What gauge fence post should I use for a 36″ wide wooden gate?

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.

How do you support a large wooden gate?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Because if we had the bracing going this way as that gate tries to sag it's just going to try and pull the screws the only thing that we have going for us is the strength of the screws.

What timber is best for gate posts?

The two main types of hardwood used for gates are Iroko and European Oak. Iroko is a long lasting, stable and attractive wood that offers a fantastic lifespan, and European Oak is a denser wood that is very resistant to fungal and insect attacks, thanks to its high tannin content.

How wide can you make a wooden gate?

A single gate should not be built much wider than 42 inches, or 3.5 feet. A wider gate will lower the angle of the cross-brace and the gate will sag as described above. To ensure a cross-brace angle of greater than 45 degrees, the door height must be greater than the width.

Should I use 4×4 or 6×6 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.

What is the best wood for a gate?

In particular, the common Redwood, or ‘Scots Pine’, and the remarkably sturdy Red Cedar are perfect for wooden gates. Ultimately, softwoods can last many, many years if maintained and treated well.

How do you keep a large wood gate from sagging?

The easiest way to reinforce a gate is to attach a diagonal brace or tension rod connecting one of the hinges to the corner opposite. This equalizes the tension between each side of the gate.

How do you make a wooden gate stronger?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Next you want to add a diagonal 2×4 in the middle for some extra stability. You can put it into place and then use your square to mark where it should be cut and you can cut the end of the diagonal.

How do you keep wide gates from sagging?

Measure and cut a diagonal support board to fit snuggly inside the opposing corners of the gate frame. Screw the diagonal support in place to transfer the weight of the gate to the hinge side and keep the gate from sagging.

How deep should a gate post be set?

Fitting the post



Dig your hole to the required depth, 2½ – 3 feet if you can. The heavier the gate the deeper the hole needs to be. Place the post in the hole, get it level with the spirit level, and then backfill a small amount of earth around the sides.

What is a standard fence gate width?

Most driveway gates are 10′ or 12′ wide, however some are larger. Larger driveway gates are often installed because a vehicle will not or cannot pull in straight; vehicles will be turning as they drive through the gate opening. This is especially important for vehicles pulling trailers and boats.

How wide should a gate be for a fence?

Your front house door is no bigger than 36″ so a minimum of 36″ wide gates should be used. Your appliance will not fit through the gate that you want in the house. A driveway should have 12′ minimum clearance through the gate.

What size post do I need for a 6ft gate?

What size post for a 6 foot gate:- as per thumb rules and guidelines, for a 6 foot wide gate use 4″ × 4″ (100mm x 100mm) lumber/ wood post size for narrow gates up to 6 feet (1800mm) high. Thus you will need 4″×4″ size of wooden post for a 6ft wide gate.

How much weight can 6×6 post support?

The load capacity of a 3-foot #2 grade 4×4 is 17,426 pounds, and a similar 6×6 is 20,834 pounds or 16% better. However, an 8-foot 4×4 supports 6468-pounds and 2339-pounds at 14-feet, while a 6×6 is 18032 and 10550-pounds respectively – or 64% and 78% more load capacity.

How much can a 4×4 post support?

If you’re wondering how much weight can a 4×4 hold, we’re here to help. A 4×4 horizontally spanning 8-feet can typically carry 500lbs safely in the center, and 1,000lbs spread evenly across the span before sagging excessively. Properly supported at 16” centers, and it can support up to 4,000lbs.

Is a 4×4 stronger than a 2×6?

Unless you are supporting it with columns every 4′, neither is strong enough to help much. A 2×6 has more vertical support than a 4×4. Is that correct? The 2×6 is stronger than the 4×4 when it comes to vertical loads.

What is stronger 4×4 or 2 2×4?

When used vertically, 4x4s are stronger than two 2x4s. However, if you need a horizontal surface, two 2x4s will be stronger than one 4×4. A 4×4 should not be used horizontally for anything structural. Always be sure that you’re using the proper size and strength of lumber.

How far can a 4×4 post span?

The maximum spacing of 4×4 deck posts should be 6 feet on center, while the maximum spacing of 6×6 deck posts should be 8 feet on center.

How far can a 4X12 span without support?

Dimensional Lumber Deck Beam Span Chart

What is stronger 4×6 or 2 2X6?

With younger trees the 2 ea 2×6’s are much stronger than a 4×6.