A 4 x 3 ft 2x4 gate with vertical bars 8 in apart, so kids pass and does do not.
Draft plan, generated from the model. Not yet build-tested.
48 x 36 inPanel
7.8 inGap
4Bars
2 hrBuild time
$32.31Materials
Drawings All dimensions in inches
3D viewfinishedFront elevationRight elevationPlan viewfrom above
Cut list: lumber Long-point lengths; angles noted
Qty
Stock
Length
Part
Cut
4
2x2
33
Bar
1
2x4
45
Rail top
laid flat
1
2x4
45
Rail bottom
laid flat
1
2x4
36
Stile left
on edge
1
2x4
36
Stile right
on edge
Lumber cutting diagram Lengths chosen for the lowest cost; 1/8 in kerf, 1/2 in end trim
2x2 x 8 ft
Bar 1 33Bar 2 33
2x2 x 8 ft
Bar 3 33Bar 4 33
2x4 x 8 ft
Rail top 45Rail bottom 45
2x4 x 8 ft
Stile left 36Stile right 36
Shopping list $32.31 checked / $0.00 estimated
Item
Store
Qty
Each
Line
Note
2x2x8 furring strip
Home Depot
2
$2.97
$5.94
see lumber cutting diagram
2x4x8 stud, SPF
Home Depot
2
$4.15
$8.30
see lumber cutting diagram
Exterior wood screws #9 x 2.5 in, 1 lb box
Home Depot
1
$11.47
$11.47
Galvanized 6 in strap hinge, each (5-pack $32.99)
Home Depot
1
$6.60
$6.60
gate
Total before tax
$32.31
Filled dot: price read from a store listing on Oct 20, 2026. Hollow dot: estimate. Prices come from the master price list, so they change when it changes.
Build steps
Cut two stiles and two rails from 2x4s, and the 2x2 bars to 33 in.
Screw the rails between the stiles to make a 48 x 36 in frame.
Mark the bars 7.8 in apart and screw each through the rails with two 2.5 in screws, so there is a clear gap of 7.8 in.
Hang it as a gate in the creep area fence, with a latch and a strap hinge, or screw it to posts.
Before you start
The gaps are 7.8 in: kids at 4 to 8 weeks pass through, does do not. Test the gap with a doe's shoulders before you screw it down.
Put the creep feeder (grain, alfalfa pellets) behind the gate. Check that the kids are not stuck.
Draft drawings generated from the model. Build one before selling this plan.