GateMate Adjustable Steel Gate Frame Kit Guide
The GateMate Adjustable Steel Gate Frame Kit provides a strong, adjustable framework for building bespoke timber garden gates. Instead of relying solely on timber rails for the structure of the gate, the kit uses a robust steel frame which can be adjusted to suit different gate widths and heights before being clad with your choice of timber boards.
Suitable for both new gates and bespoke build-on-site projects, the adjustable design allows you to create a timber gate to suit openings from 700mm to 1200mm wide and 1250mm to 1950mm high.
Why Use a Steel Frame for a Timber Gate?
Traditional timber gates rely on their timber framework to provide structural strength. Over time, changes in moisture, weather conditions and the weight of the gate can contribute to movement.
The GateMate Adjustable Steel Gate Frame creates a rigid internal structure onto which timber rails and your chosen gate boards can be fitted.
The telescopic frame also makes it particularly useful when you need to construct a bespoke-sized timber gate rather than relying on a standard off-the-shelf gate size.
Key Benefits
- Adjustable from 700mm to 1200mm wide
- Adjustable from 1250mm to 1950mm high
- Strong box-section steel construction
- Suitable for bespoke timber gates
- Adjustable gate eyes included
- Suitable for timber or steel gate posts
- Can be clad with your choice of timber boards
- Compatible with a GateMate Euro Long Throw Lock
- Black powder-coated finish
What Size Gate Can You Build?
One of the main advantages of the GateMate steel gate frame is its telescopic construction.
The frame can be adjusted within the following dimensions:
| Measurement | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Gate Width | 700mm | 1200mm |
| Gate Height | 1250mm | 1950mm |
Each section slides telescopically into the adjoining section. Once the required dimensions have been set and the frame checked for square, the supplied grub screws secure the sections in position.
This makes the kit particularly useful for unusual openings where a standard-sized timber gate may not be suitable.
How Is the GateMate Adjustable Gate Frame Constructed?
The outer telescopic sections of the frame are manufactured from 35mm x 35mm square hollow-section steel, while the inner telescopic sections use 30mm x 30mm square hollow section.
The corner and T-joints are fully welded before being linished, polished and coated.
Gatemate Adjustable Steel Gate Frame Kit | Black
For corrosion protection, the steel receives a Dacromet® zinc coating followed by a black RAL 9005 powder-coated finish. The coated frame has been salt-spray tested in-house to 500 hours.
What’s Included in the Gate Frame Kit?
The kit contains the main components and fixings required to assemble and hang the adjustable steel framework:
- 4 steel corner joints
- 2 steel centre T-joints
- 2 top/bottom telescopic connectors
- 1 centre telescopic connector
- 2 hook-on plates
- 2 gate eyes with washers, nuts and bolts
- 8 x 6 x 50mm countersunk timber screws
- 13 x 6 x 100mm wafer-head timber screws
- 10 grub screws
- 8 hex-head self-drilling screws
Timber rails and timber cladding are not included and can be selected separately to create the appearance and finish required.
How to Build a Timber Gate Using the GateMate Steel Frame
1. Lay Out the Steel Gate Frame
Position all sections of the frame on a flat working surface. The individual sections slide together telescopically, allowing both the height and width to be adjusted.
2. Adjust the Frame to the Required Gate Size
Measure the required finished height and width of your gate and extend or reduce the telescopic sections accordingly.
Make sure the frame remains square. The top and bottom widths should be adjusted equally, as should both vertical sides.
Once correctly positioned, tighten the supplied grub screws to secure the frame.
3. Install the Gate Eyes
Fit the supplied adjustable gate eyes to the steel frame.
These can be fine-tuned later by loosening or tightening the hex nuts, giving you additional adjustment when hanging and aligning the finished gate.
4. Fit the Timber Gate Rails
Timber rails are then fixed to the steel frame using the supplied wafer-head timber screws.
The front face of each timber rail should sit flush with the front of the gate frame.
38mm x 90mm timber rails are recommended by the manufacturer.
For gates over 1800mm high, consider using five timber rails rather than three to provide additional fixing points for the timber cladding.
5. Add Your Timber Gate Boards
Once the rails are installed, the front of the gate can be clad using your chosen timber boards.
Fix each board securely through into the timber rails. Depending on the appearance you’re trying to achieve, the boards can finish flush with the edge of the steel frame or overlap it.
This gives you the freedom to create a gate that complements your existing fencing.
Adjustable Gate Frame Cladded with Timber
6. Hang the Finished Gate
The completed gate can be hung from either suitable timber or steel gate posts using the supplied hook-on plates.
For timber posts, use the supplied timber screws.
For steel posts, use the supplied self-drilling fixings.
Once hung, make final adjustments using the adjustable gate eyes until the gate sits and operates correctly.
Can You Fit a Long Throw Gate Lock?
Yes. The adjustable steel frame can be used with a compatible GateMate Euro Long Throw Lock and mounting plate.
Euro Profile Long Throw Lock
Euro Long Throw Lock Mounting Kit
The mounting plate locates within the steel frame and provides a secure mounting position for the lock mechanism.
The timber cladding must be drilled in the appropriate position for the lock cylinder using the template supplied with the compatible lock.
This makes it possible to combine the strength of the steel gate frame with a convenient lockable gate solution.
What Timber Do I Need for the Gate?
The steel kit creates the structural frame, but timber rails and cladding are purchased separately.
The manufacturer recommends 38mm x 90mm timber for the horizontal rails. You can then choose suitable timber boards for the face of the gate depending on the appearance you’re trying to achieve.
Buying the timber separately also gives you much more control over the finished gate, allowing the same adjustable frame to be used to create different styles of timber gate.
Is the GateMate Adjustable Steel Gate Frame Worth It?
The GateMate Adjustable Steel Gate Frame is particularly useful if you want the appearance of a traditional timber gate while incorporating a strong steel framework.
Its adjustable dimensions make it especially well suited to bespoke gate openings, replacement gates and projects where standard gate sizes don’t quite fit.
With adjustment between 700–1200mm wide and 1250–1950mm high, the same kit can be configured for a wide range of pedestrian and garden gate installations.
GateMate Adjustable Steel Gate Frame FAQs
What is the maximum width of the GateMate adjustable gate frame?
The maximum gate frame width is 1200mm, with a minimum adjustable width of 700mm.
What is the maximum height?
The frame can be adjusted up to 1950mm high, with a minimum height of 1250mm.
Does the kit include the timber?
No. The timber rails and timber boards used to clad the gate are purchased separately, allowing you to choose the timber and finished appearance of your gate.
What size timber rails should I use?
The manufacturer recommends 38mm x 90mm timber rails. For gates above 1800mm high, five rails should be considered instead of three.
Can the frame be fitted to timber gate posts?
Yes. The kit can be hung from suitable timber posts using the supplied hook-on plates and timber fixings.
Can it be fitted to steel posts?
Yes. Self-drilling fixings are supplied for installation onto suitable steel posts.
Is the steel frame adjustable after installation?
The gate eyes provide adjustment once the gate has been hung, helping with the final positioning and alignment of the gate.
Adjustable Eyes on Adjustable Gate Frame
Is the frame supplied in black?
Yes. The frame has a Dacromet® zinc coating followed by a RAL 9005 black powder-coated finish.
Can I fit a lock to the gate?
The frame can accommodate a compatible GateMate Euro Long Throw Lock using the appropriate mounting plate and installation method.
