Fit hinges and a latch to hang a garden gate squarely and securely between two timber posts.
GT-01Check the posts are sound and plumbCheck both posts are firm in the ground with no rot, cracking or movement. Use a spirit level to confirm each post is plumb, and check the gap between them matches the gate width plus clearance. Push each post firmly; if either one rocks or feels soft, fix that before you hang anything on it.
GT-02Gather your tools and materialsGet everything together before you start so you're not stopping halfway with the gate half-hung. You'll need hinges, screws or coach screws, a latch set, a drill, packers or offcuts to prop the gate, and exterior wood preservative for cut edges.
GT-03Measure up and mark hinge positionsStand the gate in the gap and check clearance — around 10mm at each side and 15-20mm off the ground, more if the path slopes. Mark roughly 150-200mm down from the top rail and up from the bottom rail for the hinge positions, keeping both marks level with each other.
GT-04Prop the gate in positionRest the gate on wooden wedges or offcuts so it sits at the right height and gap while you work. Check it's level side to side with a spirit level before marking anything on the post. Get a second pair of hands or a clamp to hold it steady — gates are heavy and awkward to hold alone.
GT-05Fix the top hingeWith the gate supported, screw the hinge to the gate through pre-drilled pilot holes, then hold it against the post and mark the screw positions. Drill pilot holes into solid timber, avoiding knots and splits, then drive coach screws through the hinge into the post. Tighten fully but stop before the screw head strips the timber.
GT-06Fix the bottom hingeRepeat the process for the bottom hinge once the top one is taking some of the gate's weight. Check the gate swings freely before removing the props underneath. Adjust the packers if the gate now drags on the ground.
GT-07Fit the latch and catchClose the gate and mark where the latch sits on the gate and the catch on the post, keeping both square to each other. Screw the catch to the post first, then the latch to the gate, checking it holds shut cleanly without forcing.
GT-08Test the swing and adjustSwing the gate open and shut several times, checking for dragging, binding against the post, or hinges pulling loose. Tighten any screws that have worked free, and slip a washer or extra packer behind a hinge if the gate has dropped slightly.
GT-09Weatherproof and tidy upDab exterior wood preservative or paint onto any bare timber, cut edges and screw heads to stop water getting in and causing rot. Wipe down the hinges and latch, collect your offcuts and packers, and put your tools away.