After having to constantly open the main gates in order to just walk outside for any given reason, I decided that an entry door of some sort would be appropriate to allow for foot traffic so the main gate can remain untouched during all those episodes. What I did decide on was to use a part of the existing fence to construct the door. This would involve sinking another post across from a corner post where I will be making the door. From there I'll cut out the section of fence, creating an opening that will then be closed in with the constructed door, which isn't as simple as just slapping some hinges on the gate panel. The first thing I did after securing the end of the fence to the new post was take a section of 2x8 board, cut to 6ft, and secure it to the post and to the ends of the 2x4's on the fixed fence panel. This will create the backing that will hold the hinges to the door. I also took the section of fence and attached a 6ft length of 2x4 to one end. This end will be the hinged end. With the board on the panel I attached the hinges, hanging the panel in place. I added another 6ft length of 2x8 to the other side of the opening, against the corner post. This side will be the latching side for the door knob. To keep this side from swaying due to the fact that the post is weak at the base, I added a 2x4 across the top. Since the posts are topping at a little more than 6ft, there's no threat to either of us hitting our heads coming through this opening, can't say the same for anyone taller than 6ft. I ended up having to trim the fence panel turned door so I can add another 6ft length of 2x4 to the other end of the panel and be able to close the door with the latch end being flush with the door. This is to ensure the latch on the door knob catches solidly. After adding a 6ft length of 2x4 to one side of the cut fence panel piece, the panel is hung with three large hinges. Afterward, measurements were taken to trim the excess from the panel, allowing me to add another 6ft 2x4 to the other side of the panel and be able to close the door properly with minimum gap between the 2x4 and 2x8 boards. Another 2x4 is added across the top to add rigidity to the latch side of the fence as the post there is weak at the base. Now this is where the meat and potatoes comes in. I had to start fitting the door knob in this oddball location, which was never intended to accommodate a door knob. I started off with drilling a hole with a spade drill bit to accommodate the latch. From there I drilled another shallow hole in the 2x8 and attached the plate for the latch, testing that to ensure things caught solidly. Next I started fitting the door knobs, looking at what I would have to add to allow me to install the door knob assembly close to the proper way it was designed to be installed. After some fitting I found that I would have to cut and install a piece of 2x wood, cut from a salvaged piece of 2x6 This piece would have a notch cut out that will accommodate the door knob mechanism which has to rotate in the opening, while also accommodating the latch mechanism. Later on to get both sides of the door knob to meet flush with each other, I had to cut a circular hole in the picket on the outside of the door, allowing the lock end of the door knob base to be recessed into the hole. This brought the outer half of the door knob close enough to allow the inner half to meet all the way while against the cut 2x board. With some minor adjustments, I got the door knob/latch to operate smoothly while latching solidly. A piece of wood cut from a salvaged 2x6 is cut to fit the door knob assembly inside the area where the latch mechanism is located. This board will go in and out several times before the openings are cut to a satisfactory size to accommodate the door knob internals. The block is held in place with wood screws from the outside while being held with a small angle brace on the inside. With the new gate door completed, we can now move in and out smoothly, especially if we're already outside of the gate and need to go back in for something last minute. There's no need to fight the gate just to run in and grab a hat. With the door I will also be spreading gravel to create a path in front of the door going to the road, as well as creating an embankment so we don't have the dip right at the side of the road that can be wet when it rains. I can also add a light and even a doorbell camera. I will also look at relocating the package drop off crate and signs to the other side of the door, keeping things nice and close together.
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