type of wood for driveway gates Kitchens, doors, rails, stud, tables, chairs, stair cases, garden furniture etc... Find answers and ask questions here!

[andyinscotland]

I am about to build a set of Drive Gates and I am looking for advice on the type of wood to use. I have read a previous post that detailed the construction of the gates (motise and tenon frame, diagnol braces and facing boards rebated into frame) and am fine with this. My problem is what type of wood to use. On othe rprojects i have used timber from B a nd Q (softwood)and have had problems with warping, cupping and other related problems. Anyone with advice on type of wood to use to avoid these problems?

Thanks

[chris_on_tour2002]

ideally a hard wood such as teak. wont warp or rot, has excellent weather resisting properties and doesn't even need treating in any way. however its very expensive. oak is a good alternative though it is heavy and will need good solid posts.

softwood alternative, i see on another thread that red cedar is a good softwood to use as it is resinous, therefore has higher resistance to rot than other softwoods.

[billy d]

Hi Andy try Larch or douglas fir both good for out side.Get it from a timber merchant or saw mill.

[andyinscotland]

Thanks for your help.

Andy

[chris_on_tour2002]

another tip, dont buy your timber from b&q! never! ever! if you do manage to find a straight piece it was probably meant to be curved.

[rosebery]

"another tip, dont buy your timber from b&q! never! ever! if you do manage to find a straight piece it was probably meant to be curved."

or any of the sheds for that matter. They're all the same.

Cheers

[jase_82]

I fit automation t5o gates and have done for over 4 years. The best gates Ive seen that don't warp are always hardwood gates, the cheapest and best value and colour gate ive seen is made of Irocco from South Africa (Quest Timber import it), but Oak gates are also ok, but expensive.

[Timbco]

[quote="andyinscotland"]I am about to build a set of Drive Gates and I am looking for advice on the type of wood to use. I have read a previous post that detailed the construction of the gates (motise and tenon frame, diagnol braces and facing boards rebated into frame) and am fine with this. My problem is what type of wood to use. On othe rprojects i have used timber from B a nd Q (softwood)and have had problems with warping, cupping and other related problems. Anyone with advice on type of wood to use to avoid these problems?

Thanks[/quote]

I would recommend a visit to your local timber merchant. You will find that in addition to selling timber they also have a wealth of knowledge and can offer excellent advice.