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Adding slab under chain link fence gate - Best way?

Original Post

So I am getting ready to modify the entrance to my rear yard, which is enclosed with a chain link fence. The fence currently has a single man gate 36" wide for access. The problem is my mower deck is 42". I plan to add a second gate about 48" wide in a section of fency that is currently 10' between the posts. I have read up on setting the posts, and depths and such, so I understand that part.

The question is, I would like to make a concrete pad about 8-12" wide between the gate posts so that I don't have to mow it, and so travelling between it won't wear it down enough for the dogs to crawl under ( my terrier has it out for the rabbit that lives on the other side!)

Should I pour the posts and this slab as one unit, or should I do the slab separately after? If separate, do I need to ass any spacing material between it and the post concrete? If it can be poured as one, what type of control joints will i need?

Thanks!

Reply 1

I would do them separately if it was me. So when I accidently bend the gate-post with my mower the post can be replaced independent of the other casting. I don't think any special control joint is required. If the two are poured at different times you'll have a "cold joint" anyway.

Reply 2

Your 48" gate is awfully tight for a 42" mower. Have you considered two 36" gates meeting in the middle?

Reply 3

I will go with Bud.Pour the post first and then the slab.

Reply 4

And slope both sides to below ground level.

Reply 5

Ok, I was leaning towards doing the posts first myself, but if it would have made it easier without any ill effect or unknowns, I would have considered doing both at once.

And the gate should be fine for the mower. Since I am building this myself (gate and all) I can make sure that the mower will fit. The reason for not doing 2 gates is the current gate is on an end post as it is, and I would need to figure out how to make a removable center post or a sleeved one.

Reply 6

Keep in mind that soil under the concrete slab could freeze and heave upward, while the posts may not heave because they would be deeper. The ground freezes for the top down and steel posts that are not in concrete slip and may not heave(if any) as much as a concrete slab.