Gates - Fitting an Entrance Gate

Advice on Fitting 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 ENTRANCE GATES - return to our Advice Page to view details on Country style or Garden Gates.
	Entrance Gates. Before you can measure you will need to select your gate and posts, for the entrance gate range we would recommend 175mm x 175mm posts (7" x 7") and approximately 900mm (3') higher than the gate, i.e. a 1.8m high gate would require a 2.7m post. Spacing We would recommend the gates sit inside the posts with the hinges fixed to the back face of the timber post. (see image on left) The gap between the posts will need to be 30mm wider than the gates (10mm each side and 10mm in the centre) If you are ordering a gate to fit between existing posts then order 30mm less than the gap. 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.

	Hanging the Gates See photograph above showing hinge positions. The hinges used are adjustable. (see Hardware : Product code 84092.) To position the hinges, first fix the hinges to the gate, back of hinge level with back of gate, see suggested fittings and fixings. Positioning the Gates You will need help but suggest you position the gates between the posts and temporarily prop them into place, you should have 10mm 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 screw the hinges to the posts using 12 gauge x 50mm (2") screws. See photo above for suggested fitting or drop bolts, top brenton bolts and ring latch. The top bolt you will find is very useful in keeping the gates "square." 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.
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.

Fountain Timber Products