Replies

1. 
   wrudiger | Oct 07, 2006 07:25am | #1

   That has worked for me, with rough redwood.  Definately go 3' deep (assuming no frost heave issues).

1. 
   bmyyou | Oct 07, 2006 07:28am | #2

   Thanks - I live in Houston so no frost issues here.

   Can I use the 4x4 without the cross-beam?  I don't want the weight of the gate to pull the posts out of line.

   There is a drastic difference in price between Pressure treated 4x4s and 6x6's so I'm trying to lower my project costs.

    

1. 
   wrudiger | Oct 07, 2006 08:13am | #6

   For free standing I would lean towards the 6x6 - there can't be that much difference in cost for a single 8' 4x4 vs. a 6x6.  Make sure you get ground contact .40 and not the lower concentration .10 (which seems to be the primary stuff at certain large box stores).  I don't see a need for a cross-beam.

   I do have a 4x4 post supporting an appx. 4' gate, but the post is bolted to the house <grin>.  One of my 5' gates is supported by a free-standing 4x4, but that gate has a slab under it and so I have a wheel supporting the end of the gate.

2. 
   BillBrennen | Oct 07, 2006 10:05am | #7

   4x6 is another option to keep costs down and to maintain the "line" of the 4x4 posts on the rest of the fence. 4x4's are too wimpy for a decent gate the size you quoted.I agree that 6x6's look cool, and can become a design element if planned for it.Bill

2. 
   RRooster | Oct 07, 2006 07:37am | #3

   I always use 6x6's at corners and for gates.

   3' in ground, in concrete.

    

   http://grungefm.com

    

1. 
   bmyyou | Oct 07, 2006 07:43am | #4

   What will happen if I use a 4x4?

1. 
   RRooster | Oct 07, 2006 08:02am | #5

   Depends on the weight of your gate.  I've seen posts give/flex to the weight of a gate when the post was not sized properly.  Therefore, I always use 6x6's.  Looks cool, and they're fun to work with! 

   http://grungefm.com

    

3. 
   DanH | Oct 07, 2006 04:08pm | #8

   Use a diagonal tie from top of gate post to bottom of adjacent post, an another from the top of that post to the bottom of the next. Depending on the soil type where you are, concrete may or may not be advised (generally not). I suspect the caleche (sp?) soil of west Texas will hold a post best by just packing it well, others usually do best with a backfill of crushed rock.

   If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. --James Madison