How to Hang a Garden Gate
Installing a large garden gate, such as a 6 ft closeboard gate or a decorative European style gate, requires careful setup so it swings smoothly, looks smart, and lasts for years. This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to do it, using our complete Side Gate Kit with Ring Latch.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need to hang a garden gate
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Your chosen gate — see our Closeboard Gates or European Style Gates
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Strong posts — explore our Wooden Fence Posts for suitable options
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Side Gate Kit with Ring Latch (includes all required fixings):
• 2 × 18″ medium duty T hinges (galvanised or black epoxy finish)
• 6″ ring latch (galvanised or black epoxy finish)
• 6″ slide bolt (galvanised or black epoxy finish) -
Postcrete (2 bags per post)
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Post saver sleeve for timber post bases
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Spirit level
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Tape measure & pencil
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Drill/driver
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Packers or temporary supports
Step 1: Set Your Gate Post
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Dig the hole at least 2 ft (≈ 600 mm) deep.
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Add a small layer of gravel at the base for drainage.
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Fit a post saver sleeve if you’re using a timber post to guard against ground-level rot.
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Position the post upright, then secure with 2 bags of Postcrete, checking with a spirit level to ensure plumb alignment.
Step 2: Fit Ironmongery to the Gate
Before lifting the gate into place, attach all hardware supplied in the kit:
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Secure the two 18″ T hinges to the top and bottom rails. For extra-wide gates (around 4 ft), a third hinge can be added at the centre.
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Attach the ring latch to the closing edge of the gate.
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Fit the 6″ slide bolt if you want additional security.
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Leave the keeps (for latch and bolt) off for now — these are best fitted once the gate is hung to guarantee smooth closure.
Step 3: Offer the Gate Up
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Position the gate against the post using packers or supports to hold it at the correct height.
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Allow sufficient ground clearance so the gate swings freely without catching.
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Align the top of the gate with the top of the post or set it to your desired finish height.
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Leave a consistent 3–5 mm gap between the gate and post from top to bottom.
Step 4: Fix the Hinges to the Post
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With the gate held in position, fix the top hinge first, ensuring it is level.
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Next, secure the bottom hinge.
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If using a third hinge, fit it in line with the others.
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Test that the gate swings freely and remains plumb.
Step 5: Fit the Latch & Bolt Keeps
Once the gate is hanging correctly:
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Close the gate and mark exactly where the ring latch keep should sit. Fix it so the latch closes smoothly.
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Do the same for the slide bolt keep, ensuring the bolt slots into place easily.
Step 6: Final Checks
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Open and close the gate multiple times to confirm smooth movement.
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Check all fixings are tight.
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Apply a timber treatment, paint, or stain if you’re hanging a wooden gate.
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Recheck gaps and clearance after a few days as the post fully settles.
Why Use the Side Gate Kit?
The Side Gate Kit with Ring Latch contains everything you need in one box, so you don’t have to worry about sourcing separate parts. Each component is correctly sized and matched for garden gates up to 6 ft high, available in either galvanised or black epoxy finish.
Related Products
Quick Summary: How to Hang a Garden Gate
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Dig a 2 ft post hole, add drainage, and secure the post with 2 bags of Postcrete and a post saver sleeve.
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Attach all ironmongery from the gate kit to the gate (hinges, latch, slide bolt).
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Position the gate with packers, leaving clearance and a 3–5 mm gap to the post.
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Secure the hinges to the post and test swing.
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Fix the latch and bolt keeps once the gate is hung.
Your new garden gate should now open smoothly, close securely, and stand the test of time.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re fitting a 6ft closeboard gate for security or a decorative garden gate for style, following these steps ensures a strong, long-lasting installation. At Clarke Fencing, we’ve been helping customers across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, and the wider East Anglia area with quality fencing supplies and expert advice for decades. For more inspiration and background reading, see the Royal Horticultural Society’s guide on building fences and gates or browse Gardeners’ World’s garden gate ideas for design tips and inspiration.
If you’re planning a full fencing project, you may also be wondering: How do you install fence posts? — the foundation of every strong fence and gate. Check out our step-by-step guide to get started.
