Selecting Your Country Style Gate
Before you order your Country Style Gate, you will need to decide the most suitable way for the gate to operate, which will usually be determined by the location.
When measuring the distance for your gates it is always best to take three separate measurements - from the top, misddle and the bottom. The smallest measurememnt is the one you want to use.
If new posts are being installed, it is advised to have them installed first and once in place and secure then measure the distance between them.
The images below demonstrate different ways to hang a gate
Hinge pin should be in the centre of the post
Hanging a gate on the back or face of the post
When installing your gate on the back or front face of the post it is advised to have the hinge pin in the centre of the post to maximise strength. The gate will need to overlap the post and the overlap measurement will vary depending of the size of your posts. See below overlap measurements for standard size posts.
| Post size | Overlap |
| 150 x 150mm | 25mm overlap |
| 175 x 175mm | 37.5mm overlap |
| 200 x 200mm | 50 mm overlap |
Single Gate
Once you have your overlap measurement you are ready to calculate the gate size you require. For a single gate measure the distance between your posts, than add the overlap measurement for each post .
For example: using the above overlap measurement of 50mm you required gate size would be:
Distance between posts+50 +50 + required measurement for gate
Pair of gates
For the pair of gates you follow the same method as for the single gate - measure distance between posts, add overlap measuremet for each post and then take away 15mm to allow for the gap between the gates.
If your gates are are the same size, you devide the total measurement by 2 which gives you required measurement for each gate. For different size gates, split the total measurement to suit.
For example: Distance between posts+overlap measurement for each post -15mm gapallowance+total measurement. Total measurement devided with two = required gate size
Hanging gate between the posts
When installing your gate using the above method it is advised to have the hinge pin in the centre of the post to maximise the strength.
To calculate your required gate size, you need to measure the distance between your posts then take off your hinge gap and closing gap.
This measurement will vary depending on the hinge you use and the closing latch you use. See below list of measurements for common gate fixings.
| Double strip hinge set | 120mm gap |
| Throwover Set | 110mm gap |
| Spring Catch Set | 110 mm gap |
| Bolt | 15 mm gap |
The double strap hinge set is the most popular hinge for the country style gates. It is available in a range of sizes and finishes. https://www.fountaintimber.co.uk/products/details/galvanised-adjustable-field-gate-set
Suggested Posts and hinges for different gate sizes
POSTS
Our gate posts come with a weathered 4 way top and are available in a range of sizes. It is advised to install your posts at a minimum depth of 600mm
Suggested posts sizes
| Gate length | Post size |
| 0.9om | 125 x125mm |
| 1.20 -1.50m | 150 x 150mm |
| 1.80 - 3.0m | 175 x 175mm |
| 3.0 – 4.80m | 200 x 200mm |
(Important: Never shorten a post and place the cut end in the ground. It will destroy the integrity of the treatment and cause the post to fail very quickly)
Hinges and gate fittings
| Gate Length | Recommended Hinge |
| 0.90m | 300mm (12") Field Gate Hinge Set on Plates |
| 0.90 -1.80m | 460mm (18") Field Gate Hinge Sets |
| Over 1.80m | 600mm (24") field Gate Hinge Sets |
Please note
- The 460mm and 600mm Field gate hinge sets are available either as standard (fixed) or adjustable versions. Both versions are available as hook on plate or bolt through the post fixing.
- For the gates over 3.6m it is also advised to use a supporting gate wheel to reduce stress on the gate joints.
- For the country style gates being hung as a pair we suggest you use the adjustable Field Gate Hinge Sets (hinge sizes to suit gate sizes as shown above)
After-care for your gate
Wood is a natural product and although pressure treatement will guard it against rot and decay, timber will still absorb moisture during winter and dry out during summer months which will cause it to expand and contract. Painting the gate with micro-porous water repellent paints or wood stains will allow the timber to breathe and accept or lose moisture at a slower rate, therefore reducing cracking, twisting or swelling as the seasons change.
The information and advice in this article is provided in good faith and is designed to give general information and guidance. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. If in doubt we strongly recommend you seek professional assistance.
If you need further advice with your purchase please ask our experienced staff, we will be happy to help!
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