Planning Your Western Red Cedar Gates
Western Red Cedar gates make great first impressions. They convey a sense of welcome to visitors yet add an extra measure of privacy and security to the property without being oppressive in appearance. The type of fence you have decided to build will have a bearing on your choice of gates. Like fences, gates can take many shapes and sizes but they should meet two main requirements: they should be in harmony with the fence and they must function effectively. By using materials of the same quality and texture, you can maintain design continuity and bring fence and gate into harmonious balance.
Basic Elements of Gate Construction
Here’s a short checklist of points to consider when planning a gate:
- Choose a style that complements the fence and maintains design and material continuity.
- Locate the gate for convenient entry as it relates to paths, driveways and the general landscaping plan.
- Decide upon the width of the gate. It should be wide enough for two people to pass through side by side and allow clear passage for garden equipment such as lawnmowers and wheelbarrows. Note that gates wider than 4 feet are hard to support and tend to sag. Consider a two section gate for wide openings.
- Determine whether the gate should slide or swing. If a swing gate, establish an unhindered direction of swing. A gate usually swings in towards the property except on sloping ground where it should swing downhill to avoid having to cut the bottom of the gate at an angle.
- Locate the gate at the top of steps rather than at the bottom and make it swing away from the steps for safety’s sake.
- Build the gate solidly and attach it with good quality hardware.