A garden gate that sags, drags, or refuses to latch is one of the most persistent minor frustrations in a garden. The fix is almost always in the original design: most gates fail because they are not built with enough diagonal bracing.
The Most Important Rule: Brace Toward the Hinge
A timber gate sags under its own weight at the latch side over time. The cure is a diagonal brace running from the bottom of the latch stile up to the top of the hinge stile — in compression against gravity. Get this wrong and the diagonal will try to pull the gate into a parallelogram as it sags, actually accelerating the problem. Get it right and the brace holds the gate square indefinitely.
Choosing Timber and Building the Frame
Softwood (pine or spruce) is fine for a covered gate or one painted with exterior paint. For a gate exposed to direct weather and left oil-finished, use cedar, white oak, or a naturally durable hardwood. Lay your horizontal rails and vertical stiles flat on a level workbench. Cut the diagonal brace to fit snugly — it runs from the bottom corner of the hinge stile to the top corner of the latch stile. Pre-drill and glue each joint before screwing, using 75mm stainless screws. Attach the infill boards while the frame is still flat. Leave a 5mm expansion gap between boards — timber swells in wet weather. Check for square by measuring diagonally corner to corner before the glue sets.
Choosing Hinges and Mounting the Post
A gate this size needs two substantial hinges — at minimum 100mm strap hinges, ideally 150mm. Three hinges are better for a gate over 1.2m tall. Use coach bolts through the hinge stile rather than wood screws. The gate post must be set in concrete to at least a third of its total length. Allow 48 hours for the concrete to cure before hanging the gate.
FAQ
Why does my gate keep dropping at the latch side?
The diagonal brace is running the wrong way, or there is no brace. A brace must run from the bottom of the hinge post to the top of the latch post to work in compression against gravity.
What is the best latch for a garden gate?
A heavy-duty Suffolk latch is durable and easy to operate. For security, add a barrel bolt on the inside.
How do I stop wood from splitting when screwing near the ends?
Pre-drill a clearance hole slightly larger than the screw shank before driving. For screws within 50mm of any end grain, this is essential.
Can I build a gate without a workbench?
Yes — a flat concrete floor works well. The key requirement is that the surface is level so the gate does not dry in a twisted position.
How long will an unfinished cedar gate last?
A properly built cedar gate left to weather naturally will last 20 to 30 years. A coat of oil every few years extends life and keeps the wood from drying and checking.
See also: How to Protect Outdoor Wood Naturally and White Oak vs Cedar for Garden Projects.