Building my own driveway gate.

elsmandino

Next to my house is 3.4 meter wide path that leads round to the back of my house.

We park the car there but it is completely open (i.e. people can just walk right up round into the back garden).

For security/privacy reasons, I need to put up a gate and was wondering if this is something I could do myself.

I was thinking about building the frame out of box metal (two side posts and a post along the top) and then either some wooden gates or some metal framed gates, covered in wood.

Do you think this is a workable idea?

Alter_ego

Yes, if you have the skills/tools/time.

Aylesbury_Duck

It's doable if you have the right tools. Have you considered a pair of gates hung on solid posts but without the cross-member? I think it would look better and gives you the scope to bring/drive larger/taller items through the gates.

TheCyclingProgrammer

I would have thought most people who are handy when it comes to DIY could knock up a basic ledged and braced gate but a decent framed, ledged and braced gate requires a bit more skill (hence the price difference of up to a few £100 if you want to buy a decent one from a good joiner).

Still not out of reach for a DIYer with the right joinery skills and tools though I'm not sure I'd want to tackle a large pair of driveway gates as my first attempt.

theonlywayisup

What will the gate hang from? Do you have something either side of where the gate will hang or are you thinking of a 3.4m gate?

Mr.Generous

with 5ft gates I'd be tempted to fit a wheel so they didn't drop. Most things you could make without welding would be heavy if they were strong enough, so prone to drooping.

unforeseen

Is it your path? Do you have a right to block it?

Norman_Castle

Buying used gates could be more cost effective and less work. Try ebay