Introduction: ON MY HONEY-DO LIST SINCE 2017
The Gate of Wrath.
We moved into our house on Oct. 31, 2017. We have a little rescue dog. A Yorkie. Her name is Pixie. To keep her from getting out, this was one of the first things Wifey put on my Honey-Do List. Originally, the warpage was blocked by a small piece of wood. Over time, the gate warped more. I kept upping the thickness of the wood I wedged in the gap. Eventually I was using a 4 x 4 block. Then we added another rescue to our menagerie. We named her Bunny Mouse because she hopped around the yard like a bunny and squeaked like a mouse. She's a Chihuahua/Mini Pincher mix. She started out very small. Then her legs began to grow. And one day I was curious about what got our two cats, Smoochy and Snickers, so excited out the side window. When what to my wondering eyes should appear? A miniature dog with long legs. There was Bunny Mouse out of the yard. It was time to build a new gate.
Step 1: THE ESCAPE ARTIST
Here is Bunny Mouse in all her long-legged glory.
Step 2: THE PLANS
I jotted down all the measurements on the existing gate.
Step 3: MATERIALS AND TOOLS
I used pressure treated 2 x 4s and standard fencing pickets from Lowe's.
The tools used were few. My miter saw, pocket hole jig, drill, screws, socket set, and, of course, my tape measure.
Step 4: THE FRAME
Pocket screws were used to build the frame.
Step 5: DOUBLE THE FUN
It is a double-sided gate and fence system. I took my time measuring the spacing on both sides. Exterior deck screws were used to secure all the pickets. It weighed a ton. I couldn't lift it. I contemplated "walking" it around the house to the backyard like the Rapa Nui of Easter Island moved the Moai stone heads. In my youth, I could've finagled the fence around the side of the house and installed it, but as I am just two months shy of becoming three-quarters of a century old, I called my two sons for help. Needing only one of them, my youngest agreed to help.
Step 6: MY SON HELPED
I loaded it in the back of the car and drove around to the backyard. My son and I took off the warped gate and installed the new one.
Step 7: DONE!
It only took me 2 1/2 years to be able to check this off my Honey-Do list.
Step 8: WELCOME TO MY WORLD...
Welcome to my world.
Won't you come on in?
Miracles, I guess, still happen now and then.
Step into my shop.
Leave your cares behind.
Welcome to my projects.
Built with you in mind.