I built gates made from cedar fence pickets about 15 years ago. They were looking pretty sorry, and falling apart. So, made new ones, using 2" x 6" redwood planks. Made angle iron frames, welded with my trusty oxy-acetylene rig. Finished with Cabot "Indian Corn" color stain, frame is painted with the professional grade Rustoleum. I shot the bronze ceramic coated lag screws through the frame into the planks, and had intended to paint them to match the frame, but the wife saw them prior to paint, and liked the look. A little more industrial than I wanted, but all I really care is that these gates will last a lot longer than the old ones.