How to Install Wood Gates

Complete Latch Hardware

• 1

  Insert the gate into its position on the fence and make sure it swings freely. Remove the gate.

• 2

  Measure and mark the hinge positions on the gate using a tape measure and pencil.

• 3

  Drill pilot holes on the marks you make in Step 2 using a drill and drill bit. Secure hinges to the wood gate, attaching the hinges to the pilot holes using your drill and the screws provided with the hinges.

• 4

  Install the latch hardware and the catch on the gate on the opposite side of the gate post, according to the manufacturer's directions.

Incomplete Latch Hardware

• 5

  Insert the gate into its position on the fence and make sure it swings freely. Remove the gate.

• 6

  Measure and mark the hinge positions on the gate using a tape measure and pencil.

• 7

  Drill pilot holes on the marks you make in Step 2 using a drill and drill bit. Secure hinges to the wood gate, attaching the hinges to the pilot holes using your drill and the screws provided with the hinges.

• 8

  Add a stop on the latch-side post if your latch hardware does not include a catch. Clamp a 1-by-2 board in place and insert the gate back into its position on the fence. Make sure the gate is level and plumb using a carpenter's level. Verify the stop is properly positioned according to the manufacturer's directions. Drill pilot holes and secure the stop to the post using galvanized deck screws and a drill.

• 9

  Mark the hinge-side post to indicate the hinge screw locations while the gate is in position on the fence using a pencil. Drill pilot holes on the marks using a drill and drill bit. Fasten the hinges to the post using your drill and the screws provided with the hinges.

• 10

  Install the latch hardware on the opposite side of the gate post and the catch on the gate according to the manufacturer's directions.