Q. What size post should I use?
A. 6x6 seems to be the best size. 6x6 is strong and gives you the thickness to install long fasteners for your hinges and latches. 4x6 is also a good choice and is used as long as the Garden Door is not too large.

Q. Should I use a gate stop?
A. Yes, the Garden Door either needs a piece of lumber-cut attached to the latch side of the posts or a jam that is manufactured to act as a stop. Without some type of stop the weight of the Garden Door may dislodge the latch.

Q. How big should my hole be when I set my post?
A. Always check for underground obstacles such as utility gas lines, water lines, etc. prior to digging. Your hole should be 18” to 21” deep with 6”x6” or 4”x6” and 16” in diameter. Fill the hole with concrete and slightly slope the top away from the post for good drainage.

Q. What type of hardware should I use?
A. Before picking your hardware you should know how much your door weighs. A formula for most of our Garden Door is per square foot (width x height); our doors weigh 4 pounds per sq. ft. Ask for your hardware dealer for a hinge that will support the weight of the Garden Door and a latch that will catch the weight as well. If you need a return spring, it is important that the calculated weight is given to the hardware dealer as well. The metal should be for exterior use and if you use a pressure treated post, use fasteners that are compatible with treated wood.

Q. Which way does my door swing?
A. Before hanging your door always check with your local building department if you have any type of water hazard such as a pool, spa, pond, fountain, etc. In most cases those types of situation require a Garden Door to swing out.

Q. How do I decide on Redwood or Cedar Door?
A. If your door is going to be stained with a clear finish and you like the natural look of Redwood or if you stain your door with a Redwood color, Redwood is a good choice. If you are staining your door a light color or want the natural light color of Cedar then Cedars works well as it does not have nearly the amount of tannin bleed as Redwood does.

Q. Should I use a post for my latch or a plate on my house?
A. A post will work best as the weight of the gate will continue to work against a plate attaching to your house. You may also invite water and void a warranty on your house if you attach a plate.

Q. How do I attach to masonry products?
A.  If you can install bolts into your masonry at the time of construction. This will allow you to attach a jam to the masonry for both the hinges and latch. If the masonry is already installed a anchor made for whatever type of masonry can be used to round the jam.

Q. Does the door expand and contract?
A. Yes, the door will swell slightly in the winter and a ½ in. gap should be used at both the hinge and latch to compensate for this.

The Original Garden Products line is manufactured from either clear dry Genuine California Grown Redwood or clear dry Western Red Cedar. END SPLITTING AND CHECKING ARE BOTH A NATURAL WEATHERING PROCESS THAT WILL OCCUR. We recommend applying a protective coating to the product you have purchased, to lessen the affects of the elements that can lead to end-splitting and/or checking. Contact your local paint store or painting contractor to determine the best possible protective coating to apply to the product you have purchased.

THE ORIGINAL GARDEN PRODUCTS LINE IS GURANTEED AGAINIST DEFECTS OR WORKMANSHIP FOR A PERIOD OF SIXTY (60) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE. WE ASSUME NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROBLEMS ARISING FROM IMPROPER HANDLING OR INSTALATION. NO OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED IS GIVEN OR INTENDED.