Now that the block paved drive is finished I'm going to make a pair of 6ft x 4.5ft driveway gates and wondering what size of timber to use. Each gate will have a Z frame and a t&g cladding.
Should the Z frame top and bottom pieces be at the extreme top & bottom or set up from the bottom of the gate by a few inches (which is where the old gates have rotted) so I'd like to avoid that again if possible. The Z frame gives the door its strength so what are the ideal timber sizes for the Z frame, is it better for them to be wide & thinnish or narrower & thick to provide that strength.
What is the ideal thickness of the t&g cladding, is 15mm thick enough or does it not matter if thinner boards are used.
I was thinking of using Screwfix stainless screws to put it all together, I haven't got a nail gun but should I consider a nail gun and ribbed nails ?
I was considering making it all out of Tanalised wood, but then when I cut the Z frame pieces to size the ends would need treating, or should I just use untreated wood and apply a treatment to the gates when its all finished.
I believe painting drive gates with undercoat & gloss is not recommended these days so what treatment would you recommend ?
many thanks
Should the Z frame top and bottom pieces be at the extreme top & bottom or set up from the bottom of the gate by a few inches (which is where the old gates have rotted) so I'd like to avoid that again if possible. The Z frame gives the door its strength so what are the ideal timber sizes for the Z frame, is it better for them to be wide & thinnish or narrower & thick to provide that strength.
What is the ideal thickness of the t&g cladding, is 15mm thick enough or does it not matter if thinner boards are used.
I was thinking of using Screwfix stainless screws to put it all together, I haven't got a nail gun but should I consider a nail gun and ribbed nails ?
I was considering making it all out of Tanalised wood, but then when I cut the Z frame pieces to size the ends would need treating, or should I just use untreated wood and apply a treatment to the gates when its all finished.
I believe painting drive gates with undercoat & gloss is not recommended these days so what treatment would you recommend ?
many thanks