Turn a broken gate into a rustic outdoor table

Step 2 Constructing the frame

First I cut all the timber to length

Legs: 30 inches
Rails: 72 inches (6ft)
Cross members: 34 inches

The top was laid out on the floor of the garage and screwed together using 4" long screws (also salvaged from the gates). Next the legs were attached with 4" screws and then right angle nail plates were added for re-enforcing.

Finally the hinges were added, mostly for decorative reasons, but also to stiffen the corners.

Comments

[jhines0042]

Did you prime or otherwise seal the cut portions of the wood to prevent future rot from occurring?

[Layout]

Colorado is a pretty dry climate and I have no concerns with future rot so I didn't bother with sealing or treating the timber. If you are building in a wetter climate then sealing might be necessary, but even untreated it would still take a significant period of time for rot to become an issue.

The only reason the posts rotted is because they were constantly exposed to water where they met the concrete footer. Whoever built the fence neglected to slope the concrete away from the base of the post.

[jhines0042]

Well you did a good job repurposing your gate.  Enjoy it!