Generally, the hinge is placed at the top and bottom of the gate. For heavy gates, a third hinge is added in the middle to support the weight.

Where should hinges be placed on a gate?

As a rule of thumb, gate hinges are placed at the top and the bottom of the gate but heavy-duty gate hinges will often have a third hinge for the middle to support the weight. Double check what weight rating your gate requires to ensure that the installation will be structurally sound.

Do hinges go inside or outside of gate?





Hinges can be mounted either on the interior or the exterior of the gate – which will determine whether it will swing inwards or outwards. Position the latches between the gate and hinge post and use a grease pencil or marker to mark the locations of the screws.

How much clearance do you need for gate hinges?

For gates with standard 2×4 framing and 4×4 posts, leave a 1/2- to 3/4-inch space between the latch post and the gate frame. On the hinge side, it will depend on the hardware you use. About 1/4 inch is usually sufficient.

Which side should a gate be hung?

Hanging Your Gate



If your gate has any supporting timber (ie top, bottom or diagonal supports), this should be on the inside of the gate, so that the good side faces out. If there is a diagonal support, the bottom of the diagonal should be on the hinge side of the gate.

How do you hang hinges on a gate?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So the next step is to drill the pilot holes. And what I recommend it's just drilling the front one for I recommend drawing your front two holes first and then go ahead and hang in your gate.

How do you align a gate hinge?





Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Let's get started if the lack is more than half an inch or so out of alignment. It is important to adjust both the bottom and the top hinge to prevent the hinges in.

How do you hang a side gate in a garden?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Until we're absolutely sure with the gates opening properly. And it's all working. Fine. So that's opening and closing really nicely. If you can see. So we can put all the rest of the screws.

How do you install fence gate hardware?

How to Install a Gate Latch

  1. Step 1: Choose gate hinges and prep the gate. How to Use a Power Drill. …
  2. Step 2: Mark and pre-drill holes for new upper hinge. …
  3. Step 3: Anchor the new hinge to the gate and post. …
  4. Step 4: Repeat steps 1-3 for the lower hinge. …
  5. Step 5: Remove the old latch. …
  6. Step 6: Install the new latch.


How much space should be between post and gate?



Allow 4.5 to 5 inches between the post and gate for hinges and pins.

How do you hang a gate on a slope?

For gates installed on parallel slopes, the gate should always hinge from the low side. The reason being, the distance between the bottom of the gate and the ground underneath it will grow as the gate opens. This allows the gate to function freely.

How do you block the bottom of a gate?

Secure chicken wire or wire mesh to the bottom of a chainlink, wood or wire gate. Cut a piece that is roughly double the length of the open area and as wide as your gate. For example, if the gap is 3 inches tall with a width of 36 inches, cut a 6-inch by 36-inch piece of chicken wire, using a pair of wire cutters.

How do I stop my dog from trying to escape the gate?



You can use chicken wire, hardware cloth, or a piece of chain-link fence attached to the base of the fence. Some people bury it for aesthetic reasons. But you can also lay it on top of the grass and hold it down with rocks, gravel, mulch, or even planters.

How do I close the gap under my fence?

How to Fill in a Gap Under Fencing

  1. Fill the gap with all-purpose decorative stone or washed river rock. …
  2. Multiply the length of the gap by the height and width of the gap to determine the cubic feet of the area. …
  3. Dump the rocks or stones into the gap beneath the fence.


What can I put at the bottom of my fence?

Rocks and boulders are a simple choice for areas of the fence that have a slight gap, or even for areas that have a long gap that runs along the fence. Use the rocks to build a retaining wall along the bottom of the fence, or create a rock garden.

Should a fence touch the ground?



In most applications, a wood fence should be installed at least two inches off the ground. Your posts and rot boards (if you choose to install them) should be the only fence components that contact the ground. Wood pickets should never touch it.

What digs holes under fences?

But if you see nuts or seeds in the bottom of the hole, it’s more likely to be squirrels. Scraped holes under your fences could be hedgehogs, particularly if they come at the end of a “tunnel” or pathway trodden through your borders.

What is a fence kickboard?

A rot board, also called a kickboard, is a horizontal board installed along the bottom of the fence panel. Typically a 2×6 or 2×8 piece of wood, it runs along the base of the entire fence panel for a finished look and added protection.

Does my fence need a kickboard?

A kickboard will help your fence last longer. By keeping the main pickets away from moisture and other elements, they’ll be less likely to rot. A pressure treated kickboard is specifically designed to handle ground contact so it makes sense to have one on the bottom of your fence.

Is it better to nail or screw fence boards?



Nails are faster than screws to install, meaning less labor for you or your builder (which may translate into lower installation cost). However, nails are more likely than screws to grow loose over time. Screws, on the other hand, secure the fence better than nails.