How to hang a garden gate: posts, gaps and fitting

In short: our garden gates hang on black hinges and hinge pins, fixed to a brick wall or a post. Use a 60 x 60 mm azobé post or, for a wide or double gate, a 140 x 140 mm Ipe gate post set in concrete. Leave a 10 mm gap on each side between the posts and 30 to 50 mm under the gate so it swings freely.

Not chosen your gate yet? Read wooden garden gates: Ipe or teak first.

Which posts do you need?

• Azobé post, 60 x 60 mm, 3.00 m long: the same post used for the fence. Suitable for a single gate.
• Ipe gate post, 140 x 140 mm, 3.00 m long: extra heavy duty. We recommend it for a wide or double gate.
• Wall: the steel frame can also be fixed straight to a brick wall.

A double gate is heavy, especially in Ipe, so set the posts in a concrete footing to stop them leaning or sinking. How deep the post goes depends on the gate height and your ground. If in doubt, message our advice team.

How much space between the posts?

• Single 1.00 m gate: 1.02 m between the posts (10 mm each side).
• Double gate, 2 x 1.00 m: at least 2.03 m, with 10 mm in the middle.
• Under the gate: 30 to 50 mm clear, so it does not drag on the ground.

Other widths are made to measure: bespoke Ipe garden gate or bespoke teak garden gate.

Cladding the frame

1. Cut the 2.10 m slats to the height you want.
2. Fit 3 slats horizontally into the black frame first. They form the base.
3. Fix the vertical slats onto them with the clips, on both sides. The clip doubles as a spacer, so the gap is 5 mm throughout.

On a gate the slats always run vertically, even if your fence runs horizontally.

Hanging the gate

1. Fix the hinge pins to the post or wall and hang the gate on its hinges.
2. Check with a spirit level that it hangs straight and swings freely, with 30 to 50 mm clear underneath.
3. Fit the black cylinder lock.

Work with two people: a clad gate is heavy, especially in Ipe. Teak is lighter (around 670 kg/m³ against 1,050 kg/m³ for Ipe) and easier to handle. Extra hardware is under gate fittings.

The gates themselves: Ipe garden gates and teak garden gates.

Frequently asked questions

Can I hang a garden gate on a wall?

Yes. The steel frame can be fixed straight to a brick wall. On the other side, use a wall or a post.

Which post should I use for a double gate?

We recommend the 140 x 140 mm Ipe gate post set in concrete. A double gate is heavy, especially in Ipe.

How much clearance does a gate need underneath?

Leave 30 to 50 mm clear so the gate swings freely and does not drag on the ground.

How much space do I need for a double gate?

With two 1.00 m leaves, at least 2.03 m between the posts.