How it's done
How Long Does Gate Installation Take?
Hanging a timber side gate on sound posts is usually a short job. New posts, double gates, brickwork fixings and gates made to measure all add time, mostly before fitting day, and the timing is agreed on the written quote.
A new gate looks like a quick job, and the fitting often is. What takes the time is everything around it: whether the posts can take the weight, whether the gate is made to order for the opening, and how the ground falls across the swing.
This guide explains where the time goes on a gate job, from the first measure to the gate closing cleanly on its latch. It is based on the timber and metal gates we fit across London and Hertfordshire.
Measuring comes first
Every gate starts with a measure of the opening at the top and the bottom, the height, the way it should open and what it will hang from. On a free site visit we also look at the fall of the ground so the gate clears a path or slope through its full swing. Getting this right saves time on fitting day.
Made to order gates add lead time, not fitting time
Many openings are not a stock size, so gates are often made to measure. That adds a gap between the visit and fitting day while the gate is made, but it usually makes the fitting itself quicker, because the gate arrives sized for the opening instead of being trimmed and packed on site.
Metal gates are hot dip galvanised and powder coated before they arrive, and each of those finishes adds to the lead time. Timber gates in softwood or hardwood such as iroko are made up as framed and braced leaves.
Posts are the slow part
If the gate can hang from sound existing posts or a solid brick pier, fitting can be quick. If new posts are needed, the old ones come out, new posts go into concrete deep enough for the weight and the swing, and the concrete needs time to go off before a heavy gate is hung. On some jobs the posts are set first and the gate is hung on a later visit.
Brick piers need checking too. Fixings have to go into sound masonry; a crumbling pier may need attention before it can carry a gate.
Single, side or double gates
A single garden side gate is the simplest job. Double driveway gates take longer because two leaves have to meet evenly in the middle, the drop bolt has to line up with a keep in the ground, and the whole pair has to clear the drive as it swings. Wide or heavy leaves need heavier hinges, such as ball race hinges, and more careful setting up.
- Side gate on sound posts: the quickest type of job
- Side gate with new posts: add post setting and curing
- Double driveway gates: more setting up and adjustment
- Made to measure metal gates: lead time before fitting day
Adjusting and finishing
Once the gate is hung it is checked through its whole swing, the gaps are evened up, stops are fitted so it closes to the same place every time, and the latch, lock or bolts are set. A gate that is left to settle for a few minutes and checked again is less likely to start catching a week later.
Agreeing the timing
Because so much depends on the opening, the posts and whether the gate is made to order, timing is agreed after the site visit and set out with the written quote. If you are also having a fence replaced, it is usually quickest to do the gate at the same time so the posts are planned together.
Frequently asked
How long does it take to hang a garden gate?
On sound posts, hanging a side gate is a short job. New posts add time for setting and for the concrete to go off.
Why is there a wait for a made to measure gate?
The gate is made to order for your opening, and metal gates are also galvanised and powder coated before fitting.
Are double gates slower to fit than a single gate?
Yes. Two leaves have to meet evenly, and the drop bolt and stops have to line up across the drive.
Can a gate be hung on a brick pier?
Yes, if the brickwork is sound. We check the pier on the visit before fixing anything to it.
Can you fit the gate when you replace my fence?
Yes. Doing both together means the gate posts are planned with the fence line.
Want this priced properly for your garden?
Free site visit across London and Hertfordshire, a written specification, and a fixed price. No obligation.