eye to the other side of the gate and its post to keep the gate closed. The gate will be low enough for adults to reach over and unhook it, but too tall for small children to do the same.
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