Wooden Gate Question

[Spirited Mama]

Hi folks, I wonder if anyone can help. I recently had new gates fitted on my drive and my dad is convinced that as there is no bar across the top and the cut ends of timber are exposed, rain water will run down the grain of the wood and rot the gates from the inside. I'm sure I have seen fences and gates with exposed ends though. Is he right? Or is he creating unnecessary work for himself by deciding to fix a bar along the top?

[Spirited Mama]

The top of the gate is a bit like this: Wooden Fence Gate Designs - interiordir

[WendyC]

Any close boarded fence is made like that. I guess brushing over with preservative might help but surely the gate is made of tanalised timber anyway.

[Spirited Mama]

That's what I thought Wendy. I specifically asked the joiner if the timber was treated and he said yes.

[WendyC]

I shouldn't worry then.

[Spirited Mama]

Thank you

[Olorin2001]

I wouldn't worry about fitting wood along the top - but I would treat the timber, or at least the top edge with clear preservative every year or two. I am guessing it wasn't cheap, so a little love and attention will extend the life of your gate

[Spirited Mama]

I agree. I suggested that to my dad but he won't be dissuaded :/

[chris]

Treated timber should have a 10-15 year guarantee anyway.

[Spirited Mama]

Thanks Chris.

[Farmer_Gyles]

That's what I thought Wendy. I specifically asked the joiner if the timber was treated and he said yes.

i had new fencing in 2007 - the fencing guy said it was treated - last year i had to replace 4 posts that had rotted through - i have to do another 2, possibly 3, this winter, not to mention the arris rails and boards ....

i had a guarantee, but it's worthless unless i go to poland to track the guy down and get him to agree to come back over here and replace the fence ........

[Two_Sheds]

I suggested that to my dad but he won't be dissuaded :/

Just nod and go "uh huh" now & again, whilst doing your own thing

[Bill HH]

Well actualy I tend to be on your dads side, water does seep into end grain, also is it hard wood or soft wood? If its oak it will still be there for your great grandchildren to enjoy, if its soft wood you will need to treat it every year and even then it wont last forever. Indulge the man he is most likely talking from experience which is worth a lot.
As for the woodworker assuring you it is treated, I would have to say "maybe, maybe not" It may sound silly but it also helps to shed water if the uprights are curved at the top to stop water lying there. We used to use telegraph poles for gate posts on the farm which are soft wood but we topped them off with a galvanized sheet and also one around the bottom 6 inches above and dug in 6 inches. Posts rot most at the ground where water tends to collect, often a post rots there but is still good above and below ground.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Treated timber is easy to recognise, nip to your local diy store and look at some treated timber and you will know straight away if yours is the same.

The problem is that some timbers are pressure treated (better durability) and some are just soaked (not as good).

Potty

[Glutton4...]

... some timbers are pressure treated (better durability) and some are just soaked ...

Both are usually done a batch at a time; the timber poles/planks/whatever are bound together with metal or plastic tapes, and treated as one big item. The outer ones get a good soaking, whilst the inner ones often miss out!

I'd definitely treat the fence/gate anyway, just in case.