What are the benefits of wooden gates?
Despite the emergence of new building materials and technologies, wood still remains relevant. It has undeniable advantages:
- ease of processing - wood is easy to saw, drill, fasten with nails or self-tapping screws;
- natural beauty - it is enough to cover a good tree with transparent protective agents, and it will already be beautiful;
- economical - if you use available and widespread tree species, the gate will be quite cheap;
- light weight, which does not require powerful supports to support.
Wooden gates go well with fences made of corrugated board, forging, brick, and stone. But during operation, you need to take into account that wood is a living material that reacts poorly to high humidity, is susceptible to various types of rot and is not resistant to fire. To preserve the best qualities and neutralize the shortcomings of wood, it is impregnated with antiseptics and fire retardants. Effective protective compounds penetrate deep into the structure of the tree, prevent the development of pathogenic microflora and reduce the fire hazard.
The coating must be updated regularly. It's not too difficult or time consuming. In addition, there are impregnations that protect wood for a long time - up to 5-8 years. The most famous products are from manufacturers from Scandinavian countries, where wood is traditionally widely used in construction. Russian companies today can also offer high-quality paints and impregnations.
How to choose lumber
Gates, like street structures, are constantly exposed to harmful factors - precipitation, solar radiation, temperature fluctuations. There are tree species that can withstand unfavorable conditions quite steadfastly:
- Oak is hard, dense, not prone to warping and shrinkage. Its disadvantages are high price and processing complexity. Not every craftsman and not every tool can handle hard, durable wood.
- Larch is extremely resistant to moisture and decay, easy to process, and has a beautiful texture and color. But even such wood requires regular impregnation, which significantly extends the service life of structures.
- Pine is an inexpensive and worthy material that, with proper care, can last quite a long time.
- Spruce is soft; in atmospheric conditions and in contact with the ground, it is prone to rapid rotting. But given the strength of the wood and the economical price, it is quite suitable for the manufacture of fences and gates. It is easy to process, but requires mandatory conservation measures with chemical agents.
To choose a good tree, it is not enough to know only the species. The quality of lumber corresponds to the grade and is determined by the presence of defects, blue stains, cracks, resin pockets and other defects.
Characteristics of suitable wood for making gates
For gates and fencing, it is not necessary to use such expensive varieties as Prima or Extra, but you should still not use grades below 3. When purchasing, pay attention to the correct geometry of the material, the absence of stains, falling knots, and rot.
Example of a damaged board
For the manufacture of gates, lumber that has undergone atmospheric drying is used - timber, timber, edged board, lining, lath. It is not recommended to use raw wood. During the drying process, it will begin to warp, which will irreversibly ruin the appearance of the product.
Gates for fences made of corrugated sheets
Wicket made of corrugated sheets
– is the most popular and functional design made of profiled steel sheet.
Firstly, this is due to the ideal simplicity-price-quality ratio. Secondly, an important role here is played by the corrugated sheet itself, which has high strength and, due to its special powder coating, is absolutely resistant to corrosion. A gate made of corrugated sheets
will not deform or sag over time. In addition, the service life of this design declared by the manufacturer of corrugated sheets is 30 years or more.
Among the main advantages of gates made of corrugated sheets, it should be noted that they can be painted in any color with various polymer paints. This, in turn, allows you to ideally fit the gate into the overall fencing scheme or, on the contrary, highlight it by using creative design solutions. Also a gate made of corrugated sheets
can be easily repainted over time if you get tired of its color.
It is worth mentioning another important advantage of such structures: a gate made of corrugated sheets
, coated with polymer paint, does not require special care, you just need to wash it occasionally to remove dirt and dust.
Types of wooden gates
The most common design is a frame with sheathing attached to it. It is made of wood or metal in the form of a rigid frame of various configurations.
Simple wooden frame
The basis for the gates is a frame made of horizontal bars or boards 40-50 mm thick and jibs, which give the entire structure stability. Sheathing is made of thin slats, boards or other materials.
Here are some simple frame assembly diagrams:
- with two parallel bars and one jib, forming a Z-shaped structure;
- in the shape of a “butterfly” with two intersecting braces;
- with reinforcement with side vertical overlays;
- with two jibs converging at one point.
Z-frame
The wicket frame has intersecting diagonals
Frame for gates with low height
You can make a simple wooden gate with your own hands very quickly:
- The filling is prepared from thin slats of the same width and length in such a way that if they are laid at equal intervals (2-6 cm), the canvas will correspond to the width of the opening.
- The bars are cut according to the size of the canvas. The planks are placed on the bars, screwed with self-tapping screws or nailed with small nails. At each attachment point you need to drive 2 nails or tighten 2 screws.
- The jib is cut so that it fits exactly between the support bars. Fasten to the frame with long screws or nails. The slats are fixed to the jib.
This type of gate is lightweight, but not very strong. It can be used in the country house, in the front garden or in an enclosure for small pets.
https://youtu.be/YxTDZLEET1U
Reinforced wooden frame
Wickets with a frame that includes vertical elements in addition to horizontal and diagonal ones are much more stable. The structure is rigid, deforms less and lasts longer.
Frame elements are cut from timber or boards 40-50 mm thick. They are connected with a tongue-and-groove lock with additional fastening with bolts or self-tapping screws. You can strengthen the corners with metal plates.
Slats, lining, and a thin board are attached to the finished frame-frame. Install the fittings. To hang the gate on the support posts, loops are fixed to the horizontal bars. They can be overhead or mortise. The mating part of the loops is screwed to the posts. The gate is installed in the opening and treated with decorative paints and varnishes.
Metal frame
The combination of a metal frame with various coverings is very common. This is a universal option, suitable also for wooden gates.
To make the frame, use a profile pipe or corner. The frame is assembled with bolts or welded, treated with anti-rust, and primed.
The slats or boards are screwed to the frame with wood-to-metal screws, the end of which is made in the form of a drill with wings. The screw fits easily and securely connects both materials without destroying the wood.
A metal frame is much more durable than a wooden one. If the filling needs to be changed after some time, its dismantling will not be difficult. You will only need to unscrew the screws and remove the worn wooden parts.
Wooden fence gates
Wooden gates
universal for all dachas, personal plots and gardens.
They are in perfect harmony with your green spaces, as they are made from natural and environmentally friendly material, noble wood. In addition,
any owner of a suburban area can make wooden gates And wood itself is a fairly cheap building material that is easy to work with, repair and maintain.
Wooden gates
have an important advantage - they do not attract close attention to your possessions: everything is modest and harmonious.
It can be made either in the form of a solid structure, from solid wood, or with carved elements, which will give it additional grace and aesthetics. Making wooden gates
is also possible using materials opposite to wood, for example, colored glass in the form of stained glass.
And finally, wooden gates
can be easily painted in any color, which will add an accent to the overall countryside exterior.
Sheathing options
It is interesting to decorate the gate using simple but effective techniques. For example, using a combination of planks of different lengths. Short slats are attached alternately with longer ones, having previously cut them in accordance with any ornament. The lower part turns out to be almost dull, and the upper part is light and openwork.
The filling made from a straight or diagonal lattice looks original. It can be on top, bottom or side of the canvas, maintaining the degree of transparency you need.
Exclusive handmade models with a combination of solid filling from boards, openwork grilles, forged elements and carved decorative details look impressive. For such a gate you will need the skill of a carpenter and specialized tools.
A canopy or canopy will complement the look of a wooden gate. They not only add flair, but also protect the entrance area and the structure itself from precipitation.
Types of structures
Let's look at the differences in fixation and opening systems.
Users are often interested in:
- Fence made of trees and bushes
- Wooden lattice fences
Swing
Universal type, easy to use. Strong protection of the estate from intruders. It won't cost much.
This system is less prone to breakdowns than any automated design. It consists of supports on which hinges are attached, and to them wicket doors and gates. Since all the parts are closed, it is difficult to break into such a structure.
Photo: carved gate in a rustic style
To extend the service life of the swing sash, it is possible to install a special pipe-screed, which is welded to the racks.
Experienced builders recommend making sure that the entrance gate opens inward. Firstly, you won’t have to back away when opening, and secondly, otherwise the hinges with hinges will be installed outside, which makes it much easier for intruders to enter the estate .
If internal opening is impossible, you need to choose anti-burglary hinges and install an intercom with a surveillance camera at the entrance.
The finishing of a swing gate is carried out with corrugated sheets, a welded lattice frame with forged elements, a threaded picket fence, and wooden panels.
The only disadvantage of this system is that when opening and closing the doors take up a lot of free space.
Sectional
The video below shows an example of such a gate.
Complex design. For high-quality installation, you often have to turn to specialists. The system is fully automated, operates on electric drives, and is controlled by a remote control. A good option for areas with a small area.
Important advantages of sectional systems:
- tightly close any openings;
- excellent burglary protection;
- saving free space;
- have good heat and sound insulation.
There are also more simplified designs on sale that operate on a spring mechanism. In terms of quality of protection, they are not inferior to automated ones and are cheaper.
For cladding, panoramic canvases or sandwich panels of any shade are used.
Recoil
It is in high demand among residents of the private sector. Its second name is console or sliding.
The principle of operation is to smoothly move along the guide bar of the sashes to the left or right.
Photo: wooden swing gates on a barn
When opened, such devices do not take up much space. When equipped with automation, they can be controlled remotely from a control panel.
The sliding system can also be made at home. To do this, it is important to correctly assemble the frame and embedded elements. Otherwise, the processes are similar to creating a swing system. Any types of materials, including wood, are suitable for finishing.
Rail
Refers to rollback systems. The design is complemented by rollers and rails built into the ground, due to which the doors move. The upper part of the posts is also equipped with rollers so that the gate with a wicket is fixed horizontally.
An important feature of the rail system is the mandatory presence of a solid foundation. It is durable, impact-resistant, and takes up little space.
Photo: sliding gates with rail guides
The disadvantage is the need to constantly clean the rails, especially in winter, otherwise any movement of the doors will become impossible.
Accessories for wooden gates
Without accessories - locks, handles, latches, bolts - the gates will not be able to perform their protective functions. Most often, mortise or rim locks are used, although padlocks are also available. Handles - forged, metal or wooden, individual or combined with a lock. A bolt or bolt is placed on the inside to close the gate without a key while at home.
Accessories for street gates and gates are made of galvanized or stainless steel and aluminum. Depending on the design, installation is carried out by inserting into the frame or by overlaying and fixing with mechanical fasteners.
For a simple country gate, the design of the fittings can be without any special frills. For the entrance area to a personal plot, the models should have a more stylish look. Select them in accordance with the gate fittings and fencing finishes.
Relevance of choice
Beautiful metal gates with a swing design may be suitable for a garden or plot. Such models are especially reliable and durable. The price of such products is low. The production of swing gates has been carried out by experienced craftsmen for many years. They never go out of style.
Installation of the models involves installation so that the gate opens in the direction convenient for you. Automation installation is also available. Metal fencing will provide reliable protection from ill-wishers, and the use of decorative forged elements will add a touch of style and sophistication to it. On our website you can find many models of wickets, gates and fences, which will be made in the same style. This decision will be beneficial in advance for you and your garden plot.
Installing pillars
Gates can be attached to supports made of various materials - wood, metal, concrete or brick. The depth of the pillar depends on the loads, soil characteristics, and climatic conditions. Usually 0.7-1.2 m is enough, but with weak soils and large freezing depths it can be increased. A layer of crushed stone or sand at least 10 cm thick is poured onto the bottom of the well or pit to drain water and prevent the pillars from being squeezed out in winter.
Fixing metal poles in the ground
Wooden supports are made from debarked logs with a diameter of 10 cm or timber with a cross-section of 150x150 mm. It is recommended to coat the lower part with mastic or waste oil and wrap it with roofing felt. Another option is to burn it with a blowtorch or over a fire. Additionally, you need to dip the bottom of the stand in a clay mash and dry it. This waterproofing lasts for 5-10 years.
For metal racks, use a profile pipe 60x60-80x80 mm or a round one of the same area. The pillars are mounted by driving into the ground, backfilling, and concreting.
Supports made of brick or concrete blocks are laid out with mandatory vertical reinforcement. A pipe, channel or reinforcement cage is installed in the pit, which gives the pillar stability. Then concrete of a grade not lower than M300 is poured. During the masonry process, embedded parts are installed to weld the hinges. Over time, wooden and metal supports may become askew under the weight of a massive gate. To avoid unwanted deformations, the structure is further strengthened by fixing the racks in the lower chord. To do this, dig a shallow trench between them, add crushed stone or sand, lay reinforcement and concrete. Metal poles, if they are of sufficient height, can be connected from above with a piece of pipe or an angle, wooden ones - with a transverse beam.
Assembling the structure
At the first stage, the dimensions of the opening are measured. Most often, the width is 1 m, the height is approximately equal to the height of the fence or lower. If there is a porch in the gate, take into account its width.
Make a drawing of a wooden gate, which will help you correctly cut and assemble the parts. It is necessary to take into account the technological gaps on the sides of the canvas for attaching loops and on the bottom so as not to cling to the track. The gate should move freely.
Elements of a wooden gate
Prepare the frame elements - horizontal and vertical bars, jibs. If the width of the canvas is more than 1 m, it is recommended to strengthen the frame with additional jibs and/or jumpers.
Lumber is trimmed and sanded. To connect with each other, the following methods are used:
- tongue and groove;
- “half a tree”;
- butt with overlay;
- corner.
All connections are reinforced with galvanized fasteners - nails, bolts or wood screws. The frame should be as rigid as possible.
Slatted base
You can buy a picket fence, batten or cladding board already sanded and cut it to size with a small margin for trimming. Install materials according to the chosen pattern, placing them with or without gaps. Fasten to the frame with nails or self-tapping screws, 2 pieces per connection.
After all the slats are nailed, the protruding parts are cut off. You can make a decorative rounding along the top of the gate: tie a thread or thin rope to a nail, attach a pencil to the other end and, holding the nail in the center of the canvas, draw a rounded line. Carefully cutting the slats with a jigsaw along the contour of the arch will now not be difficult.
We fasten the canvas
To hang the gate, use garage or gate hinges with a diameter of 28-34 mm. They are made of high-quality metal and can withstand heavy loads. They are available right or left, some models are equipped with plates for welding to a metal frame. For installation on wooden structures, the planks may have ready-made holes for fasteners.
The loop is disassembled into 2 parts. First, the upper part is attached to the canvas, then a place for the lower part of the loop is marked on the support. The sash is lifted, if necessary, the position of the counterpart is adjusted, and then it is welded or screwed. For a canvas width of up to 0.9 m, 2 hinges are sufficient, above - 3. The hinges on the support must be attached strictly vertically, one below the other. When installing, you need to leave a small gap between the part and the post to prevent rubbing of the supports.
When choosing hinges for a gate, pay attention to whether their design includes a full bearing. It prevents the hinge from skewing and ensures uniform movement without squeaking or rattling.
Gates for profile fences
Gates for profile fences
, of course, must be combined directly with the fence, that is, with the material from which it is made.
The most suitable are iron gates
or gates made of profile pipes.
Welded gates
- one of the most common among iron ones.
They are made from corrugated pipes, which are laid and welded in a certain way. From the rods of an iron pipe it is possible to create either a simple canvas of parallel lines or an entire pattern. A wicket made from a corrugated pipe
, like a wicket made from a chain-link mesh, allows air and sunlight to pass through, but it is an order of magnitude stronger.
In addition, it looks much more presentable and aesthetically pleasing. Welded gates
are durable and do not deform over time; they can be coated with corrosion-resistant compounds and metal paint of any shade.
When compared with forged ones, welded gates
are not inferior in strength and reliability, but are much cheaper, due to the reduction in the cost of work by craftsmen.
Features of the lock mortise
Installing a lock on a wooden gate is easy, much the same as installing a lock on a wooden door. But there are some nuances: when installing the mating part, you need to additionally enlarge the hole in the trim vertically. This is done to compensate for slight vibrations of the pillars as a result of seasonal freezing and thawing of the soil. The lock tongue will fit freely into the locking plate socket. Otherwise, the gate may be difficult to close.
Painting
For exterior work, varnishes, enamels and primers are used to form a protective film on the surface of the wood. They are made on the basis of acrylic, latex, alkyd resins or oils. A distinctive characteristic of materials for wood processing is their high resistance to moisture, frost and UV rays.
In order for the paint to lay evenly and penetrate the wood layer as deeply as possible, the surface must be dried and sanded. For water-based materials, brushes should be medium hard with artificial bristles. Oil-based or alkyd compounds are best applied with a natural bristle brush.
First, the wood is covered with primer, and after it dries - with 2-3 layers of paint. It is applied evenly along the fibers, each layer must be thoroughly dried.
