Fitting Timber Gates

Hanging (fitting) the gate.

Place the gate in between the two gate posts and sit it on packers so the gate is about 50mm off the ground. (Adjust accordingly if required, to allow for the contour of the ground and to ensure that the gate will be able to swing open.) Place wedges or packers at the sides of the gate so that the gaps between the gate and each post are even.

The gate should be able to stay in place by itself while the tee hinges are screwed in place. Place a hinge on each horizontal member (3 in all). If the gate is to be opening inwards, then the hinges will be fixed to the inside of the gate to the horizontal members. If the gate is to open outwards, then the hinges will be fixed to the outside of the gate, to the palings in line with the horizontal members.

Once the hinges are screwed in place, take out the wedges and/or packing and fit the gate latch. Usually the latch should be put halfway up the gate, but if the gate is to keep little kids in or out, then put the gate latch towards the top of the gate.

Finally, and if required, cut a hole in the gate handy to the latch and big enough to put a hand through. This is so the gate can be opened from both inside and outside.