Advice on hanging a wooden gate with step-by-step instructions. Find out how to hang a wooden garden gate and what factors to consider when choosing a gate. We give you instructions for fixing for gate posts, selecting the right hinges and latches and demonstrate how you can easily hang a timber garden gate.
Gate Posts
If you are planning on replacing an existing wooden gate, that might have deteriorated over time you will need to ensure that the existing gate posts are secure and suitable for your new gate. Estate, field and driveway gates require very sturdy posts to take the weight of the gate as the wider or more sturdy the gate, the more pressure will be applied to the post during use.
If you are planning on fitting a wooden gate to a wooden posts this is a relatively simple procedure, however if you are fixing your gate onto a wall will need a post or ‘wall fillet’ to allow space for the gate to hinge.
Gate posts can be concreted into the ground, fixed to a wall or bolted to an existing concrete base.
Ways To Hang A Gate
There are 3 basic ways to hang a wooden gate. The first is by centering the gate on the posts and the advantage of this is that you can open the gate both inwards and outwards but you will need to centre the gate between the posts and use double-strap hinges. Also remember when doing your planning to leave enough space between the gate and the posts to accommodate both the hinge and latch.
The second way of hanging a wooden gate is to hang it flush with the posts. This means the gate sits between the posts but is situated flush with the back of the posts and the hinge and the latch are put on the back of the gate so no extra gap is required to accommodate the chosen fittings. It means the gate will only open one way.
The third way of hanging a gate is behind the posts. This means the gate will overlap slightly on each side. More commonly this is used for when you have a pair of gates, or a really wide single gate. This method of hanging requires special hinges and latches.
Hanging Your Gate
The first thing you need to do is fairly obvious but very important nonetheless, and this is to check your gate is the right way round. Depending on the style of gate you select there may be a front and back as well as a specific hinge and latch side.
Supporting timber struts should be visible on the inside of the gate so that the nicer-looking side faces out. Also, if there is a diagonal wooden support, the bottom of the diagonal should be on the hinge side of the gate.
If you are replacing an old gate and keeping the original posts, you will need to find a gate the same size as the old one. As gates tend to be sold in standard sizes you may well be lucky however if the gate is older you might be less so, in which case you might have to have one specially made. Alternatively, you can have a wider of bigger gate cut down to size but you need to be really careful when doing this as you need to ensure you have enough wood left to safely affix hinges and latches.
You need to fix the hinges to the gate first, then hold the gate in place between the posts, lifting it off the ground a little to give enough clearance. You can achieve this by using wood pieces as a wedge to hold it in place the correct distance off the ground. Make sure the gate is straight by using a level and ensure it is in-line with the post, then screw the hinges to the post. When complete you can remove your wedges or supports and then test the gate to make sure that it opens smoothly and closes well, fitting snugly in place. Finally, fix your selected latch in place.
If you are fixing your gate to a wall or bolting the fence posts into place, fix the hinges to the wall or one post before putting the second post into place. This will ensure that the gap between posts is exactly the right size.
There you have it. Hanging a wooden garden gate is relatively easy. Just make sure you get the right sort of gate from a reputable supplier and get to it!