WOOD GARDEN GATES #32

This Garden Gate is Base Price – 4% (W/O Pattern Blocks)
Base Price + 6% and up (With Pattern Blocks)
Go to Base Price Table

(With Pattern Blocks as shown)

Gate #32 arrives as a simple vertical picket style embellished by the structural necessity of the versatile Pattern Block.

Mill Valley, CA

Garden gate #32-6 shown with the accompanying Driveway Gate #4, Fence Panels #16, and a pair of lighted post columns.
Rocky Mountain latch E414

Mill Valley, CA

The side entry gate with open pickets, flanked by Panel style #16.

Rocky Mountain latch E414

Monterey, CA
(With Pattern Blocks as shown)

Wood gate #32-7 shows a more linear layout of the Pattern Blocks

Monterey, CA

We’ll devote 3 images to this Gate #32-7.

Beginning with the functionality of dual entry points and the resulting indecision that must present itself with unaware visitors. Left? Right? Or, for the overwhelmed, the stagnation of inertia.

A pleasant and symmetrical entry. But how can we improve it? Perhaps a visual stimulus to occupy the center vertical section of block. Ideally a tier of short planters designed as a single unit that can be mounted against the block to encompass this center vertical column of block. Plantings that draw the eye on first glance, while providing some warmth to the entry.

Monterey, CA

From a designer’s eye, there’s a symmetry at work; the cold hard abruptness of block walls eased with a decorative pattern, and ultimately warmed by the inclusion of a woodworker’s intimacy.

The result is . . . interesting. As opposed to, say, a straight-lined block wall interrupted by a single entry gate.

A second level of invitation would be a series of low planters set atop all three walls. The picket gates are not busy; a fairly sparse design that compliments the equally sparse garden landscaping. 

Monterey, CA

Showing the minimalist layout of the pattern Blocks. Each picket is joined on at least one edge by the stabilizing Pattern Block, with the least aesthetic impact.

Block walls: If supporting the swing load of a gate, block walls require steel re-bar and concrete to strengthen their vertical integrity. Do not stack the block with only mortar, and empty cavities.

(With Pattern Blocks as shown)

Wood Gate #32-5 in a taller version with multiple Pattern Blocks.

Palo Alto, CA

Picket Gate #32-5 flanked by the fence panel #16
Rocky Mountain latch E358
Finish: WoodRX ‘Teak’

Healdsburg, CA (Sonoma County)

The gate #32-9 in Sonoma County, with a series of Fence Panels #16.

Let’s make this note: 95% of the photos so kindly shared with us are photographed prior to establishing a fully mature landscape. To revisit any of these sites 10 years later is to witness an almost unrecognizable setting.

Healdsburg, CA (Sonoma County)

So perhaps, decades from now, with the arrival of an anticipated retirement at age 91, Charles might break from traditional choices (two-week group tours of Europe) and instead embark on a multi-year, multi-state road trip of long-forgotten commissions around the country that would serve no real purpose at all, beyond how at 91, if you stop, if you pause, you might likely never get started again.

(W/O Pattern Blocks)

Wood gate #32 with flanking panels style #16. The continuous picket style is best relegated to 60″ maximum heights. Beyond this and the pickets are endeared to a higher risk of bowing and warping. The introduction of Pattern Blocks, not only stabilizes the picket alignment, but creates an element of design.

Dallas, Texas
(W/O Pattern Blocks)

Aproaching the patio courtyard of this Dallas residence. Because it is such a contained space, the more open design of the picket fence gate style #32 and the Fence panel style #16 manages to give the area a lighter, more airy element of privacy.

San Rafael, CA
(W/O Pattern Blocks)

In a setting such as this, in Marin County, California, the original Gate style #32 was designed to create a courtyard enclosure, while maintaining the openness of the landscape beyond.

San Rafael, CA

A rough opening width of 6′ between stucco pillars offers an option of either a double gate; a double off-set gate; or a single gate with two narrow flanking panels.

To learn more about Double Off-Set Gates

San Rafael, CA

The single gate viewed upon approach into the courtyard.

San Rafael, CA

The single wood gate and panels viewed upon approach into the courtyard.
Shown at 60″ ht from grade.

(With Pattern Blocks)

Wood gate #32-2 as a double Outdoor Gate at only 38″ ht. Although the Pattern Blocks are not structurally necessary, they offer a simple, but signatory edge to the gates.

Sebastopol, CA
(With Pattern Blocks)

Wood Gate #32-3 in Sonoma County, CA. Shown with Fence style #16 and Pattern Blocks

PROGRESS
How do I build a wood gate?

Charles, in the old Sebastopol shop with the first prototype of wood fencing gate style #32.
circa 1994