ClearWaterMS
Well-known member
Dear Garage Journal,
I came seeking the sage advice of the DIY community here at GJ.
Next to my garage I have a driveway that provides access to the back yard. The driveway isn't often used and the gate will probably only be opened 1 or 2 times a week.
The current "gate" is a single 10' fence section that is attached to a 4x4 post and is leaning/falling apart.
Here are a few pictures:
1. Here is the north side of the gate and is the post that I would likely be replacing with something stronger.
2. Here is the garage side of the gate
3. Here is the entire gate
I have two options that I am considering:
1.) replace the current post on the outside with an 8' 8x8 (currently it's a 4x4) that is 2.5~3' in the ground and build a single 10' swinging gate i would likely attempt to copy this person's design as best as possible.
2.) build 2 5' gates; I could use a metal DIY kit such as this: https://www.dura-gate.com/product/10-ft-double-dura-gate-standard-frame-kit-black/
or two of these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TH7TZ2/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I had dual gates at my old house and during high winds the gates would move in and out and even with the drop bolt in place enough wind would eventually blow open the one side. I have pets and this gate is not visible from the house, so my fear is always going to be that the gate gets blown open and the run away. At the old house our gate was visible from the kitchen and we added a second drop bolt to the second door and the two together prevented the gate from opening.
My second concern is with using dual gates is the necessity of a drop bolt. I would need to drill a small hole into the concrete and I am concerned with freeze/thaw cycles that are common in Chicago winters the hole will fill with water and as it freezes it could cause cracking in the concrete.
My hesitation with a single 10' gate is that it will be big and heavy and considering I don't have the ability to weld and can't find a metal gate kit that is larger enough will end up being made out of wood and wood has a tendency to swell/shrink/warp/etc. in the elements meaning that over time the gate will eventually sag, drag, etc. Additionally the complications of installing it (having to set a 200 pound wooden post) having to hang a gate that is likely to be VERY VERY heavy and the lack of testimonials as to the last qualify of a all wooden gate that is so large.
What does everybody recommend?
I came seeking the sage advice of the DIY community here at GJ.
Next to my garage I have a driveway that provides access to the back yard. The driveway isn't often used and the gate will probably only be opened 1 or 2 times a week.
The current "gate" is a single 10' fence section that is attached to a 4x4 post and is leaning/falling apart.
Here are a few pictures:
1. Here is the north side of the gate and is the post that I would likely be replacing with something stronger.
2. Here is the garage side of the gate
3. Here is the entire gate
I have two options that I am considering:
1.) replace the current post on the outside with an 8' 8x8 (currently it's a 4x4) that is 2.5~3' in the ground and build a single 10' swinging gate i would likely attempt to copy this person's design as best as possible.
2.) build 2 5' gates; I could use a metal DIY kit such as this: https://www.dura-gate.com/product/10-ft-double-dura-gate-standard-frame-kit-black/
or two of these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TH7TZ2/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I had dual gates at my old house and during high winds the gates would move in and out and even with the drop bolt in place enough wind would eventually blow open the one side. I have pets and this gate is not visible from the house, so my fear is always going to be that the gate gets blown open and the run away. At the old house our gate was visible from the kitchen and we added a second drop bolt to the second door and the two together prevented the gate from opening.
My second concern is with using dual gates is the necessity of a drop bolt. I would need to drill a small hole into the concrete and I am concerned with freeze/thaw cycles that are common in Chicago winters the hole will fill with water and as it freezes it could cause cracking in the concrete.
My hesitation with a single 10' gate is that it will be big and heavy and considering I don't have the ability to weld and can't find a metal gate kit that is larger enough will end up being made out of wood and wood has a tendency to swell/shrink/warp/etc. in the elements meaning that over time the gate will eventually sag, drag, etc. Additionally the complications of installing it (having to set a 200 pound wooden post) having to hang a gate that is likely to be VERY VERY heavy and the lack of testimonials as to the last qualify of a all wooden gate that is so large.
What does everybody recommend?
