Building A Chicken Wire Gate: Framing Tips

Chicken wire is a versatile, inexpensive, and easily cut material that can be used to create a variety of gates for your home, yard, or garden. In this guide, we will walk through the steps to build a chicken wire wood frame gate, including measuring the gate area, assembling the wooden frame, attaching the chicken wire, and installing hinges. By following these steps, you can create a functional and durable gate to keep unwanted pests out of your garden or lawn.

Measure the gate area

Before you start building your chicken wire and wood frame gate, it's crucial to accurately measure the gate area. This step will determine the amount of chicken wire you need and the length of your wooden boards.

First, decide on the desired height and width of your gate. Mark this area clearly. Chicken wire usually comes in rolls that are 3 to 6 feet long, so you can decide how long you want your gate to be based on these standard measurements.

Next, you'll need to measure the area and cut your wooden boards to size. Cut four 1x1-inch boards to the height and width of your gate, adding a few extra inches to accommodate the hinges and ensure a snug fit. Angled cuts at the ends of the boards will allow them to fit together neatly like a picture frame.

Double-check your measurements before cutting, as an ill-fitting frame will be challenging to adjust later. Once you're confident in your measurements, cut the boards to size with a saw, ensuring straight and precise cuts.

With your boards cut to size, you can begin assembling your gate's frame. Place the wooden pieces together to form a rectangle or square, depending on your preferred design. Drill holes at each corner, fastening the boards together with screws. This will form the foundational frame of your gate.

Cut and assemble the wood

To build a chicken wire wood frame gate, you will first need to measure the gate area. The width of your doorway will determine the amount of chicken wire you will need and the length of your wooden boards. Mark four 1x1-inch boards according to your measurements. Cut the boards to the desired length and angle cut the ends so that they fit together like a picture frame.

Next, you will need to assemble the wood. Place the wooden pieces together to form a rectangular or square frame. On each of the four corners, where two pieces of lumber are at a right angle with each other, drill a couple of holes with a power drill. Drill from the outside of one piece and stop once you have drilled a bit into the adjacent piece. Drive a screw into each of the holes to secure the two pieces together. Repeat this process for the remaining three corners until all four posts are pieced together to form your frame.

Now, you will need to secure the diagonal crossbeam. Cut the fifth lumber piece the same way you did the others and place it diagonally, preferably from left to right. Screw the diagonal piece in place, so you now have a single rectangular or square frame with a diagonal crossbeam.

Before painting or attaching the chicken wire, you may want to build two lumber posts to support the gate's frame on both sides. Dig a small pit for each post, insert the wooden log or post to the desired height, and fix it by covering the hole and gaps with mud. Ensure the post is secure by inserting it about 2-3 feet into the ground.

You can now paint your frame if desired and let it dry before attaching the chicken wire and hinges.

Secure the frame

To secure the frame of your chicken wire wood frame gate, you will need to use screws. First, place your wooden pieces together to form a rectangle or square frame. Drill holes in each of the four corners, where two pieces of lumber meet at a right angle. Drill from the outside of one piece, stopping once you reach the adjacent piece. Drive a screw into each hole to secure the two pieces together. Repeat this process for all four corners until your frame is complete.

Next, cut a fifth lumber piece to the same length as the others and place it diagonally across the frame, preferably from left to right. Screw this piece into place, providing extra stability for your frame.

Now that your frame is assembled, you will need to attach the chicken wire. Cut the chicken wire to fit your frame, leaving a small gap of about 1/4 inch between the wire and the frame. Staple the chicken wire to the frame, starting at one corner and moving along the top and sides. Ensure the wire is taut and properly aligned as you staple to keep your gate square and reinforce the frame.

Finally, you can attach hinges to one side of the gate, allowing it to swing open and closed. Use T-hinges or double-acting barrel hinges, depending on your preference. Space the hinges approximately 1½ feet apart. With the hinges attached, your gate is now ready to hang.

Attach the chicken wire

Attaching the chicken wire is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to ensure a sturdy and durable gate. Here is a detailed guide on how to attach the chicken wire to your wood frame gate:

First, cut your chicken wire to size. Using wire cutters, measure and cut the chicken wire to fit your wood frame, leaving a small space of about ¼ inch between the edge of the chicken wire and the wood frame. This gap will be important for the stapling process.

Next, begin stapling the chicken wire to the frame. Starting at one corner, use two to three staples to secure the chicken wire, ensuring that it is attached to both the top and side of the frame. Holding the wire taut, move to the opposite corner and staple again. It is important to keep the wire tight as you work to ensure a neat finish and to prevent sagging.

Continue stapling along the top and sides of the frame, checking that the chicken wire is properly aligned and taut as you go. Be sure to staple securely, using multiple staples if necessary, as this will help reinforce your wooden frame and ensure the longevity of your gate.

Finally, trim any excess chicken wire or bend the sharp ends away from the edge of your gate frame. This will prevent the sharp ends from causing any injuries or accidental snags. Your gate is now ready to hang!

Remember, taking your time and ensuring proper measurements and tautness will result in a sturdier gate that will last longer.

Hang the gate

Now that you have built the wooden frame and secured the diagonal crossbeam, you are ready to hang the gate.

First, attach hinges to the gate. You can use T-hinges or double-acting barrel hinges, which allow the gate to be pushed open or closed from either side. Space the hinges about 1½ feet apart.

Next, fasten the hinges to the adjacent supporting post. Ensure that the post is securely fixed in the ground before hanging the gate. To do this, dig a small pit and insert the wooden post to a depth of 2-3 feet. Cover the hole and gaps with mud to secure it in place.

Once the hinges are attached to both the gate and the post, your chicken wire wood frame gate is ready to use!

You may also wish to add a wire brace to run from corner to corner on the gate to keep it from sagging over time.

Frequently asked questions