How to Install a Gate on an Incline

Cutting the Gate

• 1

  Position the gate against the post to which it will be installed. Estimate the amount of wood that needs to be cut off the bottom of the gate to prevent the gate from hitting the ground after installation, allowing at least 3 inches of clearance for the gate to swing freely.

• 2

  Use a saw to cut off the section of the gate that needs to be removed. Sand the rough cut edges using medium grit sandpaper. Reposition the gate on the installation post. Make adjustments to the cut, removing more if it is necessary to make the gate line up parallel to the ground.

• 3

  Mark the location of the hinge screw holes on the post once the gate's cut is finalized. Remove the gate and drill holes in each marking using a wood drill bit slightly smaller in diameter than your wood screws. Attach the gate in place using 3-inch galvanized wood screws.

• 4

  Position the other half of the latch on the opposite post with the gate shut. Mark its attachment screw holes, drill them out and attach the latch with 3-inch galvanized wood screws.

Installing at an Angle Without Cutting

• 5

  Position the gate against the post to which it will be installed. Angle the base of the gate so that it is parallel to the ground, regardless of the angle of the attachment posts. Keep this angle for the gate and arrange the hinges on the post so that the hinge attachment screw holes land on the post despite being angled.

• 6

  Mark each screw hole location. Drill a hole in each marking and attach the gate to the post with 3-inch wood screws drilled through the hinge and into each hole.

• 7

  Position the other half of the gate latch against the opposing post. Close the gate to determine the best height. Mark the screw support holes for the latch and drill them out. Attach the latch to the post using 3-inch galvanized wood screws.