How to build a RapidFence gate?

[NotHandyPete]

I am planning to build (or have someone from Airtasker build) a this Rapid Fence gate. I went to look at it at my local Bunnings, with the intent to buy but was a bit overwhelmed by the lack of instructions.

What I would like to do is build the fence and add wooden panels probably vertically. I couldn't figure out a number of things about how to do this:

1. What wood should I use? I was thinking this 1.8m Tasmanian Oak hardwood in large part because its the same height as the fence I am building - and I do not own a saw. But I am not sure if its suitable for outdoors, whether I can paint it or if there is a better wood for the job. (I am planning to paint it)

2. How do I attach the cladding? This was my biggest concern, its not clear to me how this is supposed to be done, what materials do I need, how many screws or bolts are needed and how to attach them. I assume any holes I drill in the gate will need some sort of treatment to avoid rust.

3. Does the RapidFence kit include what I need to attach the gate to a corefilled block wall? If not, what do I need for that?

Thanks in advance for any help

(Very) NotHandyPete

[MitchellMc]

Hi @NotHandyPete,

If you are looking to clad one of the RapidFence gate kits, the simplest and most reliable approach is usually to fix a timber post to your block wall first with Dynabolts, then build and hang the gate off that post. You could attach the gate frame hinges directly into the masonry frame but tolerances are tight and any mistakes are hard to fix.

Tasmanian Oak can be used outdoors, but only if every face and edge is fully sealed, primed and painted. Even then it is not the most durable choice for exterior applications. A hardwood like Merbau decking is a better option for longevity, but it will need to be cut to height and cleaned of tannins before priming and painting. Treated pine is also a very common and cost-effective option for painted external cladding, and because it is already treated for outdoor exposure, it is more forgiving. It simply depends on the look you are trying to achieve and how much work you want to put in preparing the boards.

To fit your vertical boards to the gate frame, you pre-drill your timber boards and screw them directly into the metal gate frame with self-drilling metal screws. These screws cut their own way into the steel, so you do not need to pre-drill the frame itself. The frame already has a protective exterior coating on it, so you do not need to apply any rust treatment to the screw holes. The screws sit tightly in the steel and moisture can only reach the steel through the thread path, which is not an issue in this application. 

To mount the gate to your core-filled block wall, the kit does not include the fixings you will need. Installing a treated timber post first gives you the easiest, most adjustable surface for your hinges. A set of Ankascrews or Dynabolts will secure the post to the masonry, and then your gate hinges can be fixed directly to the timber post with standard timber screws. This method keeps the installation straightforward and makes future adjustment much easier.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell