How should wood bracing be attached on a gate?

• A. Diagonally with the bottom at the hinge side
• B. In a crisscross pattern
• C. Diagonally with the top at the hinge side
• D. Horizontally

Answer: (A)

When a gate swings and bears weight, it tends to rack and sag in the opening. A diagonal brace placed with its bottom end on the hinge side and the top toward the latch side creates a triangle that resists that rotation. In this orientation the brace works in compression as the gate loads, helping push the latch side back toward the frame and keeping the gate square and level. This setup also better withstands wind and weight than other orientations.

Installing the diagonal with the top on the hinge side would put the brace into tension under load, which is less effective for preventing sag. Horizontal bracing doesn’t counteract racking, and a crisscross pattern isn’t necessary for a single gate and can complicate operation.