The Old Gate Had to Go — So I Built a Better One

It dragged every single time. That grinding sound, the effort just to get it open — I finally had enough. Rather than patch something that wasn’t worth saving, I decided to build a new gate from scratch using cedar pickets and a solid redwood frame.

The build:

I started by sanding down cedar dog-ear fence pickets until everything was smooth and ready to take a finish evenly. Then I applied Varathane Exterior Wood Stain in Dark Walnut — rich color, and the exterior formula means it’ll hold up through seasons of rain and sun.

For the frame, I used redwood 2x4s. Naturally rot-resistant and dimensionally stable, which matters a lot for a gate that needs to stay square over time. I checked every corner before fastening so it wouldn’t sag once hung.

After that, the old rusted gate came out, I cleared the posts, and hung the new one with a steel hardware kit — dialing in the clearance so it swings clean without touching the ground.

First swing confirmed it: smooth, solid, and level. Turned out better than expected.

Materials (all from Home Depot):

• Cedar Dog-Ear Fence Pickets
• Redwood 2×4 lumber
• Varathane Exterior Wood Stain — Dark Walnut
• Steel gate hardware kit

If your gate is fighting you every morning, don’t keep adjusting it. Just build something new.