Hanging a wooden garden gate correctly is essential to help maintain the life of your gate and to prevent future problems.
When it comes to hanging a wooden garden gate there are a whole range of gate hinges available to purchase. Two of the most essential things in a hinge is the ability to support the weight of the gate and to be able to make an adjustment.
Which gate hinges should I use?
There are a whole range of gate hinges available to purchase but two of the most essential things in a hinge is the ability to make an adjustment. Especially with a wooden gate which can experience some natural movement with the changing seasons. Secondly, the gate hinges need to be able to adequately support the weight of the gate.
We recommend a one way adjustable hinges for your garden gates. Even lighter weigh gates may need some adjustment. Remember posts can move as well so an adjustment may be needed for this reason.
These gates have been fitted with one way adjustable gate hinges.
They also have a bolt, a latch and drop bolts. The front side of the gates received more sun that the garden side so these fittings stop the gate from moving when not in use as well as making the entrance secure.
Hinges should be a minimum of a third of the width of the gate to support the gate otherwise this can lead to the gate coming under too much stress and being damaged or broken.
For more information on hanging garden gates click here.
What To Do When Your Gate Won’t Close
A gate that is broken can be a big security risk to your property and garden. It can allow children and pets to to escape as well as allow strangers access to your garden.
If your gate will not close check for the following issues.
Gate Latches
Check your gate latches. It may be that they are corroded or haven been damaged. Gate latches ideally should be galvanised to stop the from corroding. Also check the screws and oil the hinges.
If your gate will seem to close but won’t stay shut, the problem may be as simple as a worn or rusty latch. Inspect the latch for signs of corrosion or serious damage; this indicates that you need to replace it. If it is not so seriously damaged, try oiling it and tightening its mounting screws. This may be enough to hold the gate in place.
Gate posts
Check your gate posts as these can sometimes rot at the bottom or warp. If the post is rotten it will need replacing. If the post has warped you should be able to make an adjustment on the hinge, if you have an adjustable hinge. If not you may have to replace the hinges so that you can make adjustments.
Obstructions beneath the gate
If the latch is not an issue check anything that may be obstructing the gate, it could be something simple as a plant growing between the gate and the post. Soil, plants, wood, and other barriers can accumulate below the gate and block it from sliding shut.
If the gate is hung properly, treated properly and the area maintained your gates should last a long time and be relatively maintenance free.
A well maintained garden gate
