Hi all, I'm going to replace some garden gates, 5ft & 6ft high, and I was wondering what type of timber to use. The gates that are already on have been made out of rough sawn timber and have warped badly. I want to know if just smooth planed timber will do and how it should be treated to prevent warping etc. Is it normally treated when you buy it from the timber yard ? Thanks John
If you want dressed timber then a good redwood, more expensive but will last for years if properly treated. Sadolin for regular treatments. Off saw fencing material would be ok but go to a sawmill and select it yourself. This will be pressure treated. Make sure the gates are properly framed and braced to minimise twisting.
You might even want to have a look at fencing/decking timber at your local Wickes or similar. All sorts of timber sizes are available these days, and this will be pressure treated, even the dressed (planed) stuff. I guess rough-sawn timber will be more susceptible to warping as it's generally more inclined to absorb/emit moisture, but should still be ok if treated properly. What kind of finish are you after? Don't forget to get your 'Z' bracing t'correct way around Anyways, when I first came down to London from a wee island in Scotland, and was helping my bro to renovate his house, I phoned up a timber merchants for some off-saw timber and described the timber I wanted as "undressed". Silence...
hello try and get some larch machined up, you dont have to treat it at all but it will go a gray/silver colour after a while i have used it loads in the french alps, looks loads better than the green ****!!
hard wood is best i.e. oak but will cost a bomb. i agree red deal; , reds, treated with " micro porous paint . should do
Hardwood and softwood both are good option for making wooden gates. Seven years ago I installed hardwood gates in my garden and they are still in good condition. So I think you should also choose hardwood and you can also consult with wooden gate service provider. * Message was edited by: Screwfix Moderator 1 due to unsuitable content
Whats your budget and what are your skills like? Hardwood is best, iroko should be a reasonable price and will last very well. If you go down the route of softwood, go to a proper timber merchants, not a builders merchant or a diy store and ask for joinery grade. You should be alright with that. I just use any old clear preserver to give it an extra chance, I think its Wickes own at the moment, two or three coats should be enough and then start with the paint or stain finish.
Hi Smooth planed timber, Hardwood timbers will all warp given certain conditions, mainly they absorb moisture and swell, then they dry out , shrink and twist . Its mostly about the correct finish and the right moisture content of the timber you buy. The only really stable timber I have found is Western Red Cedar, but its price can make you blink! There is another route which is laminated timer (no its not ply) There are a couple of real good articles on warp and twist, and how to prevent it and on laminated timber and finishing on a site * If you follow this link and select "Help Guide" you will see them. They are worth a quick read it could save you alot of grief, Edited by Screwfix.Peter