How to fit a timber gate: Posts, hinges & the right finish

Charlotte Jewell
3 days ago
2 min read

Whether you're installing a new gate across a driveway, garden or side path, getting it fitted properly means it’ll work better, last longer, and save you having to tweak or replace it sooner than planned.

Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right posts, hinges, fixings and finishes – using materials we keep in stock at Youngs.

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Wooden gate blocks a rural path in a lush green pasture with sheep grazing and a dense forest background under sunny skies.

1. Choose the right gate posts

The first thing to get right is the posts – and if the gate’s going to be used regularly, hold weight or stand up to weather, you'll want something that lasts.

We recommend:

UC4-treated posts – for ground contact, rot resistance and long-term strength
100x100mm or 125x125mm depending on the size of your gate
2.4m or 2.7m lengths (especially if you’re using a gravel board underneath)

At Youngs, we also stock notched posts made in-house, which are great if your gate’s part of a full featheredge run.

2. Set your posts properly

Dig down at least 600mm – deeper for taller or heavier gates

Use post mix for quick, strong setting
Use a spirit level and temporary bracing to keep posts square and plumb while the mix sets
Allow at least 24 hours to cure before hanging the gate

Want to match the post height to your fencing or gravel board? We’ll help you work it out in branch.

Wooden gate with black hinges set between red brick pillars. Lanterns mounted on each pillar. Greenery in the background.

3. Pick the right hinges & fixings

For most timber gates, you’ll want:

Hook & band hinges or T-hinges – choose based on size and weight
Gate latch or ring latch – simple, reliable and easy to fit
Coach screws or bolts – to fix hinges securely to the post
Gate furniture kits – available in black, galvanised or zinc-coated

We stock full hinge kits in various sizes – just bring in a rough size of your gate and we’ll set you up with what works.

4. Finishing the job: Treatment & protection

If your gate isn't pre-treated:

Use a good-quality timber preservative or oil
Apply to all sides, especially the bottom edge
Consider adding gate caps or a slight top slope to shed water

Ask us in branch about the right treatment for the timber you’re using – especially if it’s pressure-treated or hardwood.

Wooden gate slightly open on a gravel path, surrounded by stone walls and greenery. Sunny day creates a warm and rustic atmosphere.

Top tip: Leave a gap

Make sure to leave:

5–10mm gap between the gate and each post
More at the bottom if the ground isn’t level or you expect movement

This stops binding in wet weather and gives the gate room to move naturally.

Need a hand figuring it out?

We’ll help you work out post sizes, gate height, hardware and fixings based on your layout – just bring in a photo or rough sketch and we’ll get you sorted.

📍 Posts, hinges, latches, post mix and timber all in stock at Folkestone, Biddenden and Dymchurch

📞 Call ahead to check availability or get advice

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