How to Build a Japanese Torii Gate

Japanese Torii gates are traditional gates seen at the entrances of shrines and temples. A Torii gate symbolizes the gateway to a spiritual or tranquil place. Make one for your yard as an accent piece over a path or at an entrance to a garden. Read on to learn how to build a Japanese Torii gate.

Cut a 45-degree angle in the end of the 8-foot long board.

Sand the posts and boards until they are smooth.

Paint the wood. The most common color for Torii gates is red but use any color that works with the colors of your yard. The paint needs to be dry before you continue with the project.

Measure 8 inches from the top of the posts. Draw a 2 1/4-by-4 1/4 inch rectangle at each spot. Cut a hole with a jig saw to match the measurements drawn in the posts. The holes need to go all the way through the posts.

Lay the posts on the ground. They need to be 5 feet and 3 inches apart with the holes facing the side.

Slide the 7 foot 6 inch board through the holes in the posts. Bolt the board to the posts with a coach screw. Use one on each post.

Find the middle of the 7 foot and 6 inches board. Measure 2 inches out from the middle on both sides. Mark the spots.

Attach the 1-by-4 boards to the posts on the marks. Use one coach screw per post.

Place the 7 foot 8 inch board on the posts. Make sure the board is centered across the 1-by-4 boards. Attach the boards using one in each board.

Center the 8 foot 10 inch boards on the gate. Attach them with two screws centered in each post.

Dig the post holes at least 2 feet deep and 1 1/2 feet wide.

Lift the gate into the holes. Have at least two other people help you lift the gate and drop it into place.

Wedge the support boards against the gate and ground.

Pour concrete into each hole to hold the gate up.

Allow the concrete to dry. Cover the concrete with dirt.