How to Install Double Wooden Gates
This guide shows the recommended way to install double wooden gates, including hinge placement, spacing, wall posts if purchased, and fitting the latch, optional key lock, and drop bolts.
What’s included
Your gate hardware is supplied with the relevant fixings for each item, so it’s easier to identify what goes with what before installation.
2 pairs adjustable hinges
Main hanging hardware used to support and level the gates.
- 28 x 5x30mm screws
- 4 x M10x50mm coach screws
1 x 175mm ring latch
Used for opening and closing the gates from either side.
- 12 x 4x30mm screws
1 x 150mm pad bolt
Provides a simple way to secure the gates in place.
- 4 x 4x30mm screws
- 4 x 5x30mm screws
2 x 450mm drop bolts
Used to hold the gates securely in the open and closed positions.
- 24 x 4x30mm screws
1 x long throw key lock (if purchased)
Optional locking hardware for added security.
- Fixings and instructions included in the box
Tools you’ll need
The exact tools used may vary, but these are the recommended items from our installation guide.
Main tools
- Hand/combi drill
- Hammer drill (if installing wall posts)
- Ratchet with 17mm socket
- Spanner
- Spirit level
Drill bits
- 6.5mm masonry hammer drill bit
- 10mm or 12mm wooden drill bit
- Pozi drive drill bit
- T30 Torx drill bit
- Small pilot hole drill bit
Step-by-step installation
Follow these steps carefully and check levels as you go before fully tightening everything up.
Check hardware placement
Before fitting anything, mark out where the hardware will sit. The adjustable hinges go on the hanging sides, with the ring latch, pad bolt or key lock and drop bolts fitted as shown on the gates.
If the gates open outwards, mark where the bracing is along the front and reverse the installation guide. Packers can be supplied where needed to make the hinges level with the frame.
Fit wall posts if purchased
Use a hammer drill with a 6.5mm masonry bit. Line up the posts with a spirit level and mark out where to drill the holes in the wall.
A useful tip is to fix a screw centrally in the post so you can pivot it to make it level with the gate. Use a T30 bit to fix the screws through the posts and into the wall, then check everything sits flush and adjust as needed.
Fit the adjustable hinges
Use the hand drill and a 6mm drill bit to drill the hole for the coach screw through the square hole in the hinge. The hole should go partway through the gate, not all the way through to the front.
Use the ratchet to tighten the coach screw into the hole. Use the spanner to adjust the nuts and level the gates. Small pilot holes are advised for the screws.
Position the gates in the opening
Put the gates in the opening and use blocks or packers underneath. We recommend leaving 15mm either side and 15mm in the centre to allow for expansion and movement, plus a 30mm gap underneath the gates and posts.
Mark the holes for the hinge plates and fix onto the mounting posts. Check the gates swing freely and sit level, then adjust accordingly.
Fit the ring latch
Mark the holes for the plate, ensuring it fits through the boards on the front. Drill a 10mm or 12mm hole through the gate for the bar, place the bar through the hole, and screw the ring latch on.
Mark the holes for the holding catch and screw onto the gate. Then mark the holes for the catch on the receiving post and screw to the post. Small pilot holes are advised for the screws.
Fit the padbolt or the optional key lock
Position the Brenton pad bolt on the inside face of one gate, align it with the keep on the opposite gate or receiving post, then screw both parts securely into place, making sure the bolt slides smoothly into position.
If purchased, the key lock is installed on the same side as the ring latch. Instructions, template and fixings for the key lock are included in the box. Small pilot holes are advised for the screws.
Fit the drop bolts
Fix the drop bolts to the gate in the positions shown. Then mark the holes for where the gates need to be in the open and closed positions.
Measure the diameter of the drop bolts, or the drop bolt sleeves if you are using them. Use the correct drill bit to drill the holes for the drop bolts.
Helpful fitting notes
- Leave enough clearance for expansion and natural timber movement.
- Use pilot holes before screwing into timber.
- Check both gates swing freely before final tightening.
- If the gates open outwards, reverse the fitting layout to suit. Hinge packers can be supplied so the hinges sit flush with the frame.
Wall posts and fixings
- Wall posts are only included if purchased.
- Use 7.5 x 152 concrete screws with a T30 bit for wall post fixing.
- Use a hammer drill and 6.5mm masonry bit when drilling into masonry.
- Double gates also need correct drop bolt hole positioning in open and closed positions.
Need help with installation?
If you’re unsure about fitting, hardware placement, or the correct gap to leave, get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.