Which of the following is not used with wood gates?

• A. Gate stops
• B. Turnbuckle and heavy wire
• C. Thumb latches
• D. Horizontal bracing

Answer: (D)

Wood gates rely on hardware and bracing that keep the frame square and allow smooth operation. Gate stops limit how far the gate can swing so it doesn’t strike the post or adjacent fencing. A thumb latch provides a simple and reliable way to secure the gate from the user side. A turnbuckle with heavy wire is a tensioning method some installers use to help align or stabilize a gate, especially on rough terrain or where minor sagging occurs.

Horizontal bracing across the face of a wood gate isn’t used because it doesn’t resist lateral racking as effectively as a properly placed diagonal brace. A diagonal brace from the top hinge side to the latch side helps keep the gate square as it moves and settles, while horizontal bracing can interfere with hinge operation, cause binding, or trap moisture and promote rot. For these reasons, horizontal bracing is not employed on typical wood gates.