What size post should I use for a gate?

Post size: As a rule of thumb for free-standing posts, use 100mm x 100mm (4″ x 4″) lumber for narrow gates up to 1200mm (4ft) high, use 125mm x 125mm (5″ x 5″) posts for narrow gates 1800mm (6ft) high, and use at least 150mm x 150mm (6″ x 6″) posts for wide gates.

Is a wooden or metal gate better?





Style-wise, both wooden and metal gates can suit a wide variety of designs, so it is up to your personal tastes which one you prefer. If you are looking for a more secure home, you may choose a metal gate, however if you live in a busy neighbourhood and need more privacy, a wooden gate might be the best choice.

How do I support a post with heavy gate?

A cross brace between the posts, and importantly, on each gate panel will reduce the likelihood of sagging. Three hinges to take the weight. Also, general rule is to put 1/3 of the posts into the ground, with the holes 3 to 4 times the diameter of the posts.

How deep should a metal gate post be?

Depth of the hole needs to 1/4 the size of post length. Therefore, a standard 8ft length post would need a 2ft deep hole. 3: Now the hole has been dug, fill the base of the hole with a mix of the Fast Set Concrete. The depth of the concrete at this stage to be one to two inches.

How thick should a gate post be?

For both Driveway and Country style gates, the posts will need to be concreted in, a minimum of 600mm (2′) in the ground. We recommend using PostMix, allowing 2 bags per hole.



Suggested posts sizes.

Gate length Post size
1.5 -2.1m 150 x 150mm
2.4 – 3.0m 175 x 175mm
3.30 – 3.6m mm

Should I use 6×6 for gate posts?





If your gates are wooden, they will sag1. Even if your gates are metal, they may sag. I would recommend 6×6 if you can manage to find a friend, but I would also recommend you sink them 3ft into the ground if they’re 6ft tall above ground.

Are wooden gates cheaper than metal?

Price – Wooden gates are relatively inexpensive compared with other materials. This can be especially important if you have a particularly large property and need a lot of wooden fencing to cover it.

How long do metal gates last?

In general, metal is a great choice because it is not going to let you down after a few days. Instead, metal gates tend to last for more than 20 years and can go well past this mark with good care. This is why more and more property owners are leaning towards this material for their property gates.

Are Aluminium gates any good?

Aluminium gates deliver excellent all-round performance, with exceptional compressive, tensile, yield and impact strength. It may not be as strong as steel, however, it’s anti-corrosion properties mean it can stay stronger for longer, while it doesn’t become brittle during wintertime.

Can you hang metal gates on wooden posts?



Unlike cast iron, which is brittle, wrought iron is malleable, meaning that it can be used in gates and other products that need to flex and withstand sudden shocks. Hanging a wrought-iron gate on a wooden post is a straightforward task.

Is 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?

Project Instructions



Dig post hole so diameter of the hole is 3 times the width of the post (i.e., the hole for a 4” wood post should be about 12 inches wide). The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet).

Can you use Postcrete for gate posts?

If not, and you hit an unbreakable stone hopefully at least a foot or more deep (ideal depth is 2.5 or 3 foot) you can pour a wet concrete mix in the hole around your post, and leave for 24 hours to set. Alternatively, if you are in a hurry, you can use Postcrete, which sets in 15mins.

How do you erect a gate post?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Take the post. The first thing I have to do is grab the 4-foot. Level for me. No that's perfect on our mark. Now put the level right on the front of. This. Okay take it off nice grab the shovel.

How do you install a metal gate post?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Clean that hole out a little bit though and then we'll be ready to set our posts grab. My coffee here and walk up to the barn. See what Chris is doing went to Home Depot.

How long should concrete cure before hanging a gate?

Typically, you can apply some weight to the posts after 4 hours, but it’s a good idea to wait at least 24 hours before resuming fence construction. Standard concrete mixes may take up to two hours to set and should cure for 24 to 48 hours before any forces are applied to the posts.

How do I keep my post level while concrete dries?

You need to level it in two directions with a 4-foot level. After getting it straight in the first direction, hold one of the braces against the post and drive a single screw to connect the brace to the post. You can then level and brace the post in the other direction and begin filling the hole.

Can you set a post with dry concrete?



You can set the posts in either Concrete (wet cement) or in gravel (dry cement).

How long does 4 inches of concrete take to cure?

While it only takes around 28 days to cure concrete, drying can take months. The general rule of thumb is that concrete takes about 30 days to dry for every one inch of slab thickness.

Can I drive on concrete after 3 days?

Although concrete will harden soon after pouring, it’s still susceptible to damage from weight during the first four weeks. Wait at least 24 hours before allowing foot traffic, including pets, on a newly poured sidewalk or slab, and don’t drive a vehicle on a new driveway for at least 10 days.

What if it rains after pouring concrete?

Rain falling on top of freshly laid concrete can damage the surface and compromise a level and floated finish. Even worse, if too much extra water works its way into the concrete mix, this can result in weak concrete overall.