What Fence/ Gate Posts to use

What size Posts are best to use: Generally, if installing a Fence Panel, a 3" x 3" Post will be adequate. The length of the post should be determined as follows: Take the height of the Fence eg: 6ft high fence 1/4 of Post would need to be put into the ground Therefore, an 8ft long Post would be required. For Driveway Gates: Minimum post size should be 4" x 4" (post length is determined as above) If the gate is over 12ft wide (2 x 6ft leaves) then a 6" x 6" post will be required. As with all posts that will be outside, to limit rotting ensure you choose posts that state "CLASS 4". Alot of suppliers will sell posts that have a treatment that lasts for upto 15 years against rot and fungus. However, this is only if the post is outside and NOT placed into the ground! Where as CLASS 4 posts are designed to be placed into the ground. The price difference between the posts are minimal and will save you money in 5 years time when the posts start to rot. With pre built pillars, if connecting hinges direct to these, ensure the pillar is stable enough to hold. To keep a pillar, it maybe worth strengthening the pillar with a reinforcement (ie steel insert). For more info, please visit: www.GatesandFencesUK.co.uk

How to Fit a Garden Gate or Side Gate

A Wooden Garden Gate can greatly enhance the appearance of your home. Once the hinges have been attached, your gate is ready to be hung. Proper installation will ensure that the Gate swings open and shut without a hitch and remains tightly closed when not in use. A smooth operation also will ensure less wear on your hinges and a longer life for your gate. Installation of the gate should take about an hour for a first-time installer.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Inspect the Gate to be certain the wooden structure is sound and the hinges are properly placed. They should be large enough to hold the Gate's weight. It's best if the Gate has a large T-hinge with one rectangular plate that attaches to the post and one long, pointed end bolted to the face of the Gate with fixings supplied.
     
   • 2
     Use a level to make sure the two vertical posts are plumb (exactly vertical). The support post must be strong enough to hold the weight of a swinging gate (generally either a 4" x 2" or 4" x 4"). Hold the Wooden Gate between the two posts to see that the Gate fits properly. There should be a gap of a quarter-inch to a half-inch between the gate and the post on each side.
     
   • 3
     Set the Gate on two blocks at the exact height you want it when it's installed. The Gate should be level and evenly spaced between the posts. Mark the spot where the top hole of the top hinge falls on the support post, pull the hinge plate back (you don't need to move the door) and drill the hole.
     
   • 4
     Insert a lag bolt into the hole you just drilled. Use an adjustable wrench to turn the head of the lag bolt until it is tight against the hinge plate.
     
   • 5
     Mark the top hole in the bottom hinge plate, where it falls against the support post. Pull the hinge back and drill the pilot hole. Insert the lag bolt. Once the bolt is tightened, remove the blocks under the Gate and the hinges will support the Gate's weight.
     
   • 6
     Drill the rest of the pilot holes, insert the lag bolt and tighten it using an adjustable wrench.
     
   • 7
     Choose a height for the gate latch. It will be on the opposite edge of the door near the top. The latch will have two parts. The latch will go on the face along the outside edge of the gate, while the catch will be placed on the far post in a position to hold the latch in place.
     
   • 8
     Hold the latch in place, so the edge of the base lines up with the side of the door. Mark the location of one of the top holes on the face of the gate with a pencil. Pull the latch away and drill a pilot hole that is smaller than the screw that will hold the latch in place. Put the latch back against the side of the gate and insert the first screw using a screwdriver.
     
   • 9
     Drill the rest of the screw holes (there should be three) and after each pilot hole is completed, add the screw.
     
   • 10
     Put the catch against the far post and slide the catch mechanism until it wraps around the barrel portion of the latch. Mark the location of the first pilot hole for the catch with a pencil and drill the first pilot hole. Put the catch back in place and insert the first screw.
     
   • 11
     Drill the rest of the pilot holes and insert a screw after each hole is drilled.
     
     Need a Gate Made to Measure? Please visit,  www.GatesandFencesUK.co.uk 
     
     or call: 0800 6124 965
     

 For your Gates or Fence Panels, visit www.GatesandFencesUK.co.uk

Whether your replacing Driveway Gate Posts, Side Gate Posts or Fence Posts into the ground, the technique to how to fit posts stays the same. Below is a guide along with a short video on how to do this but we are here to help and will answer any questions if you get stuck along the way.

Things you'll need:

Post Digger or Spade
Tape measure
Spirit level
String line or straight edge
Fast setting concrete (available from any leading garden or builder centre)
Wooden batton
Hammer (not essential)
Nails/ screws (not essential)

• First, mark the position of the first post. 

• Using the post digger (or spade) dig the hole. The hole can be either circular or square (if looking from a birds eye view).  The actual width of the hole should be determined depending on the width of post. This is calculated by taking the width of the post and multiplying by three. For example; a 4" x 4" Post would require a hole width of 12". The post to be positioned in the centre allowing for a 4" clearance gap around the post. Depth of the hole needs to 1/4 the size of post length. Therefore, a standard 8ft length post would need a 2ft deep hole.

• Now the hole has been dug, fill the base of the hole with a mix of the Fast Set Concrete. The depth of the concrete at this stage to be one to two inches. Allow 10 to 15 minutes (if Fast Set) to set.

• Two Person Job: Place the post into the hole. Fill (following instructions on the concrete pack) the hole with fast set concrete. Allow one bag per post. Whilst filling the hole, the second person to use a spirit level to ensure upright. Check both sides and ensure the post is in position. If using fast set mix, you may only have 5 to 10 minutes before concrete has set so be prepared. Once in position, use the wooden battons to hold the post in place. Simply screw/ nail the batton half way up the post and angle to the ground. Usually doing two sides is enough.

Fill the raminder of the hole with soil and compact down to the level of the ground. Use a string line or straight edge from the face of the post to enable you to mark out the positions of any further post you are fitting.

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