fitting a strut to a gate

[Coaster]

hello all,
can someone tell me if I can fit a diagonal strut to a gate i'm building, by just laying it on the gate and attaching it with screws. Is this a bad idea, or should I try to cut some form of a joint out and fit it that way. i'm not sure if the screws alone would take the forces involved.

the gate being 6 foot square, and the timber being either 4" x 2" or 4" x 3"

 

[masona]

can someone tell me if I can fit a diagonal strut to a gate i'm building, by just laying it on the gate and attaching it with screws.

Always fit strut underneath the frame head.

Have a read here to help you, get back to us if you're not sure.

 

[petewood]

Even if your brace is just screwed to the palings, it should help to stop it sagging, but if you are using it to hold the gate together instead of a frame you are onto a loser. A gate of this size and thickness will need a heavy frame.