Gate advice.

[Folkpunk]

I agreed to build a double gate for a friend and would like to hear from those of you that have been there done that. The gate is 13' wide x 6' high, steel and wood. This is my initial idea for materials, any insight is welcome.


For posts 4x4x1/4 sq. tube (3' down in cement)
Frame 1x2 (14 gauge) rec. tube
barrel hinges
Thinking about angle iron to hold the cedar panels within the frames.

What is a suggested max weight for each door, and is 1/4 tube posts enough or too much?

Thanks.

[milomilo]

Each side is 6 1/2', so tube steel size is good. I would have the post hole 12" diameter, so should be good.

[stonebriar126]

The post on my gate is 5" x 1/2" 8' deep. It doesnt lean.

[Folkpunk]

Originally Posted by milomilo

Each side is 6 1/2', so tube steel size is good. I would have the post hole 12" diameter, so should be good.

Okay thanks! This being my first attempt at a gate are there any other pitfalls to look out for.

[Folkpunk]

Originally Posted by stonebriar126

The post on my gate is 5" x 1/2" 8' deep. It doesnt lean.

8 feet deep. How big is the frame it supports?

[milomilo]

Originally Posted by Folkpunk

Okay thanks! This being my first attempt at a gate are there any other pitfalls to look out for.

Keep the bottom of the gate 2"-3" off the ground so if there is a small sag the gate won't hit the ground.

[GWIZ]

It all depends on the soil. with 4x4" wood post they are 8' long and you sink them in 2'
hand post hole diggers will barely get 2' down. the deeper the hole prevents you from pulling the handled a-part and pull the dirt up.

Pictures are my design not my work
1/4" thick steel sunk in about 2' deep, plate welded on top for bolts.
figure it will take a long time for 1/4" to rust out.
I don't remember the pole thickness likely 1/8" figure if it rust out it can be unbolted and replaced.

best to have cement above ground level and angled so water does not build up around the steel post.

[CaddmannQ]

However big you think the hinges are? Make them one size bigger.