Fred wrote:
Hi,

I would like to put a gate across the passage that leads to our
garden. I would like a solid "door style" gate, about 3'3" wide and 6'
tall.

I know you use a Z shape brace on the back to hold it all together but
do you just butt the planks together or is it better to use tongued
and grooved wood? Would you glue them or would nails/bolts be enough?

I know 18mm T&G is readily available and often used as floorboards; is
T&G available in thicker sizes?

What's the best way to mount it? Onto a stout fence post?

What is the best way to lock it shut? Would you use a padlocked bolt
or could you somehow incorporate a mortice lock?

BTW would you cramp the wood together whilst the glue sets and if so,
is it worth paying for Irwin cramps? They seem to cost twice as much
as the other makes. Are they worth the extra or are you just paying
for the name?

TIA

I have made several, the first for myself about 12 years ago - the side
passage is only 2feet 6 wide so nothing commetcially available. Made it
8ft high - it firs in with the lie of the land. Made to a ledged and
braceg design in pine from a local timber merchant using 125 x 25 timber
for the ledges/braces (3 ledges). Cladding was t&g Vjointed 100 x 18.
Clading laid out, braces fitted & screwed from front in an attractive
pattern, trimmed to size. I used galvanised fittings, latch on middle
ledge & bolts on top & bottom. To allow neighbours in to water plants I
routed out a piece of the ledging to take a mortice lock and coach
bolted it to the gate just under the centre stile. The whole assembly
was soaked in (real) creosote and shows no sign of deteriorating 12
years on, even the galvanised fittins show little sign of deterioration.

Malcolm