Adding gate to existing deck, but no room for second post?

Question

We want to add a gate to our existing deck, but the opening in the deck rail doesn't have a post on one side because it's right next to the house. The post on the other side is a 4x4 set in concrete, and I think the opening is about 30". If I use spring loaded self-closing hinges and build the gate lightly (with lattice or pickets), do I need to have posts on both sides?

I'm thinking if I mount the hinges correctly, the gate will meet the existing post and limit its travel, but I'm worried about the gate sagging or being too heavy.

The gate won't have a high amount of traffic, it's basically to keep the dog out of one part of the yard, but without using the ugly baby gate we have up there now.

If I do need to have a second post, what's the smallest size I can use, and does it need to be set in concrete or can I just attach it to the deck facing?

Any advice is welcome. Thanks!

Answer 1

You could use steel (galvanized) pipe with threads on one end and a floor flange from a Home Center to screw it into. Then mount the flange on the deck. If you use 2" pipe, you could use a chainlink fence gate hardware for securing/locking the gate.

Answer 2

My hot tub is about 6' X 6'. I built my deck using 4 X 4 timber supports embedded 18" into the ground, using concrete. However, my hot tub rests on a part of the deck where the flooring is slightly wider (aprx 6") than the width of the deck. When they delivered the deck, I began to think I didn't have enough support (although the experienced deliverers insited it was). I eventually added concrete cinder block intermittenly uderneath the area to hold the tub. Never had a problem. I imagine the originial support was fine (the joists were made from 2 X 6 treated lumber), especially since the tub was supported so closely near the 4 X 4 supports. In your case, I would consider adding additional supporting near the area that will hold the tub since your span will be further (minimum 15') and could cause some bowing to the joists spanning the 15' area.

Answer 3

no, but you could possibly attach a latch to the side of the house to help secure it when shut. you should take care if you do attach somthing to the side of the house so you don't allow moisture to get behind the siding. You also want to make sure you don't screw or drill into wiring. Be sure to drill into a wall stud and use sealer to keep water out.