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Other ways to keep gate posts rigid
2: Other ways to keep gate posts rigid.
Having a spreader of some type fixed between the gate posts above head height is a good way to ensure that the posts cannot move in towards one another, thus helping to eliminate the possibility of the gate jamming or sagging.
This can be achieved by having extended gate posts and fixing a spreader (beamA supporting member. or headerA beam placed perpendicular to wall studs above doors, windows or other openings, to carry the weight of structural loads. Also called lintel.) in between the two gate posts at least 2000mm (6′-6″) above ground.
Another alternative is to include the gate posts in a walk-through pergolaA structure with open wood-framed roofs, often latticed and supported by regularly spaced posts or columns, and covered by climbing plants such as vines or roses, shading a walk or passageway. Pergolas are distinguished from “arbors,” which are less extensive in extent and structure., arborA shelter of vines or branches or of latticework covered with climbing shrubs or vines. A walk through Garden structure that can support plants and generally complements the landscape. or gableThe roof ends and walls that form an inverted "V". roof type construction.
I am a single female homeowner and I needed a side gate for my house and looked into a re-furbished iron gate. When I got their quote for $750, I thought “I could make my own gate for less than half.” The only problem was… I had NEVER done something like that before! It seemed to be basic enough, but again I had no idea what to do. I Googled “How to build a gate” and found your web page. I read the instructions, printed them out, and went to work. Your step-by-step instructions definitely helped me dodge the “trial & error” bullet, and I had very few “do overs”.
The one fear I had was cutting the diagonal brace(s) accurately. I laid the rectangular frame over the diagonal 2×4, and traced the lines as you suggested. Wow, what a great idea! It saved me most of my anxiety. I was using a skill saw for and did end up having to borrow my neighbor’s chop saw (and my neighbor) to re-do those cuts for a better fit.
I also wanted to show you my proud photos!
Thanks to you for your help. You saved me over $500! Plus I DID IT!
Carolyn Bell
I have just decided to build a side gate for the first time in my life and decided to search the internet for instructions and advice.
This was the first web site that came up in the search engine and I was pleasantly surprised to find a short, easy to read and understand tutorial with brilliant pictures on how to do it. I am confident now about building it after reading such wonderful instructions! Thanks a million!
Doug Christchurch, New Zealand.
It would be prudent to leave a note of caution if one wants to use the concrete bridge design.
Frost heaving is always a problem but with the bridge design the frost can easily lift the bridge portion of the gate.
This can obviously be a disaster.
I don’t understand how the diagonal brace will fit? Will it no clash with the horizontal brace ?