Bill Lantry
Member
- Messages
- 2,663
- Location
- Inside the Beltway
Hey, folks,
Every gate I've ever made, well, sags...
Over the years, I've tried various designs. I always make the "frames" out of treated 2x4 lumber, so of course they're heavy. Then I've attached various kinds of slats to them.
I started with butt joints on the frame. Of course, those lead to nearly instant failure. I've tried lap joints with screws, and then with screws and glue. More failure. I've let diagonals in at an angle... that helps, but makes the gate even heavier. The last one I made, I even used a through mortise and tenon. With glue. Still sagged. I really do suck at this...
So I'm looking for a different design idea. I thought of welding some square tube, and attaching wood to that, but of course I still don't have a welder.
I'm looking for a design that looks good, isn't too hard to build, will take heavy use (dogs and kids, including teenagers who tend to close the gate with a swift kick) but is still light, and is not too expensive to build.
This should be easier! All ideas and examples are welcomed!
Thanks,
Bill
Every gate I've ever made, well, sags...
Over the years, I've tried various designs. I always make the "frames" out of treated 2x4 lumber, so of course they're heavy. Then I've attached various kinds of slats to them.
I started with butt joints on the frame. Of course, those lead to nearly instant failure. I've tried lap joints with screws, and then with screws and glue. More failure. I've let diagonals in at an angle... that helps, but makes the gate even heavier. The last one I made, I even used a through mortise and tenon. With glue. Still sagged. I really do suck at this...
So I'm looking for a different design idea. I thought of welding some square tube, and attaching wood to that, but of course I still don't have a welder.
I'm looking for a design that looks good, isn't too hard to build, will take heavy use (dogs and kids, including teenagers who tend to close the gate with a swift kick) but is still light, and is not too expensive to build.
This should be easier! All ideas and examples are welcomed!
Thanks,
Bill