Oak Gate Posts, Rough Sawn Square Hardwood, 2.4m or 2.7m, 150mm to 200mm Square

These oak gate posts are cut from 100% oak hardwood and supplied rough sawn in a square section. They are made for the hanging and shutting posts of field, farm, estate and driveway gates, where a post has to carry the weight of a gate and stand up to it being opened and closed. Four sizes are available to buy now: 2.4m × 150mm × 150mm, 2.4m × 200mm × 200mm, 2.7m × 175mm × 175mm and 2.7m × 200mm × 200mm. The 2.7m × 150mm × 150mm, 3.0m × 150mm × 150mm and 2.4m × 175mm × 175mm sizes are currently unavailable.

Why it works

A dense hardwood for gate posts

Oak is a dense hardwood, and it is often chosen for hanging and shutting posts because a gate post takes more load than an ordinary fence post. The hanging post carries the full weight of the gate on its hinges, and the shutting post takes the knock of the gate closing against it.

Square section in a choice of sizes

Each post is a solid square section. The range runs from 150mm × 150mm up to 200mm × 200mm, in lengths of 2.4m and 2.7m, so you can match the post to the width and weight of the gate and the height you need above ground.

Rough sawn finish

The posts are supplied rough sawn rather than planed, which suits farm, estate and rural settings. A sawn surface can be left as it is, or planed and shaped on site if you want a neater finish for an entrance feature.

Know the limits: checking, tannins and weight

Sawn oak may check, meaning it develops surface splits as it dries and moves. Oak also contains tannins, which can stain surrounding surfaces and react with unprotected steel fixings, so use galvanised or stainless fixings throughout. Whether the oak is supplied green or seasoned, its durability class and any top finish are not published for this line. These posts are heavy: lifting and setting them needs two or more people or suitable lifting equipment.

Where it's used

The posts are typically used for:

• Hanging and shutting posts for field gates
• Farm and estate gates
• Driveway gates
• Heavy timber or metal gates
• Entrance features

Specifications

Choosing the right option

There are two choices to make: the length and the section.

Length. As a general guide, about one third of a gate post's length goes in the ground. A 2.4m post set this way leaves roughly 1.6m above ground, and a 2.7m post roughly 1.8m. Choose the length that gives the height you need above ground once the buried depth is allowed for.

Section. Choose a larger section for wider or heavier gates. The 150mm × 150mm post is the lightest option. The 175mm × 175mm and 200mm × 200mm posts give more bulk for heavier timber or metal gates and wider openings. The hanging post usually takes the most load, so if in doubt, use the larger section there. Remember that weight rises steeply with section, from approx. 57kg to approx. 113kg across the range.

The 2.7m × 150mm × 150mm, 3.0m × 150mm × 150mm and 2.4m × 175mm × 175mm sizes are currently unavailable.

Installation, use & care

Plan the lifting before delivery: two or more people or lifting equipment are needed to move and stand these posts. Dig the hole so that roughly one third of the post length will be buried. Set the post in concrete or well-compacted backfill, working in layers if backfilling. Set the hanging post plumb, check it on two adjacent faces, and brace it while the concrete sets or the backfill settles. Mark the hinge positions before final fixing and allow for the swing and clearance of the gate. Set the shutting post at the correct distance for the gate width and latch. Use galvanised or stainless fixings, hinges and latches to avoid tannin staining and corrosion. Check the posts, fixings and ground around them from time to time, especially after the first winter.

FAQ

How much of the post should go in the ground?

As general practice, bury roughly one third of the post length for a gate post, and set it in concrete or well-compacted backfill.

Will the oak split?

Sawn oak may check, which means fine surface splits can appear as the timber dries and moves. This is a normal characteristic of oak. Whether these posts are supplied green or seasoned is not published for this line.

What fixings should I use?

Use galvanised or stainless fixings. Oak tannins can react with unprotected steel, causing staining and corrosion around the fixing.

Is the 3.0m post available?

No. The 3.0m × 150mm × 150mm size is currently unavailable, as are the 2.7m × 150mm × 150mm and 2.4m × 175mm × 175mm sizes. You can order any of the four sizes listed as available.

Ordering & delivery

Posts are sold individually and no minimum order applies. Delivery charges and lead times are shown at checkout. These are very heavy items, so please make sure there is suitable access at the delivery address for unloading.