Wooden driveway gates too flimsy

maggiepip

I got a handyman to make and hang cheap timber driveway gates, they look nice but Im sorry now I didnt research more because they are just too light and are swaying in the wind etc. Is it possible to get some type of steel frame/reinforcement added to them that wouldn't cost a fortune?

jack of all

A few pictures, as usual, would help enormously and ensure you get the best advice. Very hard to say without seeing the gate type and construction BUT while adding steel may add some rigidity it's possible that the existing frame may not be able to take the extra weight and this may be counter productive. I see a lot of people advertising "cheap" gates that are merely screwed or nailed together (no joinery/ cut joints) and while they may look fine for a week or two (at least until the cheque is cleared) they're not going to stand up to weathering. It may be possible to brace the gate with plywood gusset plates or introduce a steel strap to help prevent sagging but it's impossible to say without seeing the actual gate.

maggiepip

Here they are, (hope this works from my phone)

jack of all

That's pretty much as I expected, the gate frame timbers are fairly light and the whole thing is reliant on screws with no joinery whatsoever. As for a possible solution, cheapest and quickest would be to put vertical pieces (stiles) in to the left and right of each gate, a good tight fit between top and bottom rails. These to be of the same thickness as the rails, then glue and screw plywood gusset plates (triangular shaped "patches") over each corner (hinges to be removed and refitted after plywood is fitted. This should stiffen up the gates somewhat and allow the existing diagonal braces to do something- at the moment they're not doing much other than keep the decorative pales in place. The diagonal bracing looks to be thinner stock so some shimming out required under each gusset to pack it out.

maggiepip

Ok, thanks, I know nothing about diy though so who would you recommend I get to do this? Would an actual legit gate company fix them up for me do you think (without charging me a fortune) or should I try to get another "handyman" ! Wish Id just got expensive ones now.

jack of all

It's not a major job so it should be within the capabilities of any competent DIYer I would have thought.

maggiepip

jack of all wrote: »

It's not a major job so it should be within the capabilities of any competent DIYer I would have thought.

Great thanks very much, will produce your advice to whoever I find:-)