Installing a garden gate might seem like a job for the professionals, but with the right tools, some careful planning, and a good-quality gate, it is a DIY task that many homeowners can undertake themselves. Whether you are looking to install a charming picket gate or a tall, secure pedestrian gate, Woodford Forest has everything you need to make a success of installing a garden gate yourself.
Here is our simple guide to help you install your garden gate with confidence.
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Choose the Right Gate for Your Space
Before you start, take time to browse our range of pedestrian gates. We have tall and short gates in a wide variety of styles to suit different gardens and home settings.
Hampton Gate
Tall Harpford Gate
Once you have selected your gate, carefully measure the total width of the space where it is to be installed.
It is a good idea to take measurements at the top, middle and bottom of the opening to make sure you have an accurate idea of the space where the gate is to hang and take into account if the opening is uneven or not perfectly square.
Then measure the height of the opening from the ground up to the top, making sure you leave enough space for ground clearance. If the ground is uneven, measure the lowest point and add extra clearance if you need to.
Top tip: A 900mm-wide gate will need an opening of around 915mm to allow space for hinges and to accommodate natural timber movement throughout the year.
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Pick the Right Posts or Wall Plates
Depending on where your gate is going to be installed, you will need either timber posts or wall plates.
- Timber posts are ideal if you are placing your gate between fence panels or as a stand-alone feature
- Wall plates are perfect if you are mounting your gate to a brick wall or another solid surface
Gate weight matters! Heavier gates need stronger posts and sturdier fixings. Not sure what is right for your gate? Contact us – we are happy to help you choose the best supports.
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Select the Right Hinges and Fittings
Next, choose the right hinges, latches, and locks to suit your gate’s size and function. For heavier or taller gates, strong t-hinges or adjustable hook and bands work best. For security, add a sliding bolt or gate latch – we stock a variety to match different gate styles.
Need help deciding? Again, just ask – we can recommend the best fittings for your gate from our wide selection.
T-Hinge
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Prepare Your Opening
Now that you have your gate, posts, and fittings, it’s time to get started:
- Mark your post positions carefully. If your gate is 900mm, your total gap should be approx. 915mm
- Make sure you leave a 25mm clearance at the bottom of the gate to prevent it from dragging
- Check that the ground is level and that there is nothing to get in the way of the gate’s swing path
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Get Your Tools Ready
You will need:
- Hammer drill (if fixing into a wall)
- Cordless screwdriver or drill driver
- Spirit level
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Screws or bolts (we can advise which are best)
If you are digging in timber posts, a post hole digger and postmix will also be useful.
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Fix the Posts or Wall Plates
Make sure your posts or plates are vertical and level. Use your spirit level at both the top and bottom. This step is crucial – if the posts are not vertical, your gate won’t hang properly.
Fix your posts firmly into the ground or secure the wall plates with masonry bolts or frame fixings.
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Hang the Gate
With your supports in place, it’s time to fit the hinges:
- Screw the hinges to the gate first
- Then, with someone helping to hold the gate in place, attach the hinges to the post or wall plate
- Check the gap all around – you should have a small, even gap on both sides and at the top
- Adjust the positioning until the gate swings freely and sits level
If you are struggling to get the gate perfectly level, we also sell adjustable gate fittings to help fine-tune the alignment.
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Fit the Latch or Lock
To attach your latch, bolt, or lock, make sure it lines up properly when the gate is closed. If you are fitting a latch for extra security, check that it can’t easily be reached from outside the garden.
Ring Catch
Final Checks
- Open and close the gate a few times to test movement
- Make sure it doesn’t catch on the ground or swing too far
- Add a drop bolt or gate stop if needed to protect hinges and walls
Need Help Choosing the Right Products?
If you are unsure about which fittings, hinges, or posts to use, just give us a call on
01722 782 698 or drop us an email. We are always happy to share our expertise.
Browse all our garden gates and fittings today at Woodford Forest and Landscape