[travs69]

I had a friend ask me about gates for his house and thought I'd post the question here.

He wants a 5' gate.
I keep reading that anything over 4' should be a split gate. Is that just a general rule of thumb or is that a definite cut off point.

He was thinking of using 6" posts instead of 4 to add support. Good idea or waste of money?

He also that about using a 4x4 on the hinge side of the gate instead of a 2x4 to add support. Again, good idea or waste of money?

He is planning on using How to build a garden gate gate as a guideline.. any better ideas out there?

[jshilan]

Let me start by asking a few questions.

Do you need a gate?
Why do you want/need a 5' gate?
Can you do a 6' instead (two 3' gates making a six foot opening)
If you want future truck or equipment access why not just go for the 8' opening (two 4' gates, one with a drop road that stays fixed until you need it).

I'll assume that you are making a gate out of wood. There is no real limit to how wide a gate can be. They just get pretty heavy the wider you go. The two limiting factors are the hinges and the weight of the gate itself. In order to prevent the gate from sagging you need a cross brace or some sort of cable (or both) to keep the fence from sagging.

As far as the 6x6 post goes, that is a definate. You need the added strength and width for the hinges and just to keep things in scale. Both gate posts should be set in concrete since they get a lot of use. Most line posts can be set in tamped soil.

If your not sure how to build it go to a fence company and look at their details. You can also go online and look at walpole woodworkers. They build beautiful fences, stuctures etc and are more substantial then your local installers.

Before you do anything, price out a gate from a fence company and then price out the cost of the materials to do it yourself (hardware too.) You may find that unless you are really into building a gate that it might be worth it to have a fence company supply the gate, posts and hardware and then install it yourself. You'll save a few dollars and actually complete the project. Plus you can tell everyone you built it. It'll be our little secret.

Another thing to consider doing is building an arbor (or mini pergola) with (or without) a gate. These have four posts and are much more substantial, structural and are really fun to build. You don't need to do an arched top. I attached a picture of one I built years ago.

BTW - the website you listed has some good info. Depending on where you are I'd go down 3' (not 2). Also check out Better Homes and Gardens Magazine they have plans you can buy.

[travs69]

Thanks for the reply. The 5 foot gate came from the fact that he has a mower that is just at 48" wide. He is fencing his whole yard (keep the kids/dogs in).

What is your thought on the 4x4 instead of a 2x4 for the hinge side support brace? The 2x4 would be lighter but is the 4x4 bracing needed?

[jshilan]

I've never seen it done that way. I think all you'll do is make it heavier, but not any more structural.

With your scenario, I'd go for the double 4' gates. The first gate can be your typical walk gate, and the second one can be opened when he needs to get the lawn mower through. Plus, you never know when you may want to get a bigger ride on mower. (even at 4 bucks a gallon)

[travs69]

Thanks for the suggestions!! He can't go any wider than 5' so it would end up being double 2.5's that he would have to open both all the time. I'm poking around at double gate latches if anyone has any suggestions

[travs69]

You know.. I'm trying to clarify how they are building gates in those drawings. Are the 2x4's being laid on end all the way around around or are they being laid flat. I hope that makes sense In other word of you look at the bottom board on the gate is it tall or short.