UC4 Treated Square Gate Posts, Pyramid Top or Flat End, 2.4m or 3.0m, 150mm to 200mm Square

These square softwood gate posts are green pressure treated to Use Class 4 (UC4), the treatment class intended for timber in contact with the ground. They are made to serve as the hanging and shutting posts of a gate, carrying its weight and taking the strain of it being opened and closed. Available now are the Pyramid Top at 2.4m in 150mm, 175mm and 200mm square sections, and the Flat End at 3.0m × 150mm × 150mm. Five Flat End options are currently unavailable, as listed in the specifications below.

Why it works

UC4 treatment for ground contact

Use Class 4 is the class for timber that is set in the ground or in permanent contact with soil, which is exactly where the bottom third of a gate post sits.

A choice of top

The pyramid top is cut to a point on four faces, so rain runs off rather than sitting on the end grain, and it gives the post a finished look. The flat end is left square, which means it can be cut down to the exact height you need on site.

Sections to suit the gate

Each post is a solid square section, from 150mm × 150mm up to 200mm × 200mm. A bigger section gives more bulk for wider or heavier gates, while the smaller section suits lighter garden and pedestrian gates.

Know the limits

The timber species, whether the posts are kiln dried, and the weight of each size are not published for this line. Any cut made on site exposes untreated timber inside the post, so cut ends need treating. Softwood posts of these sections are heavy, so plan for two people to lift and set each one.

Where it's used

These posts are typically used for:

• Field and farm gates
• Driveway gates
• Garden gates
• Pedestrian gates
• Entrance posts

Specifications

Choosing the right option

There are three choices: the top, the length and the section.

Top. Pick the pyramid top if you want a neat finished post that sheds water from its end grain and you are happy with the height it gives. Pick the flat end if you need to trim the post to a particular height on site.

Length. As a guide, bury about one third of a gate post's length. A 2.4m post set this way stands roughly 1.6m above ground, and a 3.0m post roughly 2.0m. Choose the length that gives the height you need once the buried depth is allowed for.

Section. The 150mm × 150mm post suits lighter gates such as garden and pedestrian gates. The 175mm × 175mm and 200mm × 200mm posts are better for wider or heavier gates, such as field, farm and driveway gates. The hanging post carries the gate on its hinges, so if you are unsure, use the larger section for that side.

At present, the 3.0m length is available only as a Flat End 150mm × 150mm post, and the 175mm and 200mm sections are available only with a pyramid top at 2.4m.

Installation, use & care

Arrange two people for lifting before the posts arrive. Dig each hole so that about one third of the post will be buried, then set the post in concrete or in backfill compacted in layers. Stand the hanging post plumb, checking two adjacent faces, and brace it until the concrete has set or the backfill has firmed up. Mark the hinge positions with the gate swing and ground clearance in mind, and set the shutting post at the right distance for the gate width and latch. If you cut a flat end post to height, treat the cut end with a suitable end grain preservative before fitting. Use galvanised hinges, latches and fixings. Check the posts and fittings from time to time.

FAQ

What does UC4 mean?

UC4 stands for Use Class 4, the treatment class for timber used in contact with the ground, such as a post set into soil.

Can I cut the post to length?

Yes. The flat end posts are suited to cutting to height on site. Cutting exposes untreated timber, so treat every cut surface before the post goes up.

Which section do I need for a heavy gate?

Choose the 175mm × 175mm or 200mm × 200mm section for wider or heavier gates. The 150mm × 150mm section is better suited to lighter garden and pedestrian gates.

How heavy are the posts?

Weights are not published for this line. The posts are heavy, so two people should handle each one.

Ordering & delivery

A minimum order of 2 posts applies, shown when you add to basket. Delivery charges and lead times are shown at checkout. Please make sure there is suitable access at the delivery address for unloading.