• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • HOME
  • DIY PROJECTS
    • baby
    • bags, totes & purses
    • gifts
    • harry potter
    • kids
    • printables
    • women
    • SEASONAL & HOLIDAY
      • winter
      • spring
      • summer
      • fall
      • gifts
    • HOUSE
      • decor
      • furniture
      • house projects
      • knock offs
      • rooms & tours
    • GIFTS
      • gift ideas
      • gift basket
  • PARTIES
    • pretty parties
    • pretty showers
    • party bars, buffets & stations
    • party DIYs
    • grazing platters
  • RECIPES
    • brunch
    • dessert & treats
    • drink recipes
    • main dishes
    • paleo recipes
    • salads
    • sides, dips & sauces
    • FREEZER MEALS
  • ABOUT
    • about us
    • contact us
    • disclosures
  • Sponsors

kojodesigns

make.it: rustic garden gate

August 23, 2011

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Loving the ladder trend means trying to incorporate it into our life (does that happen to you?). Since we’ve been meaning to add an official (read bigger and less ghetto) garden entrance, a Ladder Gate it was!

1. Cut your wood. First rip three 2×4’s in half. These will be your long posts (or ladder sides).

2. Using scrap wood, make a pile of 18″ long ‘rungs.’

3. Sand all edges.

4. “Distress” the wood (we banged it up with a hammer, scraped with nails and screws, and just generally roughed up the wood). Our inspiration was the distressed console Jon and Sherry made for Young House Love- they have an extensive tutorial on how to make new wood look old here.

5. Stain all wood pieces. We assembled two colors of stain (ebony and new american were the colors), a cup of water, a pile of foam brushes and an old rag. Using the water and stain in various combinations, we were able to achieve a variety of distressed looks. More specifically, sometimes we put water on the board first and then stain, sometimes we used just one kind of stain and wiped it off, sometimes we layered the two colors of stain.

6. Add a coat of polyurethane to seal the wood (especially important since this little structure will be permanently outside). As a side note, doesn’t the finished distressing look good?

7. Construct the side ladders first (attach the ‘rungs’ to the bottom half of the soon-to-be-ladder-sides). Then, assemble the top by evenly spacing the rungs across the entire length.

8. Once the sides and top are all assembled separately, anchor/set the sides at your desired location. Once they’re secure, attach the top (nail the sides and the top together).

9. Decorate with twinkle lights, hanging lanterns, climbing vines, etc. and ENJOY! Love your garden. Even more than you already do.

ps- This thing is great as a photo prop and is fantastic for party decor. Just a couple added bonuses.

decor 74 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Alicia says

    August 23, 2011 at 2:59 pm

    love it! what a sweet backyard you have….your garden back there looks great.

    Reply
  2. Bellenza Wedding Bistro says

    August 23, 2011 at 4:02 pm

    Such a creative idea! Can just see this as a backdrop for an outdoor wedding ceremony, or a trellis for any garden party!

    Reply
  3. thedistractedblogger says

    August 23, 2011 at 8:31 pm

    I love the way it finishes the garden area. Great project!

    Reply
  4. Alison@Oopsey Daisy says

    August 24, 2011 at 4:49 am

    This is amazing!! I love it!! Just pinned it!

    Reply
  5. Monica says

    August 25, 2011 at 10:08 pm

    This is a great idea! I totally love ladders too.

    Reply
  6. CraftCrave says

    August 30, 2011 at 4:03 am

    Just a quick note to let you know that a link to this post will be placed on CraftCrave today [30 Aug 01:00am GMT]. Thanks, Maria

    Reply
  7. CraftCrave says

    September 1, 2011 at 3:32 am

    Just a quick note to let you know that a link to this post will be placed on CraftCrave today [01 Sep 01:00am GMT]. Thanks, Maria

    Reply
  8. Abby@Gardeners Services London says

    August 25, 2016 at 6:30 am

    I also love the ladder trend and I find it so cool when incorporated in gardens! Love the lights, it’s so dreamy. I imagine this in a wedding ceremony. Thanks for the inspiration! Abby

    Reply
    • Kirstin says

      August 31, 2016 at 5:11 am

      Thanks Abby!

      Reply
  9. Taresa says

    January 16, 2017 at 8:03 pm

    I love this! But How did you secure it to the ground?

    Reply
    • Kirstin says

      January 17, 2017 at 11:01 am

      Hey Taresa- I honestly don’t remember (ACK! So long ago), but I think we used a post hole digger to put the four posts into the ground. Hope that helps!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Outdoor Lighting Love - Honeysuckle Life says:
    March 15, 2012 at 6:01 am

    […] Kojo Designs and About Patio […]

    Reply
  2. Home Sweet Home : détournement d’échelle au jardin | PLUMETIS Magazine says:
    June 8, 2012 at 11:43 am

    […] J’aime beaucoup l’idée d’en faire un portique (tuto fourni par KOJO DESIGNS). […]

    Reply
  3. Recycling or repurpose vintage wooden ladders | Make Create Do says:
    August 29, 2012 at 9:57 pm

    […] Ladders as a Rustic Gate […]

    Reply
  4. 17 Outdoor Lighting Ideas for the Garden | Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom says:
    December 6, 2014 at 1:05 am

    […] Photo Source How pretty would a lighted trellis be over our stone bench.  See how to make this one over at Kojo Designs. […]

    Reply
  5. 17+ Outdoor Lighting Ideas for the Garden | scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com says:
    November 30, 2015 at 8:42 am

    […] pretty would a lighted trellis be over our stone bench.  See how to make this one over at Kojo Designs. This Tiki Torch Display is so awesome and so doable! Source: Lowes Creative Ideas These […]

    Reply
  6. 13 Dreamy Ways to Use String Lights In Your Backyard - BHHS New England Properties says:
    June 16, 2016 at 7:51 am

    […] the tutorial at Kojo Designs […]

    Reply
  7. 20 Irresistible DIY Outdoor Lighting Ideas To Improve The Look Of Your Exterior | homedesignfind says:
    August 16, 2016 at 5:01 am

    […] Source […]

    Reply
  8. 20 Irresistible DIY Außenbeleuchtung Ideen zur Verbesserung der das Aussehen Ihres Außen - Art House Decor says:
    August 16, 2016 at 6:46 am

    […] Quelle […]

    Reply
  9. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler - BuzViral says:
    August 16, 2016 at 9:21 am

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  10. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler - FunnyModo - Funny Stories On The Net says:
    August 16, 2016 at 9:22 am

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  11. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler - Viral Bitz says:
    August 16, 2016 at 9:33 am

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  12. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler | 마이핫뉴스|MYHOTNEWS says:
    August 16, 2016 at 9:36 am

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  13. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler | Prang.Top - Your Best Stories On The Web says:
    August 16, 2016 at 9:54 am

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  14. 21 de BRICOLAJE Patio Proyectos Que Harán de Su Patio trasero Que Mucho más fresco says:
    August 16, 2016 at 9:58 am

    […] alt="Build yourself this simple pergola. ” […]

    Reply
  15. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler | Spot Gator says:
    August 16, 2016 at 12:01 pm

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  16. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler | Very Instant says:
    August 16, 2016 at 3:06 pm

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  17. ViperFUN » » 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler says:
    August 16, 2016 at 3:07 pm

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  18. 20 Irresistible DIY Outdoor Lighting Ideas To Improve The Look Of Your Exterior - Design Decor says:
    August 16, 2016 at 3:50 pm

    […] Source […]

    Reply
  19. Tetra Viral » » 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler says:
    August 16, 2016 at 4:04 pm

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  20. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler – IntelliViral says:
    August 16, 2016 at 4:32 pm

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  21. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler – BrickJam says:
    August 16, 2016 at 6:03 pm

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  22. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler – Viral Buzz says:
    August 16, 2016 at 8:03 pm

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  23. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler – Magnet Hot says:
    August 16, 2016 at 9:28 pm

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  24. SpinPing » » 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler says:
    August 16, 2016 at 10:03 pm

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  25. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler – Cosmic Yellow says:
    August 16, 2016 at 11:02 pm

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  26. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler | Bold Daily says:
    August 17, 2016 at 2:36 am

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  27. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler – Empire Vital says:
    August 17, 2016 at 3:05 am

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  28. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler – Basic Bull says:
    August 17, 2016 at 4:02 am

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  29. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler – Chill Spark says:
    August 17, 2016 at 6:02 am

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  30. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler – VitalJam says:
    August 17, 2016 at 6:06 am

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  31. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler – Key Popular says:
    August 17, 2016 at 6:07 am

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  32. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler | Blink Nova says:
    August 17, 2016 at 6:12 am

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  33. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler « Fribliss says:
    August 17, 2016 at 7:23 pm

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  34. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler - TrulyTimes says:
    August 31, 2016 at 8:54 pm

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  35. 10 Ways to Jazz Up Your Yard Without Spending a Fortune - Talk Soup Daily says:
    September 3, 2016 at 1:00 pm

    […] and can create a focal point or entryway for your yard. You could always buy one, or use this tutorial to make one […]

    Reply
  36. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler – DY126.com says:
    September 15, 2016 at 8:36 pm

    […] 18. Construct yourself this easy pergola . […]

    Reply
  37. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler – buy things safely says:
    October 30, 2016 at 6:53 pm

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  38. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler says:
    November 7, 2016 at 12:31 pm

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  39. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler – My Blog says:
    November 15, 2016 at 5:11 am

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  40. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler | TheBuzzKing says:
    December 16, 2016 at 5:08 am

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  41. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler | Viral Investor says:
    December 27, 2016 at 9:33 pm

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  42. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler – WOWrly says:
    March 5, 2017 at 10:00 am

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  43. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler | Welcome to Jessica's Blog! says:
    March 24, 2017 at 9:14 am

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  44. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler | My Dribble - Daily Articles About Nothing Specific says:
    April 7, 2017 at 9:03 pm

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  45. 15+ DIY Garden Decorations Ideas – Must Try – XTV says:
    April 15, 2017 at 9:15 pm

    […] make.it: rustic garden gate […]

    Reply
  46. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler | Welcome This Is Daniel Taylor! says:
    May 23, 2017 at 3:00 pm

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  47. 15+ DIY Garden Decorations Ideas – Must Try – Let’s Gardening says:
    May 30, 2017 at 11:04 pm

    […] make.it: rustic garden gate […]

    Reply
  48. 100 Cheap and Easy DIY Backyard Ideas - Prudent Penny Pincher says:
    June 4, 2017 at 11:10 am

    […] Rustic Garden Gate scrap wood + wood stain + polyurethane + string lights […]

    Reply
  49. 3 DIY Backyard Ideas to Beautify Your Outdoor Space says:
    July 19, 2017 at 9:13 am

    […] You can also create a dreamy, Instagram-worthy DIY garden gate that looks adorable and requires minimal woodworking skills. You build three ladder structures that will be fitted together to create a gate or entryway. You can use scrap wood, then distress and stain it for that rustic charm. Find full instructions on constructing your gate here. […]

    Reply
  50. 21 DIY Patio Projects That Will Make Your Backyard That Much Cooler | GOORAMA! says:
    July 28, 2017 at 9:50 pm

    […] 18. Build yourself this simple pergola. […]

    Reply
  51. 15 Awesome DIY Backyard Projects You Can Make in a Weekend – DIY Ideas says:
    January 20, 2019 at 3:48 am

    […] Instructions at Kojo Designs […]

    Reply
  52. 16 Stunning DIY Outdoor Lighting Ideas - Style Motivation says:
    January 30, 2019 at 1:09 pm

    […] Diy outdoor decor idea via kojo-designs […]

    Reply
  53. 10 DIY Garden Lighting Plans To Illuminate Your Space | IKITODIYHACKS says:
    February 1, 2019 at 8:21 am

    […] Tutorial: kojo-designs […]

    Reply
  54. How To Use String Lights To Create Fantastic Outdoor Setups - interior4you says:
    April 23, 2019 at 6:03 am

    […] Use outdoor string lights to decorate existing structures such as fences, pergolas or even a garden gate which, by the way, you can build yourself out of old ladders. It’s s fairly simple project which is described in detail in a tutorial featured on kojo-designs. […]

    Reply
  55. How To Use String Lights To Create Fantastic Outdoor Setups – Home Inspiration Ideas says:
    April 23, 2019 at 6:23 am

    […] Use outdoor string lights to decorate existing structures such as fences, pergolas or even a garden gate which, by the way, you can build yourself out of old ladders. It’s s fairly simple project which is described in detail in a tutorial featured on kojo-designs. […]

    Reply
  56. How To Use String Lights To Create Fantastic Outdoor Setups – Shawnee KS Homes and Lifestyle says:
    April 23, 2019 at 7:30 am

    […] Use outdoor string lights to decorate existing structures such as fences, pergolas or even a garden gate which, by the way, you can build yourself out of old ladders. It’s s fairly simple project which is described in detail in a tutorial featured on kojo-designs. […]

    Reply
  57. How To Use String Lights To Create Fantastic Outdoor Setups – A Luxury Bed – Silk Sheets Bedspreads Luxury Bedding says:
    April 23, 2019 at 2:08 pm

    […] Use outdoor string lights to decorate existing structures such as fences, pergolas or even a garden gate which, by the way, you can build yourself out of old ladders. It’s s fairly simple project which is described in detail in a tutorial featured on kojo-designs. […]

    Reply
  58. 10 wunderbare schöne Hinterhof-Beleuchtung-Ideen, um bald zu versuchen - Stilwelt says:
    May 29, 2019 at 4:28 pm

    […] Quelle […]

    Reply
  59. 15+ DIY Garden Decorations Ideas - Must Try - I Love DIY - How To DO iT YourSelf says:
    October 24, 2019 at 4:09 am

    […] make.it: rustic garden gate […]

    Reply
  60. 3 Ways To Level Up Your Lawn Decor - Home Decor Frames says:
    August 2, 2020 at 8:43 am

    […] around a wooden pole is a great way to get a whimsical vibe, or you could hang globe lights from a homemade pergola for a more upscale look. Even wrapping Christmas lights around the trees in your yard can be […]

    Reply
  61. 10 Awesome Beautiful Backyard Lighting Ideas to Try Soon ~ Matchness.com says:
    August 18, 2020 at 1:21 am

    […] Source […]

    Reply
  62. 50 DIY Patio Lights to Brighten Your Outdoor Area - Home Improvement Cents says:
    November 7, 2020 at 12:37 am

    […] and lighten your outdoor area with this arbor-like structure. By placing two ladders upright and one ladder on top of them, you can create a garden gate for […]

    Reply
  63. 85 Easy and Cheap DIY Garden Projects » DIY Crafts says:
    June 12, 2021 at 6:10 am

    […] Make also gorgeous rustic garden gates quickly and without getting expensive and spice up the garden entrance! Go handmade with recycled wooden lengths and planks and build the U-shape frame of the gate and next decorate it with the hanging lanterns and LED lights and that’s it! Get inspired by the given lovely sample! kojo-designs […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Copyright © 2023 · kojodesigns · Design by Bloom

Copyright © 2023 · Darling on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in