How to Build Livestock Gate

Livestock gates are needed all over the farm. They are used primarily to allow access to pastures, stalls and riding pens. Making your own gates from 2-by-6s only takes a short amount of time and materials. These instructions are for a 4-foot by 8-foot gate, so you may need to alter the dimensions for your gate.

Things You'll Need

  • (4) 2-by-6 boards
  • (1) 2-by-6 board
  • Saw
  • Screws
  • Drill
  • Tape measure
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Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Cut four 2-by-6 boards in 4-foot lengths. Mark as "A". These will be used as the sides of the gate.

    • 2

      Cut four 2-by-6 boards in 8-foot lengths. Mark as "B". These will be used as the rungs of the gate.

    • 3

      Cut one 2-by-6 board 9 feet in length. Mark as "C". This is the cross-brace of the gate.

    Construction

    • 4

      Lay two "A" boards flat on the ground. Measure and mark (starting from the top) 19 3/4 inches (point D) and 34 inches (point E) on both boards.

    • 5

      Screw the four "B" boards into the two "A" boards. The top "B" should be flush with the top edge of the two "A" boards. The second "B" will be at point D. The third "B" will be at point E. The fourth "B" will be flush with the bottom of both "A" boards.

    • 6

      Lay the other two "A" boards over all of the "B" boards and directly over the first two "A" boards. Drill the "A" boards down. This will sandwich the rungs of the gate in between the sides of the gate.

    • 7

      Lay "C" diagonally across the "B" boards. Trace the angle the "C" needs to be cut to fit on top of the "B" boards and inside the "A" boards.

    • 8

      Cut "C" according to your marks. Use a drill to screw "C" into the top and bottom "B" boards.