Correct installation is essential for driveway gates hung between posts. Quality, well-made gates will only perform as intended if they are properly supported, aligned and fitted using the right hardware.

Careful attention to post installation, hinge positioning and fitting clearances will help ensure smooth operation, minimise unnecessary strain on the gate and fittings, and allow for the natural movement of timber throughout the seasons. Taking the time to install a gate correctly can significantly improve its performance, appearance and long-term durability.

These are guide recommendations and are not full instructions for hanging gates.  Please note gates from our Prestige Range are for automation only due to the weight of the gates.

As the gates and posts are a natural material, some movement may occur with changes in temperature and humidity. The hinges (A) can be adjusted to allow for seasonal movement in the timber.

 The gates should always be hung with the bracing rising up from the hanging stile. A minimum of 50mm ground clearance should be allowed.

We recommend that an experienced installer fit manual gates. Automated gates require a heavy-duty bottom rail. They should be installed and commissioned by a qualified gate automation specialist.

If the gate is to be rebated the same tolerances apply

Measurements are based on the fittings supplied by Charltons and are intended as a guide. 

*We do not recommend that the gates are left open for any length of time. If the gates are being left in the open position, an extra socket should be fitted so that the drop bolt can be used to secure the gates whilst open, with no pressure being put on the hinges, so that the gate does not bend or blow shut and cause injury. Drop bolts must be installed using the supplied socket set. Leaving the drop bolt loose, especially in gravel, can lead to the gate warping or being damaged.

These gates are not designed for use at field entrances. Vegetation growing beneath the gate can retain moisture and lead to water ingress where it comes into contact with the timber.

Bi-fold installations are not recommended, as the additional stresses placed on the joints may affect performance and invalidate the warranty.

British Standard BS EN 12604 states a gate should not be capable of falling through single point failure. One hinge breaking would be a single point failure that causes a catastrophic failure of the gate. This is the technical term taken from the standard. Therefore, it is recommended a third hinge should be used. For curved top gates this can be a smaller 1-way adjustable hinge with a narrow plate to give the second adjustment.

Please note: wooden posts are a natural material and therefore can experience some movement with heat and humidity.

Ideally, very heavy large driveway gates should not be hung just on wooden posts.

For most gates, particularly heavier designs, the gate posts should ideally be installed approximately 3ft (900mm) into the ground to provide adequate support. Posts set too shallow may become loose, move over time, or begin to lean, placing additional strain on the gate and its ironmongery. Shallow posts are also more susceptible to frost heave, where freezing ground conditions can gradually lift them out of position. To help prevent this, the post hole should be wider at the bottom than at the top, creating a bell-shaped footing that helps lock the concrete securely into the ground.