Gates - Fitting a Country Gate

Timber Gates : Country Style Gates
How to measure, hang and order wooden gates

Fountain Timber manufacture and supply a very wide selection of Timber Gates. Our customers, often ask us for advice on measuring, ordering and hanging their new wooden gates. Shown below is an easy to follow guide which we hope you find useful... call us if you need further advice - 01934 862710.

Gates on our website are shown in three basic categories, each has it's own Advice page. Currently you are viewing Country Style Gates- return to our Advice Page to view details on Entrance or Garden Gates.

Country Style Gates.
Before you select your Gate you will need to decide the most suitable way for the gate to operate which will usually be determined by the location. The images shown below demonstrate different ways to hang a gate together with the measurements for each option.


A. Gate hung and closing on the back of the posts. To measure: Distance between posts is gate length minus 75mm (3"). Gate opens one way 180 degrees.	B. Gate hung and closing between posts. To measure: Distance between posts is gate length plus 205mm (8¼")if closing with central spring catch (code 80088 + 84592) or 140mm (5½") if closing with pad bolt (code 80030). Gate will open in or out 110 degrees.

C. Pair of gates hung on the back of the posts. To measure: distance between posts is the combined length of the pair of gates minus 75mm (3"). Gates will open one way 180 degrees. Gates close using central throw-over set (code 80089)	D. Pair of gates hung between the posts. To measure: distance between posts is the combined length of the pair of gates, plus 255mm (10") Gates will open in or out 110 degrees. Gates close using central throw-over set (code 80089)

	Hinges : Sizes. Gates up to and including 1.8m = 460mm (18") Field Gate hinge set (code 80080) Gates over 1.8m = 600mm (24") Field Gate hinge set (code 85503) Gates being hung as a pair we suggest you use the Adjustable field gate hinge sets. 460mm (18") Adjustable Field Gate Hinge (code 80081) 600mm (24") Adjustable Field Gate Hinge (code 85504) Posts : Sizes. 125 x 125mm (5" x 5") for 0.9m, 1.2m wide Gates 150 x 150mm (6" x 6") for 1.5m, 1.8m, 2.1m wide Gates 175 x 175mm (7" x 7") for over 2.1m wide Gates

	Posts The posts will need to be a minimum of 600mm (2') in the ground and concreted in, we recommend post-a-mix (see hardware, product code 80019) 2 bags per hole. Suggest you tack temporary supports before you begin to concrete, use a spirit level to ensure post is upright (from all sides) and a line to ensure the back of the post is correctly aligned. For the second post check alignment and gap, leave the posts a minimum of 24 hours before beginning to hang gates Positioning the Gates You will need help but suggest you position the gates between the posts and temporarily prop them into place and check your gaps each side, check you have sufficient ground clearance. You will find that the adjustable hinges give you a great deal of available adjustment, you will find this useful to "fine tune" the fit summer and winter. Fixing to the Posts When you are satisfied that the gates are in the correct position, fix in place using supplied bolts and screws. After care for your Gate. Wood is a natural product and although pressure impregnated with preservative this will only guard against rot and decay. The timber will pick up moisture in the winter and dry in the summer causing it to expand and contract. This effect is greatly reduced by painting the gate with microspores water repellent wood stain. Note - we offer a 'made to measure' service if standard gate sizes aren't suitable.

Fountain Timber Products can take no responsibility for the advice offered on this page. Before starting any DIY / Gardening project

make yourself aware of the 'Health & Safety' issues - if in doubt seek professional assistance.