Was looking for a 100x100mm wooden gatepost yesterday, and ended up buying
something called a Decking Pergola Post (because it had a smooth finish with
rounded edges, and it was cheaper).

This was only 90x90mm, but it still seemed quite light, and the guy in B&Q
managed to cut off one end with a handsaw in about half a minute.

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?

--
Bartc

On Jul 10, 7:10*pm, "BartC" wrote:
Was looking for a 100x100mm wooden gatepost yesterday, and ended up buying
something called a Decking Pergola Post (because it had a smooth finish with
rounded edges, and it was cheaper).

This was only 90x90mm, but it still seemed quite light, and the guy in B&Q
managed to cut off one end with a handsaw in about half a minute.

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?

--
Bartc

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.

"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

On Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:55:38 +0100, BartC wrote:

what's the best stuff to paint/treat them with?

I quite like Cuprinol 5 star or the Cuprinol stuff that doesn't
include the worm protection. Both are a paraffin like carrier rather
than water and I feel it pentrates better. With posts I'd stand them
in a couple of inches of the stuff for a few hours and apply several
liberal brush coats until it doesn't soak in after 5 mins. Also
paying particular attention to the section of timber that will be a
couple of inches below ground level to a 6" or so above. This is the
region where a wooden post will rot if untreated.

--
Cheers
Dave.

In article o.uk, Dave
Liquorice writes
On Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:55:38 +0100, BartC wrote:

what's the best stuff to paint/treat them with?

I quite like Cuprinol 5 star or the Cuprinol stuff that doesn't
include the worm protection. Both are a paraffin like carrier rather
than water and I feel it pentrates better. With posts I'd stand them
in a couple of inches of the stuff for a few hours and apply several
liberal brush coats until it doesn't soak in after 5 mins. Also
paying particular attention to the section of timber that will be a
couple of inches below ground level to a 6" or so above. This is the
region where a wooden post will rot if untreated.

Drill a 6mm hole in the post just above ground level and sloping
downwards at 45degrees. Fill it with Cuprinol once a year and plug the
hole with a short bit of dowel. Post should last for ages.
--
Chris Holford