How to Install a Wooden Gate
This guide shows the recommended way to install a single wooden gate, including hinge placement, spacing, wall posts if purchased, and fitting the latch and optional key lock.
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.
1 pair adjustable hinges
Main hanging hardware used to support and level the gate.
- 14 x 5x30mm screws
- 2 x M10x50mm coach screws
1 x 175mm ring latch
Used for opening and closing the gate from either side.
- 12 x 4x30mm screws
1 x 150mm pad bolt
Provides a simple way to secure the gate in place.
- 4 x 4x30mm screws
- 4 x 5x30mm 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 bit
- 10mm or 12mm wooden drill bit
- Pozi drive drill bit
- T30 Torx drill bit
- Small pilot 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 side, with the ring latch and pad bolt or key lock on the closing side.
If the gate is opening outwards, mark where the bracing is along the front and reverse the installation guide.
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 all levels and adjust as necessary.
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 gate. Small pilot holes are advised for the screws.
Position the gate in the opening
Put the gate in the opening and use a block or packer underneath. We recommend leaving 15mm either side to allow for expansion and movement, and a 30mm gap underneath the gate and posts.
Mark the holes for the hinge plates and fix onto the mounting post. Check the gate swings freely and sits level, then adjust accordingly.
Fit the ring latch
Mark the holes for the plate, ensuring it fits inside the frame 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 the gate, align it with the keep, then securely screw the bolt and receiver in place ensuring it slides smoothly into position.
If purchased, the key lock comes with its own instructions, template and fixings in the box. Small pilot holes are advised for the screws.
The placement of the lock should be on the inside of the frame with the front of the plate being in the T&G boards. This is to ensure there is enough room for the long throw shoot.
Helpful fitting notes
- Leave enough clearance for expansion and natural timber movement.
- Use pilot holes before screwing into timber.
- Check the gate swings freely before final tightening.
- If the gate opens 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 102 concrete screws (longer if posts are thicker than 45mm) with a T30 bit for wall post fixing.
- Use a hammer drill and 6.5mm masonry bit when drilling into masonry.
- If fixing into hollow or softer bricks, we recommend using a resin fixing system rather than standard wall plugs.
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.