What size material for a gate??

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I've been asked to build a gate for a dumpster enclosure.  This will be my first time making something for someone else and making a little money as well. It's going to be a simple rectangle.  The total length of the opening is 146".  I'm waiting till they pour the concrete to get an accurate height measurement but its no more then 5.5' tall.  I was thinking square tubing frame. What size and thickness tubing is suggested for a gate?  The hinges are another thing I need to research and to remember to allow for their width. Any suggestions??
Reply:JMO, I would build two- 6 ft gates. I built some gates last fall and used 1 1/2" sq tube w/ .065 wall. I hung 5 1/2" x 5/8" x 6' fence boards on them and they work well. I'd also tie the gate posts to the next post over for extra strength in the gate post. If space permits I'd swing them in toward the dumpster to avoid getting hit by a trash truck. If not make up something to hold them open w/ a chain and swung back so the ends of the gates are much wider than the opening. I think some trash truck drivers are washouts from forklift school,LOL!!! They couldn't tear up enough stuff  w/ a forklift so they put them in something bigger.  If the customer insists on a 12' gate and the swing area is asphalt or concrete, put a dolly wheel on it to carry the gate.                                MikeLast edited by mla2ofus; 12-12-2012 at 04:08 PM.Ol' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Think about how to attach the "covering" to the frame. If going with boards like Mike did, angle rather than tube might be a good choice even if you have to attach it to the tube frame. It will keep water out of your gate rather than having to drill a ton of holes in the tube to hold the boards. Also a diagonal to help support the gate and prevent wracking and sag is a good idea. Diagonal could be a rigid member or it could simply be a provision that lets you use cable and a turnbuckle for weight support..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Yep 1/8" angle for the frame for exact reason DSW stated.  It will get hit.  I wouldn't do any thing to provide extra support.  The gate will be relatively light.  I would concentrate ( and charge exrta) on ways to catch the gate when open . At least they can say the driver didn't latch the gate, if he hits it.   Many times the gates are hit because they swing back ( because of wind or level) as the driver is backing.  Diagonal is good,  however turnbuckle might be a waste, since nobody will ever adjust it if needed.  I  have framed studs into the angle iron and attached the studs with wood/metal self tappers.  It works great and studs will not warp.  Attach pickets to studs.  Break off self tappers with grinder.  Remember to collect screw ends.
Reply:Well.... It's been a little bit but I was finally able to finish up the dumpster gates and get them hung. I just wanted to thank everybody here on the forum for their tips and tricks. Stay tuned for more projects and questions, I'm sure of it!!
Reply:Hey, they turned out nice. Good job !  How did that homeless guy get in the second picture ???   You just finished and he moved right in , amazing.
Reply:So what did you decide on materials.  Looks nice but I can't tell for certain what you used for the body.  Looks like sq tubing for frame.  Nice job
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Hey, they turned out nice. Good job !  How did that homeless guy get in the second picture ???   You just finished and he moved right in , amazing.
Reply:Originally Posted by pineSo what did you decide on materials.  Looks nice but I can't tell for certain what you used for the body.  Looks like sq tubing for frame.  Nice job
Reply:The gates look great.Angle is not a good choice for gates if you can get by with out it. As you found out, it is too flexive.
Reply:Looks good. You shouldn't have any trouble getting refferals out of that!