The Moon Gate: Creating a Celestial Portal
Every commission begins with a spark, but this project began with a particularly enchanting request. The contract didn’t just ask for a gate; it asked for a “bejeweled curiosity portal that invites you into a secret garden”.
My client wanted a piece that felt like a hidden entry, drawing you in from the street and hinting at the sanctuary behind the vines. Specifically, they requested an emphasis on moon phases, eventually narrowing the design down to a crescent motif chosen by their daughter.
Best of all, this project was right here in my own neighborhood in Durham, allowing me to build something special for my own community.
Designing the Uninterrupted Circle
To achieve that “portal” effect, the design relies on a seamless, uninterrupted circle formed between the top rail of the gate and the wooden archway tucked into the existing fence.
Visually, this creates a complete celestial frame that acts as a lens into the garden. Practically, it required precise geometry. I used a single template to shape both the gate’s top rail and the laminated arch above it, ensuring the curves matched perfectly to create that continuous line.
Built to Last: Blending Tradition with Modern Precision
While the design is whimsical, the construction is serious. A garden gate faces the harshest elements — sun, rain, and constant movement. To ensure this piece would stand the test of time, I chose Western Red Cedar, a wood renowned for its resistance to rot and its beautiful, warm glow.
For the joinery, I utilized a hybrid approach that offers the best of both worlds. I combined the modern precision of the Domino XL system with the ancient strength of drawbore joinery.
The Technique: A "drawbore" joint involves driving a wooden pin through slightly offset holes in the mortise and tenon. As the pin is driven in, it pulls the joint visibly tight, mechanically locking the wood together.
The Result: A self-tightening, incredibly durable joint that stays secure even if the glue were to fail years down the road.
Hand-Carved Details
The soul of this gate lies in the details. I hand-carved the phases of the moon across the top rail, using gouges to scoop out the texture of the craters and surface. Carving is an intimate process; you have to listen to the grain and let it guide your hand.
To make these details pop against the warm cedar, I painted the moon phases with White Linseed Oil Paint mixed with a zinc oxide additive for extra outdoor protection. The result is a rhythmic curve that nods to time, change, and texture.
Installation Day
Installation is always the moment of truth. Because this was a local project, I was able to pre-assemble the arched jamb in my shop.
To further protect the piece, the jamb posts don't touch the ground directly. I slid pieces of shale that match the client’s rock wall underneath each post, preventing moisture wicking and rot. The final touch was installing the hardware: a solid brass medallion, a playful ring latch, and sturdy hinges that allow the gate to swing freely with a satisfying feel.
The Outcome
The finished Moon Gate is more than just a barrier between the street and the yard. It is a handcrafted invitation—a pause in the fence line that turns a functional entry into a moment of contemplation.
Does your garden need an entrance that feels less like a gate and more like a portal? Whether you have a specific design in mind or need help visualizing a new threshold for your home, I’d love to help you build it.
