The best gate post size?

[BestHorses]

We're planning on putting an 8-foot galvanized gate in an existing fence row. Can we use the 4x4 pressure treated fence post that's already there as the gate post? Or do we need to put in a new 6x6 post for the gate? DH thinks we can get away with the existing post but I want to do this right the first time so I'm not re-doing it again next year. :)

[vineyridge]

As big as you can get and place. Personally, I'd recommend an 8" post as a minimum.

[pAin't_Misbehavin']

If you support the gate at the other end, I think you'd be fine with the existing post.

I have a twelve-foot tube gate on a 4x4 post in my post-and-board fence around the front yard, and it's doing fine. But it isn't opened much (only when we need to bring the lawnmower in and out) and lies flush along the ground.

If this is a gate you're going to use daily, I'd suggest getting one of those little wheelie things that clamp on the opposite side of the gate from the post.

If you replace it, though, go with an 8" post.

[ChocoMare]

I'd go bigger and Quik-Crete it in. Maybe check Freecycle or Craig's List Freebie section for a piece of Telephone Pole (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2555865450015305252TgTNJs). GREAT corner/gate posts :yes: (pictured is the farm owner and her nephew/farm manager)

[talloaks]

You want a round pressure treated pine post, don't really know the diameter, maybe 8 inches or so, they are never exactly the same since they are made from pine trees, so individual. Also set it with concrete. Be sure to have the gate be slightly longer the the opening so the gate doesn't swing open both ways.

[KnKShowmom]

Pressure treated posts should not be set in concrete, use crusher run gravel, it will hold it just as tight and the post won't rot as fast.

[BestHorses]

This gate will not be heavily used - maybe two times a week in the summer only. I want to be able to make it easier for the horses to access a small grass paddock from their sacrifice paddock. Currently I have to walk the horses out one gate, through the barn and in another gate to turn them out there. (Don't know why the previous owner set it up this way...) The wheel idea would probably work well to hold up the gate. My ring's gate has a wood block at the bottom of the post to rest on which I may try to emulate.

[secretariat]

8" minimum, round not square (square posts don't set tightly). What you have will work, if you want to put up with it that's your call. If you want a professional, long-term installation go with the 8 (or bigger).

[Weighaton]

We have both - some light pole gates on the 4x4s and others hung on 6x6s. The gates are so light it really doesn't make a huge difference. The 6x6s just look nicer. And you can always put a wheel under the gate to take most of the weight. Our posts are all set in concrete and they are pressure treated.

[Sparky Boy]

All my gates are hung on 6x6 posts and most are in concrete. The ones that didn't get concrete, should have. At some point I'm going to have to pull those back out and redo with concrete.

[BasqueMom]

Our type of fencing calls for 6-8 inch posts. Definitely get the wheely thingie to take
the weight of the gate. Look for a latch that would help up the weight in place.

[3chunkymonkies]

No matter what size gate, I use 2 8"+ posts with a brace pipe in between and put in a cross wire. I have black land here and it shifts something awful during dry weather. All posts are packed with a sand/clay/gravel mix to prevent rotting during our wet years. I still had to add, pack, and water this year-only 5 3/4 inches of rain. My fence was only put in last year, though. No rain, no good "set".