I need to replace some wood gates on either side of my home that my father in law built about 25 years ago. I got a quote on a Sederra cedar gate and it was $750 per gate, too much for my wallet. I have done some woodworking in the past and have some basic tools. Here is a picture of what I plan to build:
I assume the middle section is plywood. The place I got the Sederra quote from told me they could sell me the the wood (Western Red Cedar) for around $200. I would like to paint the gate instead of stain because I don't want to restain it every year or have it turn grey. I read that Douglas Fir might be better for painting. I got a quote for kiln dried DF 2"x12"x8' and it is $95 so maybe more expensive than cedar. A friend of mine who does a lot of woodworking told me the thickness of dimensional lumber can vary up to 1/4" and it would have to be planed to a consistent thickness. I don't have the capability to do this and i don't want to pay to have it done. I am going check on the cedar to see if it is consistent thickness. Is it possible to paint the cedar and have it last for at least 10 years? Any other wood I should consider?
I plan to use dowels to hold the frame together since I don't have the tools to do mortise and tenon. I am willing to spend some money on tools since I am saving money by building the gates myself but not more than a few hundred dollars.
I assume the middle section is plywood. The place I got the Sederra quote from told me they could sell me the the wood (Western Red Cedar) for around $200. I would like to paint the gate instead of stain because I don't want to restain it every year or have it turn grey. I read that Douglas Fir might be better for painting. I got a quote for kiln dried DF 2"x12"x8' and it is $95 so maybe more expensive than cedar. A friend of mine who does a lot of woodworking told me the thickness of dimensional lumber can vary up to 1/4" and it would have to be planed to a consistent thickness. I don't have the capability to do this and i don't want to pay to have it done. I am going check on the cedar to see if it is consistent thickness. Is it possible to paint the cedar and have it last for at least 10 years? Any other wood I should consider?
I plan to use dowels to hold the frame together since I don't have the tools to do mortise and tenon. I am willing to spend some money on tools since I am saving money by building the gates myself but not more than a few hundred dollars.