Wood is softer and much easier to work when green, it can be easily split or cleft along the grain helping maintaining its natural strength. This is process is carried out using metal wedges, wooden wedges called gluts and then it can be cleaved into finer sections using a froe and a cleaving brake. The cleft sections are then shaped into the gate parts using a side axe. Sometimes the gate parts will then be worked with a drawknife to create a finer finish.

 Mortises will then be constructed in the gate uprights using a bit and brace and chisel. Final shaping of the rails is then carried out with the axe to ensure a tight fitting joint. Upon final assembly, all mortise joints are secured with a seasoned hardwood peg.