The Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Wooden Gate

Wooden gates are a beautiful and long-lasting addition to your garden or driveway, but the thought of setting one up yourself can be daunting. The last thing you want is to accidentally damage the gate or posts during installation or, even worse, end up hurting yourself in the process.

The good news? By following the right steps and taking the necessary precautions, safely installing a new gate is easier than you might think.

The Wooden Gate Makers team have years of experience installing wooden gates of all sizes and shapes, from large double driveway gates to smaller side gates. We’ve used our expertise to put together a guide to help you through the necessary steps, so keep reading to learn all you need to know about setting up a wooden gate in your garden!

First things first, you need to make sure your new gate will actually fit in the spot where you plan to install it. Use a measuring tape to measure the height and width of the gate opening and use these measurements to determine the right size for your gate, or you can always ask us for guidance. You can then either order the correct size online or, even better, get one custom-made to fit your measurements - this will allow for a much neater and more precise fit.

Before you start the installation, make sure you have all the tools and materials you need on hand. The exact requirements may vary depending on where you plan to install your gate, whether the posts are already in place, and other factors, but here's a general guideline to help you get ready:

• Wooden gate

• Posts (proven timber recommended)

• Concrete mix / wall anchor bolts

• Spirit level

• Spade (if holes are required)

• Drill

• Screws

• Screwdriver

• Hinges

• Latch

Now you’re ready to start the installation! If your posts aren't in place yet, mark on the ground where they should go based on the gate's width. Next, use a post hole digger to dig the holes for the gate posts. Make sure the holes are deep enough for stability, usually 2ft down and typically around one-third of the post length.

Place the gate posts into the holes and use a spirit level to check that they're perfectly vertical (plumb). Once done, follow the concrete mix instructions from the manufacturer and pour it around the posts in the holes. Double-check the post alignment using the spirit level and make any adjustments needed before the concrete sets.

Let the concrete set and cure based on the instructions on the product packaging - this usually takes at least 24 to 48 hours.

Once the concrete has set, it's time to move on to installing the hinges.

Start by measuring and marking where you want the hinges on both the wooden gate post and the gate itself. Make sure these marks align directly across from each other. Typically, hinges are positioned on the horizontal rails.

Now, screw one leaf of the gate hinge into the gate post using screws of the right size. Make sure the screws are long enough to firmly anchor the hinge. It's a good idea to pre-drill pilot holes to avoid splitting the wood.

Attach the other hinge leaf to the edge of the wooden gate in the same manner, using screws that provide a secure anchor. If needed, prop up the gate with spacers while attaching the hinges to make the process smoother and more secure.

Once the hinges are in place, you can connect the gate to the posts. Wooden gates can be heavy, so be sure to handle them with care to avoid any potential risks. It's best to have someone else with you to make the lifting easier.

Before tightening the screw sets all the way, make sure the gate is properly aligned. Aim for a roughly 1/4-inch gap between the gate and the post when it's closed, giving enough space for the latch and allowing the gate to swing freely.

If you are fitting gates between walls, you would require 2 x 70mm x 95mm posts secured to the brickwork using self-tapping wall anchors, see our YouTube video for guidance.

The last step in the installation process is to position and attach the latch to both the gate and the gate post. Make sure it aligns properly for a secure closure.

Give the gate a few tries, opening and closing it to check it moves smoothly. If needed, make any adjustments to the hinges or latch for optimal performance.

You may want to consider applying wood stain or paint to protect the gate and enhance its appearance. While optional, this step can contribute to the gate's longevity and overall visual appeal.

By following these steps, you'll be able to set up a functional and aesthetically pleasing wooden gate for your property.

However, if you'd rather save yourself the time and effort, why not let our team of experts handle the installation for you? We offer comprehensive measuring and fitting services for all our handcrafted gates, covering locations within 80 miles of our Poole workshop.

For those who prefer the DIY route, we also provide delivery-only services to most areas of the UK Mainland.

Whether you decide to install the wooden gate yourself or have us do it, we're confident you'll be happy with the results. Begin your project by getting a free quote online or give us a call on 01202 670770 today!