"harry" wrote in message
...
On Jul 10, 7:10 pm, "BartC" wrote:

Is there something special about these posts (like the sort of wood they
use), or will it do the job (as a gatepost) just as effectively?

It is the crap wood (hemlock or similar) we all have to buy these
days. it is light because it is dry ie been indoors/sheltered for a
long period excpect.
Wood from the likes of B&Q is especially crap.
It sounds small for a gatepost.
Cutting it is a bad idea, you will have an unprotected/untreated end
which will rot which ever way up you put it.

OK, thanks. I think I'll get a normal 4x4 post from a timber-yard, and use
the pergola one for another, smaller gate.

Some timber ends will necessarily have to be cut (when I make the actual
gates for example); what's the best stuff to paint/treat them with?

--
Bartc