Gate problems

[Joe Shmoe]

Hi folks.

I'm making some twin gates at the end of my friends garden that backs onto a muddy lane. They won't be anything flash, just as cheap and easy as we can get away with. Probably just a simple square-frame with a diagonal cross brace from the bottom hinge to the centre of gates. Feather-board will then be nailed to this frame.

The posts are 125x125 treated timber, and are 6ft above ground. Here is the problem - the gates need to be 1.5m wide, but the posts are only sunk into the ground by 24inches!!


1) Not ideal obviously, but do you think the posts will hold the weight of a 1.5m wide gate?

2) What size timber should I use for the frame as it will be a compromise between strength vs weight reduction ?

3) How should I join the basic square frame before I then nail the Feather-board on ?



Regards
Joe

 

[The Bear]

If you put a "cross bar" on the two posts, that will resist the forces that will want to pull them together.
Then you can nail barbed wire/gripper rod to the top of that to deter anyone climbing over. Legally think you will then need a warning sign but thats up to you

Mark

 

[JoinerySolutions]

Think about fitting Heavy Duty Gate Wheels to the gates, these will support the gate weight and ease opening them.
www.ironmongerydirect.com product code 12-073-K
If weight is a big issue cross brace them with a half lapped pair of braces, to aid against racking.
Mortice and tenon joints draw bored for joints including the braces.
HTH, Rob.

 

[Streepips]

1) Not ideal obviously, but do you think the posts will hold the weight of a 1.5m wide gate?

No, the posts are not deep enough. If you do not lose the height you need for the gates remove them and replace at least 3 foot deep. Or get longer posts and sink to depth and cut the posts to length then cap them.
Fix them in a good post mix with a few bricks or a breeze block at the foot.

2) What size timber should I use for the frame as it will be a compromise between strength vs weight reduction ?

3x2 with a 7x2 bottom rail,and a 4x2 brace.through morticed and tenoned with draw pegs
The 3x2 will be ample if the joints are good and the featherboarding will help stiffen it, as will long hinge straps
.
3) How should I join the basic square frame before I then nail the Feather-board on ?

As above, through mortice and tenon and draw pegs. ( As Rob also said)

Do not forget to treat all the cut faces of the timber.... Its only treated where you have not cut it.