Garden Gates Direct - How To Install Wooden Gate Hinges?

How to Install Wooden Gate Hinges?

Installing the right hinge for your installation is the first step to easy gate operation. Our guide outlines the critical steps to take before and during installation so you can find the perfect fit.

Stages to Fitting

It's simple to install hinges for a wooden gate, but many people take shortcuts that affect the long-term performance and use. If you want your gate to open and close smoothly, you must know how to choose the correct hinge hardware and install it properly.

For more information about the hinge type to use please view our guide "Choosing Wooden Gate Hinges".

Location: We recommend installing the hinges on your gate to the thickest part of the gate to provide optimum support. This means you should position the hinges so the band portion is fitted to the top and horizontal bottom rails, providing better support for the fittings. If you are installing a very heavy gate, a third hinge might be required, which you must mount to the middle horizontal rail.

Mark the Location of the Holes: When you are happy with the position of the hinges and confirm they are sitting level, you should mark the holes in preparation for drilling the gate.

Drilling: Create pilot holes for the hinges using a wood drill bit, making sure they are smaller than the screws you will be using. You can also use a wider drill bit to go through the gate at this stage, as you will need this to attach the coach bolt.

Mounting the Hinges: To put hinges back on the gate, align them to the holes and fix them with screws. The coach bolt can then be passed through the larger gate hole and fastened fully up. As a top tip, we recommend you put the hinges back on the same way they came off. Repeat this process for other hinges as well, if required.

Installing the Hinge Pins: To install the gate onto the post, you need to be able to lift and hold it in place between the opening. You may require assistance at this point.

1. Lift the gate into the opening and establish the amount of ground clearance that you will need. In most cases, 50mm (2") is sufficient; however, this can vary depending on site constraints. Placing timber packers under the gate at this stage will help maintain the required clearance.

2. You will now need to ensure the gate sits with an equal gap between the posts. The opening should be 20mm larger than the actual width of the gate. Therefore, using 10mm wedges on each side will achieve an equal gap.

3. After packing or wedging the gate, ensure the top is level and check the gate stile to ensure it is plumb. If something isn't level or plumb, adjust wedges or packers as necessary before checking again.

4. Once everything is level and square, take the lower hinge pin and move it up as high as it will go through the lower hinge band that you have previously installed onto the gate. Once it is in place, mark the location of the fixings, drill pilot holes and attach the bracket using appropriate screws.

5. Repeat the process for the upper hinge pin. For lighter gates, we recommend reversing the bracket and mounting it from the top, as this will prevent the gate from being lifted from its hinges).

6. Take the packers out and check it is mounted correctly. If adjustments are required, we recommend you loosen the screws and reposition the hinge pin until you are satisfied the gate is sitting properly between the posts.