Gate with metal posts

Ok here's my plan. Metal posts supporting a 10' gate (two 5' panels, 6' high). Gate will have either chain link frame or the adjustable frame from hooverfence.com. I will then put wood slats so it matches the rest of my privacy fence. Beside each metal post, I'm going to place a 4x4 post for the fence to tie into. This should let me be able to swing the gate in or out since the post is only for the gate. I'll paint the posts a dark green to match and blend in.

Does this sound doable? What size should the metal posts be and what type of foooting would they need for that weight. I'm located in South Carolina and the soil is clay. I'd really like a 12' gate (2 6' panels), but worried about the weight with that much wood.

 

I only see problems that you will run into. One is curable, and the other isn't.

You need large enough posts to support the weight of the gate once you add the wood. Use 3" (or larger) pipe for the posts. You'll have to use machine threaded pins through bolted through the pipe to attach your hinges. Also, when you pour the footings, make sure that there is also a continuous strip of concrete between the footings that is at least 2' wide poured monolithically with the footings. This will prevent the weight of the gates from tipping the posts.

Once you add the wood to the outside of the gate frames, you will only be able to inswing them -- the wood will prevent you from being able to outswing them.