What to use for gate posts

[MacLawn]

Great thread for me too! I've already put 6x6 ground contact treated posts in concrete, waiting on me to make a proper gate now. Thanks for some good ideas! I'd go with steel if I was starting now though.

 

[JRobyn]

I used a "tap on" galvanized steel cap on my steel posts and did NOT fill them. Actually took a sledgehammer and wood block to "tap" them on! The caps have a lip that seats on the top rim of the post and excludes water entry. Got the caps at a fencing supply house.

- Jay

 

[woffleon]

I Made concrete posts after 30 years of replacing wood posts - 6" X 6" posts with 4 5/16" rio bar- you can adapt your wood mould to suit gate mounts and latches. Wont rot in the hole and become loose and will handle a scrub fire. Bit of setting up but if you have more than one to do this could be an option.

Good strong mix is essential - 32mpa concrete

 

[oosik]

I can think of one good reason to fill or cap a thick wall 4 1/2 inch steel pipe. I have used 2" series 80(thick wall) steel pipe for some of the posts on my fence lines. They are driven solid into the bedrock and as such, when it would rain the water will not drain out of the pipes. This water will freeze and split the pipes in the cold wx. I have had to replace three of these pipes due to splitting. My solution - a thick ring of a good weather proof sealant around the top of the pipe and then an aluminum soda can down over the top. The sealant keeps the soda can from blowing off during the first wind storm. No more split pipes.

 

[Tororider]

Good stuff. I need to get a couple gates up.

 

[4shorts]

I built a couple of simple gates this summer for our property. The main one is simply made out of 2 1/4 exhaust pipe. It's light but looks heavy. The 1/4" x 4" pole is set in cement 3' into the ground. I'll be installing an automatic opener on it this spring.

 

[TomSeller]

I Made concrete posts after 30 years of replacing wood posts - 6" X 6" posts with 4 5/16" rio bar- you can adapt your wood mould to suit gate mounts and latches. Wont rot in the hole and become loose and will handle a scrub fire. Bit of setting up but if you have more than one to do this could be an option.

Good strong mix is essential - 32mpa concrete

So did I. Can you post a picture of your setup?

 

[Tororider]

So did I. Can you post a picture of your setup?

Did you just use plywood to build your mold?

 

[dragoneggs]

I built a couple of simple gates this summer for our property. The main one is simply made out of 2 1/4 exhaust pipe. It's light but looks heavy. The 1/4" x 4" pole is set in cement 3' into the ground. I'll be installing an automatic opener on it this spring.

I do like the look and elegance of heavy but light and simple design. I think you need a plasma cut 'Speciality Repairs' logo midpoint.

 

[varmint]

A common fence post around here is black locust, rough cut 5" x 7" or so. I have learned that some will last a lifetime, and some will rot in 10 years. Not sure what the difference is. A person who works with them all the time can probably tell, but I can't. For a gate post, steel/conc is a do it once proposition.