Gates

[andyandy2]

I'm doing some work for my neighbours and one of the next jobs is to make a pair of gates out of tounge and groove boards, I'm confident with my joinery skills (i've made similar doors for outbuildings) just unsure as to the best timber to use, I think we have ruled out hardwood as being to expensive. I know you can get whitewoods and redwoods etc but just not sure which would be best, the gates would be about 6' 6" x 4' and in a very exposed position so i'm concerned about rot etc. Also what would be the best way to finish the top of the gates, some sort of weatherboard or plastic capping.

 

[big-all]

all i will say is leave loads of expansion room and expect a lot of shrinkage
don't close the boards tight if they are dry [moisture below around 12 percent]leave a 2 or 3mm gap

you also need to leave a 12mm expansion gap at the sides
so if you make you stops out of 20 or 25mm there will be enough with room to shrink plus an expansion gap

 

[JohnD]

If you fit the T&G vertically, the boards will take up water through the end grain and rot fairly quickly. Soak the ends for 24 hours in Cuprinol or similar.

Whatever stain or oil finish you are going to use, give the ends extra treatments after the cuprinol has dried, and before assembly.