Being faced with the task of installing gate hinges when fitting a garden gate can seem daunting and confusing. You’ve purchased your brand new wooden gate, you’ve even got your gate hinges to go with it, but how do you put two and two together? We’re here to help! In this blog, we break down the seemingly scary task of how to install gate hinges to show you how easy it can be, providing a step-by-step guide for a smooth process!

At Stellar Gates, we have a variety of high-quality wooden gates to choose from and we can help you choose the right gate hinges to go with your purchase! Our sturdy hinges are designed to offer protection and practicality, securing your wooden gate and making it a breeze to use.

Why proper hinge installation matters 

When fitting a garden gate, proper hinge installation matters! Not only does it maintain the functionality of your gate, but it also increases its longevity. You don’t want a misaligned gate- this can be a catalyst for damage, causing a sagging gate and uneven weight distribution.

If you put the time and effort into properly installing gate hinges at the start, then future you will be forever grateful as you’ve helped prevent costly repairs. Your gate opens and shuts smoothly without any drag on the floor and minimises the risk of the gate falling off its hinges.

The required equipment

First and foremost, you’ll have to make sure that you’ve got the right equipment for fitting a garden gate. The following equipment is required for a proper hinge installation:

• The correct hinges: Selecting the right hinges for your gate is vital- you don’t want a wonky gate or one that doesn’t manoeuvre properly. To ensure you have the right size, you can measure your gate with our gate size calculator and purchase a compatible set of hinges.

• Screws: Screws tend to come as part of your gate hinge purchase- if they’re part of the same package, you know they’re going to be the right fit. 

• Tape measure: Of course, a tape measure helps with the accurate and precise placement of the hinge. It also helps you check that you’ve got the right size hinges for your gate.

• Drill: A drill is a very useful tool for installing screws, creating pilot holes for them.

• Screwdriver: Whether a manual or electric screwdriver, this is essential for securing the screws in place.

• Wrench: Wrenches are only required if you’re using bolts or to tighten the bolts on adjustable hinges.

• Level: It’s in the name, really- a level tests if the gate is mounted on a level surface, helping to accurately align the hinges.

• Pencil: A pencil can be used to mark precise locations, helping you remember where you’re going to install the hinges.

Where and how to install gate hinges on a wooden gate

So now you’ve got all your equipment to hand, it’s time to install! We’ve given a simple step-by-step approach to help you figure out how to hang your gate and understand the hinge installation process:

Position your gate

Firstly, you must position your gate in the opening and decide how much of a gap you would like at the bottom. It must be wedged off the floor, maybe using spare wooden blocks or bricks that are even with each other. You could use your level on top of your gate to check that it isn’t slanted, but that it’s even on both sides. A smaller garden gate might be fine to handle on your own, but consider getting a friend to help with larger gates.

Choose and mark the hinge placement

Next, you must decide where your hinges go! Determine the number of hinges needed (you may need a third for a really large gate, such as a driveway gate) and measure where they need to be placed. If you’re using two hinges, one should go around 6-12 inches from the top and the other about 6-12 inches from the bottom. Once the positions are decided, you should mark them with a pencil or marker to remind you where they go. You should also mark positions on the post for when you reattach the gate.

Drill the holes

Now it’s time to drill the necessary holes! Make sure the holes are deep enough for the screws or bolts. These holes are called ‘pilot holes’ and are drilled before you put the screws into the wood, preventing damage to the wood that might happen if you drill the screw in straightaway. Go slowly to make sure you don’t drill through the gate!

Screw the hinge into the gate

You can now attach your hinges to your gate using the screws or bolts. To do this, you insert the screws/bolts through the hinge holes and into the pilot holes you just drilled. Then, grab your screwdriver or wrench to securely attach the hinge in place. Make sure they’re tight and that the hinge is flat on the gate’s surface.

Attach the gate and hinges to the post 

Align the gate and hinge flaps with the marks on the gate post, drilling the flap securely into the post. This completes the hinge mechanism that’s needed for your gate to open and close properly. 

Test your gate!

And that’s it! Your newly fitted gate is free to use- that’s assuming there’s no problems, of course. So, make sure you test your gate and keep an eye out for any difficulty in opening or closing. If you spot anything, it’s best to get it sorted before it causes wear and tear over time. If it opens nicely and smoothly, then you’re done! 

Secure your wooden gate with hinges from Stellar Gates

At Stellar Gates, our quality gate hinges ensure a smooth installation process and a long lifespan for your gate. Our gate ironmongery kits are made from galvanised steel, making them weather-proof and maintaining functionality. 

If you need further advice, see our useful guides page with instructions on how to install a single gate or double gate. Or, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have! We’d be happy to help.