Workshop
Ask a question

The Bunnings Workshop community can help with your home improvement projects.

DIY - Installing side gate

Alexius
Just Starting Out

DIY - Installing side gate

Hi All,

 

I'm planning to install side gate for my house. I've been reading through the discussions in this community (Thanks for the knowledge sharing), and found very useful references. 

I understand there are 2 options;

1. Independent post

     a. in ground. 

     b. above ground

2. Install the post against the wall.

 

This is my use case: The opening is 1.1m, and I'm thinking to install 900mm wide side gate   (https://www.bunnings.com.au/specrite-1833-x-900mm-pre-oiled-merbau-horizontal-slat-gate_p8500232)

 

My question, which approach is better for my use case? I noticed there's a concern if I install the posts against the wall, it may compromise/affect the structura integrity of it, or increasing the risk of moisture and water seeping in. 

 

This is my use caseThis is my use case

 

 

 

This is what I have in mindThis is what I have in mind

 

 

 

 

References

1a: https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Featured-Projects/Merbau-side-gate-and-panel/ta-p/72718

1b: https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Outdoor/How-to-anchor-metal-gate-posts-above-ground-into-cem...

2: https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Outdoor/Installation-of-side-gates/m-p/47451;

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Outdoor/Gate-Posts-installation-to-brick-for-slat-gate-havin...

 

Below is the list of items I identified needed for my project if I go with in ground posts.(aside from the Merbau slat gate). Any suggestions are much appreciated.

1. Posts: https://www.bunnings.com.au/90-x-90mm-2-4m-post-f7-h4-treated-pine-premium-kd-2-4m_p8422817

2. Quick set concrete: https://www.bunnings.com.au/australian-builders-20kg-quick-set-concrete_p0762428

3. Hinges: https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-200mm-matte-black-tee-gate-hinge-2-pack_p0131442

4. Post hole digger: https://www.bunnings.com.au/cyclone-200mm-post-hole-digger_p3360366

 

 

Thanks for sharing your insights.

 

Regards,

 

Alexius

 

 

 

 

 

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: DIY - Installing side gate

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Alexius. It's marvellous to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about installing a gate.

 

Your plan to install the gate sounds well thought out, and your choice of materials and tools looks spot on. For a sturdy and lasting installation, consider concreting the post next to the slab and also securing it to the bricks with masonry fixings. This method combines the strength of an in-ground post with the added stability of a fixed anchor point to the wall. Connecting the post to the bricks with masonry fixings has several benefits. First, it enhances stability by reducing the risk of lateral movement, especially for a 900mm-wide gate that will experience regular use. Additionally, using masonry anchors or screws ensures that the post is firmly attached to the wall, providing extra strength. This combined approach should give you a reliable and long-lasting result.

 

Masonry fixings are used in walls all the time. Unless there is some type of pooling issue that allows the water to run into the fixing hole, there should be minimal risk of water entering the wall. You could use a flashing between the post and the wall, which would help prevent water from being wicked through the timber into the wall, but most people wouldn't go to that amount of effort.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

See something interesting? Give it the thumbs up!

Re: DIY - Installing side gate

Hi @MitchellMc,

 

Thank you for your prompt response, really appreciate it.

 

If I understand it correctly you're suggesting to combine installing the post in ground next to the slab (reference: https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Featured-Projects/Merbau-side-gate-and-panel/ta-p/72718) and reinforce it with masonry fixing to the wall (reference: https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Outdoor/How-to-anchor-metal-gate-posts-above-ground-into-cem...) ?

 

I assume these items below are the ones relevant to secure the post to the bricks?

Dunnings 65 x 65 x 65 x 5mm M12 Galvanised Angle Bracket 

ZENITH M12 x 100mm Hot Dip Galvanised Hex Head Bolts and Nuts 

ZENITH M12 Hot Dip Galvanised Flat Round Washers 

Ramset 10 x 60mm Galvanised AnkaScrew Masonry Anchor 

 

 

Regards,

 

Alexius

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: DIY - Installing side gate

That's correct @Alexius.

 

You could go with the referenced brackets. However, I'd recommend drilling into the face of the post 40mm deep with a 20mm spade bit and then through the remainder of the post with a 12mm drill bit. You can do this at four locations down the post. You'll then pre-drill your bricks at those locations to suit 100mm Dynabolts. You'll then be able to insert your Dynabolts through the face of the post into the masonry and tighten them. This will give a more polished look than the brackets.

 

Mitchell

 

See something interesting? Give it the thumbs up!

Re: DIY - Installing side gate

Hi @MitchellMc,

 

Thanks for your suggestion, I think I found a youtube video that illustrates it. I think it looks better since it's flush with the post.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAA2QnHKI0c

Alexius_0-1735272607613.png

 

Few more last questions;

1. I think the wall bricks are hollow ones, should I use Ramset 300ml Chemset UltraFix Plus before drilling the dynabolts in?

2. If I end up installing the timber post on concrete, I assume I can use Pryda 100mm M12 Heavy Duty Bolt to secure the post on to the slab?

 

 

Regards,

 

Alexius

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: DIY - Installing side gate

Hi @Alexius,

 

That's spot on. You can use the Chemset, which will ensure the bolts are locked in place. Occasionally, you can have issues where they don't grip properly in hollow-core bricks. 

 

That bracket would be great for attaching to a concrete slab.

 

Mitchell

 

See something interesting? Give it the thumbs up!

Why join the Bunnings Workshop community?

Workshop is a friendly place to learn, get ideas and find inspiration for your home improvement projects