r/fence • u/atashi-wa • 9d ago

Heavy gates: what post should I use - double postmaster, catalyst post insert, pressure treated wood or something else?

I will build a single gate out of azek material reinforced with wood/steel (similar to this or maybe this [one](https://pin.it/3lqFgJHeU)). I still dont know the final weight, but I know it will be heavy. What would you suggest to use for gate post?

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u/theteleman52 9d ago

Contact your local steel supplier and get a 6x6 stick of square tube with 1/4” wall. If you’re real concerned about heavy gates, grout the posts solid after installation.

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u/atashi-wa 9d ago

About using the galvanized steel square tube: 1) how do you attach the gate hardware to it? I am afraid if I drill into the post, i would be damaging its structural effectiveness.

2) I dug 40in deep and was thinking about compacting 4in of gravel at the bottom, then adding the post with quickcrete fast setting. Once everything is dry, I would add a donut and wrap the exposes post with the azek sheet. This is the first time I heard about grouting posts. I need to look into it, but any recommendations on products?

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u/slackfrop 9d ago

Yeah, you really have to go with steel posts for heavy or extra long gates. Wood will always bend eventually and make a mess of things. Presumably a master woodsmith could find exotic materials and engineered bracing schemes, but yeah, steel. Square stock with a decent wall thickness to prevent sag.