using metal gate posts

[jingleman]

I'm building a new gate for my wood fence.

From looking at the other posts, it appears I can use metal posts for the gates, and use chain link hardware for hinges and to attach the panels to the posts.

What do you use for the gate panel frame that you mount the wood slats to? I'd prefer to use a metal frame so in essence the gate is all metal, with wood slats attached.

Thanks for your suggestions!

[lefty]

Walk into the big blue box or the big orange box. If they have a chain link gate that will fit your opening for the gate, buy it. Strip the fabric off of it and drill holes in the top and bottom rails and bolt 2X4's to them. There's the wood to screw your fence boards to.

If you DIDN'T plan ahead and your opening is some other size, there are adjustable metal frames that you can make work.

But you DO have to make sure that your hinge post is stout enough to support the weight of the gate. A chain link gate would be like you putting one gallon of water in a 5 gallon bucket, then picking it up with one hand. A wood gate on a chain link gate frame would be like you FILLING that 5 gallon bucket with water and THEN picking it up.

[brians]

Lefty -- Would you just use metal posts for both gate posts then or could you still use 4x4 wood posts with the metal gate frame?