• Cross-braced wood gatewooden gate image by Kathy Burns from Fotolia.com
  
  When you build a fence, the last and most difficult piece to build will be the gate. The gate must look like the rest of the fence so that it doesn't stand out, but additional steps must be taken to ensure that the gate doesn't fall apart after a little use.
  
  

Size

• The outside measurements of the gate need to be exactly 1 inch smaller than the opening between the gate posts. This gives you a 1/2-inch opening on both sides of the gate, which will allow the gate to open and close smoothly. Construct the gate from the same material as the rest of the fence, and use the same dimensions as the rest of the fence to ensure a cohesive look.
  
  

Posts

• Proper post installation is required in order to ensure that the gate will remain upright and working. Even if the rest of the fence posts are set in the ground, gate posts need to be set in about 2 feet of concrete. For extra support, run a small channel of concrete between the posts. Take the time to ensure that the gate posts are perfectly straight, because even a slightly leaning gate post can cause problems later.
  
  

Hardware

• Use galvanized nails, screws, hinges and latches. If you don't, the metal pieces will start to rust within a few months of installation and will have to be replaced after a few years.
  
  

Frame

• Construct the gate frame out of 2 by 4s unless the gate is over 6 feet high, in which case you should use 2 by 6s for extra support. Ensure that the frame corners are all square, and start over if they aren't. Install one brace beam diagonally down the frame. The brace should start from the corner above where your latch will go and run to the opposite corner. This brace helps keep the frame from warping out of shape over time.
  
  

Latch and Hinges

• Install the largest hinges that are appropriate, because these will last longer before they start to show wear and tear. When you install the hinges and put up the gate, use wooden spacers to keep the gate about 2 inches off the ground. These spacers will free your hands to install the hinges, while ensuring that the gate is level. When you install your latch system, remember that unless your gate can be easily reached over, your latch needs to work from both sides of the gate.