Which way a fence gate brace goes — bottom hinge corner up to the top latch corner
The #1 gate mistake: a wood brace only works in compression. Run it from the bottom hinge corner up to the top latch corner so the weight loads into the bottom hinge. Run it the other way and the brace is in tension — the gate sags and won’t latch.
What this diagram shows
Two fence gate frames compared. On the left (wrong), the diagonal brace runs from the top hinge corner down to the bottom latch corner, which puts the wood brace in tension; wood cannot resist tension, so the latch corner droops and the gate sags and drags. On the right (correct), the brace runs from the bottom hinge corner up to the top latch corner, putting it in compression so the gate’s weight is carried down into the bottom hinge and the gate stays square. A wood gate brace only works in compression.
Fence Calculator
Instantly calculate fence posts, rails, pickets, concrete & cost for wood, vinyl & chain link. IRC post-spacing standards. Free, no signup required.
