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Building Custom Driveway Gates: A DIY Solution for Privacy and Style

Introduction

In a recent video from Woodop Diaries, Sher tackles a common issue faced by homeowners with private driveways: people mistaking them for public roads. Despite a sign, delivery drivers and passersby continued to venture down her gravel driveway, causing disruptions and damage. Her solution? Building custom cedar driveway gates. This article dives into her process, from planning and construction to installation, offering insights for anyone looking to undertake a similar project.

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Why Build Instead of Buy?

Sher considered purchasing pre-built driveway gates but found several drawbacks:

• Cost: Online options for the required width started at $2,500–$3,000, plus hefty freight shipping fees. In contrast, building her own cedar gates cost approximately $350–$400, including lumber and hardware—allowing her to replace them multiple times for the price of one pre-built set.

• Aesthetics: Most available gates were metal, but Sher preferred the warm, natural look of wood. She also couldn’t find a design she loved online.

• Size: Pre-built gates were often 6 feet tall, which she found excessive for her property. Shorter options looked cheap and weren’t more affordable.

Building her own gates allowed Sher to customize the design, save money, and create a solution tailored to her needs.

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Planning the Gates

She designed two gates that open in the middle, each half the width of her driveway. She opted for a 4-foot height to avoid the imposing look of taller gates. The primary material was cedar, chosen for its durability and aesthetic appeal. The design included a simple frame with a single diagonal brace for stability and a minimalistic look, inspired by a magazine design but adapted to her preferences.

Building the Gates

Materials and Tools

• Lumber: Cedar 2x4s and 2x8s for the frame, plus additional 2x4s ripped into 2x2s for slats.

• Hardware: Craig XL pocket hole jig and screws for strong joints, black metal brackets (straight and L-shaped) for added support, and heavy-duty gate hinges rated for over 900 pounds.

• Tools: Circular saw, router, pipe clamps, and a scale for weighing the gates.

• Finish: Cabbitt Australian timber oil for protection and color.

Construction Process

1. Frame Assembly:

   • She cut cedar 2x4s and 2x8s to size, creating two rectangular frames (one for each gate).

   • She used the Craig XL pocket hole jig and screws to assemble the frames, acknowledging potential criticism but standing by her choice for their strength.

   • To ensure squareness, she measured the frame’s diagonals, using pipe clamps to adjust any discrepancies before adding a diagonal 2×4 brace.

2. Diagonal Brace:

   • The diagonal brace was cut to fit from corner to corner, with ends trimmed at 90 degrees to align with the frame.

   • After test-fitting and confirming squareness, the brace was secured with screws. Sher intentionally oriented the diagonals to put compression on the bottom hinge, prioritizing aesthetics over potential long-term sagging risks, which she could address later if needed.

3. Slats:

   • She ripped 2x4s into 2x2s, cutting 12 per gate and trimming their ends at 45 degrees for a decorative touch.

   • The slats were spaced evenly across the back of each gate and secured with screws.

4. Finishing Touches:

   • A router was used to chamfer the edges of the end posts, though the cedar splintered slightly, requiring sanding.

   • Each gate weighed approximately 53 pounds, lighter than most pre-built options, making them manageable for installation.

5. Second Gate:

   • The second gate was built as a mirror image, with the diagonal brace oriented in the opposite direction for symmetry.

6. Protection:

   • Both gates received a coat of Cabot Australian timber oil to enhance durability and add a subtle color.

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Design Considerations

Sher debated a full “X” brace but chose a single diagonal for a cleaner look. She added black metal brackets (one straight along the top hinge side, one L-shaped at the bottom, and an additional straight bracket for proportion) to enhance both aesthetics and structural integrity.

Installing the Gates

Setting the Posts

• Sher dug two post holes for 6×6 cedar posts, spacing them to accommodate the gates, hinges, and a 2-inch gap between the gates.

• She set the posts with dry concrete, relying on natural moisture (and impending rain) to cure it, a method she’s used successfully despite criticism.

• A line level and string ensured the posts were level and square.

Hanging the Gates

• Heavy-duty hinges (rated for over 900 pounds) were attached to the gates with lag screws.

• The right gate was installed solo using spacer blocks to level it, with hinge holes marked and drilled into the post.

• The left gate, requiring more elevation due to the uneven driveway, needed an extra set of hands (Sher’s dad) to hold it steady during installation.

Additional Features

• Solar Lights: Small solar lights were added to the post tops for visibility, with plans to upgrade to stone columns later.

• Automatic Opener: A Ghost Control gate opener system was installed, requiring a trench for wiring. A keypad was mounted for visitor access.

• Fencing: To prevent bypassing the gates, Sher built a fence on both sides using 4×4 posts, 2×6 rails, and 1×4 cladding, with plans to stain it black once the treated wood dries.

Outcome and Reflections

The finished gates not only solved the problem of unwanted driveway traffic but also added a stylish, custom touch to Sher’s property. The project cost significantly less than pre-built options, and the gates’ lighter weight and tailored design met her needs perfectly. She is thrilled with the result, excited to decorate the gates seasonally, and relieved to check this project off her list.

Conclusion

Sher’s DIY driveway gates showcase the benefits of building over buying: cost savings, customization, and the satisfaction of a hands-on project. Her process—careful planning, practical construction, and thoughtful installation—offers a blueprint for homeowners looking to enhance their property’s privacy and curb appeal. For more DIY inspiration, check out Woodop Diaries’ upcoming projects.

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