Tradepoint: How to fit a garden gate

Is your garden gate getting old or rusty? Replacing a garden gate is an easy way to improve the appearance of your property. In this blog we take a look at how to fit a new garden gate. 

Equipment checklist: 

• Gate frame 
• Gate  
• Hinges 
• Latch and security bolt 
• 25 x 4mm screws 
• 2x1 timber blocks 
• Drill and drill driver 
• Screwdriver 
• Tape measure 
• Spirit level 
• Pencil 

Once you have checked you have everything to hand on the equipment list above, the first thing you need to do is to ensure the gate frame is the correct size by making it 20mm wider than the gate as timber expands. Use a spirit level to ensure the gate frame is level on either side. 

Next, using your drill, fix the hinges to the gate using 25x4mm screws. 

Top Tip: Use galvanised hinges to avoid rust.

Once the hinges have been fitted, its time to place the gate into the frame.  

Top Tip: Use 2 by 1 timber below the gate when putting the gate into the frame.

Start by attaching the hinges to the frame. Avoid putting all the screws in every hinge, just do a couple at a time whilst checking the gate is opening and closing well. Once satisfactory you can put all of the screws into the hinges. 

Now it’s time to add the latch and bolt. Fit the gate latch across the frame and gate, then drill a hole into the gate and add the security bolt. 

Top tip: Attach the security bolt below the latch, if it is high up on the gate an intruder could unlock the gate.

And that’s all there is to it! You now have a new garden gate. 

Video 

To watch a step-by-step video on how to fit a garden gate, check out the video below: