New driveway gates. Joiner or builder??

[shrimponastick]

We need new gates for our driveway. Wooden not ironwork. And for them to be fitted, we don't want to just buy them.

I am unsure who to contact to do these. Do you think it would be a joiner? Or a general builder/handyman?

I don't want to start phoning around and making a fool of myself by asking the wrong tradesperson.

Fencing company would probably be my first port of call.

how big?

thanks fishfingers still looking.

piglet 5ft high, 9ft total width.

not especially big then.

Joiners don't usually like digging holes and mixing concrete, small builders do but will buy the gates in ready made to size.

Gate posts always tend to lean together. The way to prevent this, instead of putting each post in its own block, dig a trench between the two post holes and pour a concrete sill so it is all one monolithic beam, preferably with a bit of steel reinforcement. That will hold the two posts upright unless the beam is cut or broken.

If you are putting wooden posts in the ground, they will be prone to rot just above ground level, which is a pity if the gates cost a lot. Soak the buried ends, and the top suerface, in a spirit-based wood preserver overnight before fitting, or apply multiple brushed coats. Cuprinol or similar is very effective. A wood preserver is not the same as a stain.

Thanks piglet for the info . The existing posts are metal (not sure what metal) and are quite large in diameter and sturdy. So we will be leaving them in situ. Particularly as we have just had a new drive laid and don't want to disturb it.

I had one guy around to quote, but I wasn't sure about him. I think I may hvae an idea of someone else to contact.