DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Planning to build a fence and double gate and would like advice on materials.
The fence will cover a length of approximately 3000 mm x 1830 mm high and will consist of boards butted against one another.
The gates will cover approximately 3000 mm i.e.1500 mm each gate x 1830 mm high with boards butted against each other.
The gate will be attached to the fence at one end and to a smaller fence of similar height at the other end.

What I am trying to work out is the following:
Would redwood from somewhere like Wickes be suitable?
What size fence posts are required for fence and to take weight of gates?
Would two fence posts be enough to support the larger fence?
Would fence post holder/bolt down supports be ok to use instead of concreting?
What size hinges are required?
Any other tips.
Cheers.

I'll do my best to offer sensible comments...

"What I am trying to work out is the following:
Would redwood from somewhere like Wickes be suitable?"
You will be better to use Pressure Treated softwood from a timberyard
"What size fence posts are required for fence and to take weight of gates?"
Fence posts - 3"x3" as an absolute minimum - better still 4"x4"
Gate posts - with that size of gates I'd be looking at 6"x6" unless they are against (and bolted to) brickwork.
"Would two fence posts be enough to support the larger fence?"
I very much doubt it - I think you should have 4' spacing.
"Would fence post holder/bolt down supports be ok to use instead of concreting"? You are jesting? either put the posts in the ground at least 2 feet or use concrete 'Repair Spurs' and give the wood posts 4" ground clearance
What size hinges are required? The largest and most heavy duty 'T' hinges you can find (e.g. https://www.toolstation.com/shop/p21150?table=no)


What you haven't made clear is will the boarding be contigous or 'Ranch Style' If contigous then the wind loading will be much higher so stronger materials will be necessary.