How to build RapidFence Steel Gate Frame with Ekodeck Castellated Panel?

[pumpkins001]

Hi experts! I'm looking to build a double gate for my pool equipment and I'd like to match my Ekodeck Castellated Panel I have as a screen on a nearby wall. So I've found this: https://www.bunnings.com.au/rapidfence-1200-x-1870mm-grey-adjustable-steel-gate-frame-kit_p0436377 and I want to attach this to it: https://www.bunnings.com.au/ekodeck-219-x-26mm-3-6m-hazelwood-batten-screen-castellated-panel_p04889...The plan is to cut the screen panels in half to get them to 1800 high, and have the gates this height, and full width (1200 x 2). The gates will need to be mounted into sandy ground.

Before barreling down this path, there are some questions I'd really like some feedback on:

• What posts should I use when the gates will be mounted into sandy ground and will be 1-1.5m from a pool (so will likely get salt water runoff)? These ones? https://www.bunnings.com.au/rapidfence-50-x-50-x-1900mm-galvanised-roll-top-wire-mesh-fence-capped-i... 
• And can I use normal cement/concrete to mount the posts, with saltwater pool runoff?
• The RapidFence gate frame documentation doesn't mention how much weight it can handle - will the Castellated Panels be ok? I think each gate will need to hold about 33kg of panel.
• Due to expansion/contraction I assume I should use a light wood frame between the metal fence frame and the Castellated Panels?
• The RapidFence looks to be powder-coated steel. Will this be ok near a pool?

Thanks so much for your support!

[EricL]

Hello @pumpkins001 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about building a fence.

There are quite a number of factors that will influence the construction of your gate. Because of the size and weight of the gate I suggest using either an Australian Handyman Supplies 100 x 100 x 3.0mm 3.5m Galvanised Steel Shade Sail Post - galvanised 3....or a 100 x 100mm Fence Post Hardwood CCA 3.0m. These posts will be able to carry the weight of the gate along with any dynamic forces that the gate might apply to them. Both will perform well in high saltwater environments, but I suggest painting the footing in bitumen paint for extra protection from the saltwater environment.

In regards to the cement, I propose using a higher grade of cement such as the Easy Mix 20kg Supremo-32 High-Strength Concrete Mix 32MPa or higher. It will perform better in the high salt environment and will create a much stronger footing.

The weight that the post can handle not only includes the gates mass but the outside factors affecting it as well. The post must be able to handle inclement weather, dynamic forces applied to it such as swinging of the gate, forceful opening and unintended weight addition (children riding the gate). This is why a 50x50 fence post will not be enough. 

My best advice is to use H3 treated structural timber for framing as these are treated to withstand outside use, insect attacks and termite infestation.

A powder-coated fence around a saltwater pool will last well if it’s aluminium or galvanised steel before coating. Plain powder-coated mild steel without galvanising, however, tends to rust prematurely around saltwater.

Before you begin, I propose drawing up a plan on paper and consulting a professional gate builder. They will be able to provide you with more information in regards to the construction and installation of your gate and gate posts.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @AlanM52 for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @pumpkins001 

I am yet to install a gate, tho am close to having to replace a gate to my suide yard as the fence has moved towards the house and teh gate jambs 😕

So to the posts you want to use, Id go with @EricL's suggestions and have decent depth to them (1/3 in the ground fro what is above the ground) Its worth the extra effort as you dont want the gates to move. One of the questions I would rank in the top 12 that float past here is a gate question

The panneling idea you suggested I like, the sheet weighs 10kg ish. The extra things such as wind, extra weight being carried on them is worth considering We all know the clothesline and what happens to them....

As an extra, you could always install another footing and diagonally tie it to the post as well. Then the wind can blow to its hearts content If you are mounting the posts next to a house you may end up hitting the foundation footing of your house. So around 30cm ish from the wall of the house should miss it. If you are mounting it next to a fence then i would make it a stand alone post not attached to the fence to save potential headaches down the track.

Dave

[pumpkins001]

Thanks very much Eric and Dave, great advice. So I've been able to source the items mentioned via the bunnings website and building up my cart. However it looks like I need a new gate frame kit. Looking at the Bunnings website there are these: https://www.bunnings.com.au/pfeiffer-18000-x-600-1000mm-adjusta-gate_p0422773 but they are only zinc plated steel so I assume this will be just as bad as powder coated steel.

Appears as though these are the correct selection https://www.bunnings.com.au/fortress-gates-1050mm-gate-e-frame-end_p0126452 as they are galvanised inside and outside? 

Or perhaps I use structural wood throughout?

[AlanM52]

Hi @pumpkins001,

I agree with all the suggestions and would keep in mind and check 'Can any small fingers & toes circumnavigate any of this stuff?'.

Cheers

[EricL]

Hello @pumpkins001 

The Fortress Gates 1050mm Gate E Frame End would be the ideal choice as it is galvanized steel tubing. @AlanM52 raises a good point, please make sure that your gate is pool compliant.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[rocker]

Appreciate that tip about Fortress Gates @EricL . I installed a gate 2 years ago using a gate frame made by RapidFence but today one of the hinges failed. It was completely rusted out, and the other one was as well. I had anticipated the possibility and painted all welds with a rust inhibitor but to no avail.