Ten Easy Steps to Installing a Fence Gate

Fences have several functions. Whether fancy or plain, a fence adds structure and guidelines to your landscape, allows for better security and increases your privacy. There are several different types of fences such as, galvanized chain linked, vinyl, aluminum, wood and picket. Most of the techniques used for installing these fences are very similar.

As with any big landscaping job or building of any kind, you will need to check with your Homeowners Association or check with your city to see if you need a zoning permit to install the fence. If you have already installed the fence there will be no need to obtain another permit to install the gate. Due to the fact that you will be digging holes, you can call 811 and a surveyor will come out and map out your underground power and gas lines for free of charge. This is a very necessary step to ensure that you do not dig into yours or your neighbor's power and gas lines. Listed below are some easy tips on how to install your fence gate.

Tools needed for Gate installation

Post hole digger
Tape measure
Hammer
Level
Wrench
Wheelbarrow
Shovel

Materials needed for Gate installation

Galvanized chain linked fence gate that came with your fence (this should be fully assembled upon receiving the fence).
Tension Posts
Hardware (that came with the fence gate)
5 lb. bag of cement (quick curing cement is better)

Once the installation of the galvanized chain link fence is in place, all that remains is the fence gate. Next you will find ten helpful tips for installing the fence gate.

Measure the opening before you dig your holes for the posts, a good measurement will allow for a more secure fit.

Dig your holes for the post per the manufacturers guidelines. Usually you will need to make theses holes twice as wide because the fence gate will take a lot of abuse and the bigger holes allows for more concrete to secure the posts into position.

Mix the concrete according to the directions on the packaging, pour concrete into the holes leaving about 3 to 4 inches from the top to allow for swelling of the concrete as it cures.

After you have waited a few minutes, set the posts into position by firmly pressing them into the concrete.

Using the level, make sure that the posts are even in height and level, this step is very important, if you have a post that is leaning the gate will not operate correctly.

Allow the posts to cure in the concrete for at least 72 hours, as you have used twice as much concrete this time. Personally I waited 4 days before I finished installing my gate.

Before you install the gate, make sure that you have measured and have enough clearance at the bottom of the gate. You don't want to get hung up on the ground when you go to swing the gate open.

Attach the gate hinges to the gateposts on both sides, choose which way you want the gate to open and latch the opposite side using the hardware that came with the gate.

Attach the gates horseshoe latch with the hardware that came with the gate, follow the manufacturers guidelines while doing this.

Last step, attach the post caps onto the posts. Hint, a light epoxy will secure the caps in place for life and you will not have to worry about them coming off.

References for this article came from doityourself.com hammerzone.com- as well as my own personal experience.