Tips for Installing Timber Side Entrance Gates

If you’re looking to install timber side entrance gates, Hampshire Fencers can help. We have a wealth of experience in this area, and we can provide you with all the advice you need to get the job done right.

Size

The most common size for side entrance gates is 900mm/915mm. However, they can be constructed up to 1200mm wide. Gates can also be constructed at any height, with the most common heights being 900, 1200, 1500, and 1800mm high.

Gate Width

The maximum width of an 1800mm high gate is typically 1500mm each leaf. Beyond this, the cost rises rapidly and in practice, the wind resistance makes operating difficult.

Gate Hinges

Gate hinges are usually just under half the width of the gate. Garden gates which have springs or very frequent use can require larger hinges.

Handing and Hanging

Garden gates are available either left or right handed and diagonally braced accordingly. The handing is decided when viewed from the front. Gates are normally hung to open inwards. If gates have to open outwards, the ironmongery will be seen on the face of the gate, which can create additional problems when fixing hinges.

Ironmongery

The hinges chosen will depend on the size and weight of the gate. As an example, 375mm or 450mm T hinges would normally be used with a 1750mm high timber closeboard gate. For widths over 900mm, heavier hinges are available.

The ironmongery on the closing side of the gate will very much depend on the height of the gate. For garden gates that cannot be reached over, we recommend the 125mm ring gate latch as a standard latch and an oval padbolt as a padlocking facility. Gates of a lower height can be reached over, so the normal type of latch is the auto gate latch and we would recommend the larger one as being more durable.

Double Gates

When gates are to be hung as a pair, you will require one left hand and one right hand gate. The gates will not be closing against a slamming post, therefore, the gates must close against each other. This is achieved using a rebate.

One gate needs to be fitted with a dropbolt to fix it to the ground when closed. The other gate will now be the gate which normally opens first. The gate which opens first, along with the direction of opening, needs to be specified when ordering pairs.

Gate Stops

All gates must be fitted with a timber batten to act as a gate stop or else the ironmongery will break very quickly. It is normal to fit a matching pair of gate stops, one on the hanging and one on the slamming side to cover up any gap between the gate and the gate post.

Ask the Experts

For further advice about your project, don’t hesitate to speak to our friendly experts at your local Hampshire Fencers branch. We have a wide range of high-quality fencing and landscaping materials available, either to click and collect from your local branch or for home delivery.

We hope this helps!