Arched Cedar Gate with 2" Privacy Pickets.
When I was asked to build an arched cedar gate on white bricks, I was pretty relieved. I needed something new and challenging. During the Memphis summer, basic wooden gates can get a little mundane. Lucky for me, the client already had a similar arched gate off his back porch.
This gave me a good head start on the design. But I still needed to shrink the measurements and draw a shorter arch. Simple, right? Well, the ground has a little grade and the gap between the pillars is wider at the top (by 1 1/4″). I mean, it’s kind of expected in this business. So I had to do a little math and see how I was going to piece this thing together.
Building the Arched Cedar Gate.
After getting the green light on the estimate, I needed to find some good cedar. This was a lot more difficult than I planned. When it was all said and done, material and paint cost about $500. I ended up ripping some 1×6″x8′ cedar into 2″ and 1 3/4″. to fit the uneven width of the gate design. It was a little time consuming but better than over paying for slim cut cedar.
To be honest, this project took a lot of brain power. But it adds up when you think through custom work. For example, I didn’t drive the screws in all the way during assembly. I had to make some adjustments and didn’t want to leave holes. It was tough to flip back and forth for the arch, but I’m glad I did it.
Speaking of the Arched Top..
When it came to cutting the arch, I simply laid down some 1×6″ cedar between the pickets and tied my pencil to a shoestring. After drawing a few different arches, I highlighted the path that I thought would look best between the brick pillars. The sides of the gate were perfect and I knew I could always cut some off the bottom if it was too high.
Poor Gate Hardware Options Online.
While the gate fit perfectly, we struggled to find hardware to match the other arched wooden gate. I also needed to determine how he wanted the new gate hung. If we mounted it on a 4×4″ post in the center of the brick, it would diminish 7″ of the gateway. Even pivot hinges left a gap. So, I wanted to pause and let him think about it.
After viewing a Pinterest board I sent him, the client decided to swing the arched cedar gate from the back of the wall. I think it’s really what he wanted all along. He just needed help eliminating options. We eventually settled on Home Depot’s “best” T hinges and a black latch handle.
The Final Touches of the Wood Gate Install.
The hinges were a little more difficult to mount on the skinny side of the gate. I had to add a few cedar pieces in between the pickets and behind the hinges for support. At the same time, the gate looks really sharp from both sides. It was worth flipping the thing back and forth a few times.
I still needed to drill a hole through the cedar for the latch and caulk up the corners before priming the gate.
Finishing the Arched Cedar Gate.
After painting this thing, an unexpected Mid South storm rolled though and washed away some of the paint. It’s safe to say I was glad when the arched cedar gate was finally done. This project definitely took a lot out of me, in the Memphis heat, but it’s been one of my favorite builds.
“Don’t ask for a light load, but rather ask for a strong back.”
– Anonymous
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew. My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight..
Proverbs 3:3-21
