Gate installation

What this covers

A gate carries its whole weight on two hinges and one post, which is why gates sag, drag and stop latching long before the fence around them fails. The installer sets gate posts deeper and often larger than line posts, sometimes tying them together below grade, builds or orders a frame that is square and braced against sag, hangs it on hinges sized for the weight, and sets the latch where it falls to hand and clears the ground. Walk gates, double drive gates, arched garden gates and pool gates each have their own hardware. Careful work shows in even gaps on both sides, a gate that swings freely and a latch that catches every time.

When to call

• A new fence that needs one or more gates for the yard, side path or driveway.
• An existing gate that drags, sags or will not latch.
• A driveway that wants a double gate or a gate wide enough for a vehicle or mower.
• A pool enclosure whose gate must close and latch on its own.

What to expect

1. Size and swingWidth, height, swing direction and hardware are decided for the opening and its use.
2. Set gate postsPosts are set deeper in concrete and braced for the load, then left to cure.
3. Build and hangA square braced frame is built or fitted and hung on hinges sized to its weight.
4. AdjustHinges and latch are adjusted so the gate swings cleanly and latches every time.