How to Install a Gate at a Doorstep

Cut two wooden gate posts 3 feet longer than the height they will stand above ground level. Place your gate on the ground and put one post on each side against the gate. Insert wooden shims between the gate and the posts on both sides to open up a small space between them. This is how your gate will hang. Nail three evenly spaced scrap wood slats from post to post to keep the posts at the proper distance during installation.

Lay the connected posts on the ground with their bottom ends at the installation site. Dig a hole at the foot of each post 3 feet deep and 12 inches in diameter. Put 3 or 4 inches of gravel in the bottom of each hole.

Set the connected posts into the holes. Use a carpenter’s level to set them exactly vertical. Drive a stake into the ground on either side of the posts. Nail the posts to the stakes on either side with 2-by-4 boards to keep them in position. Check again that they are vertical.

Mix cement with two parts sand and three parts fine gravel in a plastic bucket with a shovel according to label directions. Add small amounts of water and mix well with a shovel after each addition. Do not add too much water. The consistency should be very thick but not dry or chunky. It should pour but not run.

Pour the concrete around each post in the hole up to ground level. Punch into the poured concrete with a small stick to release any air bubbles. Check again that the posts are vertical and wiggle them into position if necessary.

Mound up a little more concrete around the post bases with a trowel when the concrete in the hole is almost dry. Slightly slant the surface of this layer from the posts downward to the ground so rainwater will not pool around the posts. Let the concrete dry. When the concrete is completely dry, remove the spacer slats, bracing boards and stakes.

Place a stainless steel or brass hinge to the back of your gate on each horizontal brace board. The round, turning part of the hinge should hang off the side of the gate. If your hinges have one longer part, the longer part should attach to the gate. Mark the screw holes, remove the hinges and drill pilot holes at the marks. Replace the hinges and screw them into place with galvanized screws.

Place the gate on wood blocks between the posts at the height you want the gate. Check that it's level. Mark the hinge locations on the post. Drill pilot holes and screw the hinges to the posts with galvanized screws. Remove the wood blocks.

Place the gate side of a gate latch on the top horizontal brace board on the gate. Mark the screw holes. Remove the latch part and drill pilot holes. Replace the latch part and screw it to the gate with galvanized screws. Place the post side of the latch on the adjacent post so the parts match. Mark the screw holes, drill pilot holes and screw the other half of the latch to the post.