How to Fit Metal Gate Posts

Depending on your requirements, there are two types of metal gate posts that cover all the gate types (ie driveway, garden, side gates etc). These are "above ground" or "below ground". Although all of our posts come complete with hinge pins etc attached to the post, the actual installation of these will diifer.

Please note: Installation or Timber infill gates do differ from standard metal gates. Please call for details.


Above Ground:

Above Ground Metal Gate Posts FittingOur "above ground" metal posts have plates (or feet) welded to the bottom. An example is shown for a pair of driveway gate posts therefore showing "hinge pins" both sides whereas garden gate posts will have hinge pins on one post and closing receiver latch on the other.

1: Setting up the Posts: The clearance required to allow the gate to open freely depends on the gate type.
For example: Any Metal Garden or Side Gates need 100mm (4") clearance to allow for hanging side and opening. Therefore, for a 914mm (3ft wide gate), the posts would need to be set up so the distance is 1m 014mm (or 3ft 4"). For diveway gates, clearance needs to be 150mm (or 6"). As standard, all gates are supplied with adjustable "i" bolt hinges.

2: Once you have calculated the clearance required, position the posts and mark the ground through the pre drilled holes. Remove the posts and drill the holes.

3: Secure the posts using anchor bolts (not supplied) ensuring the post is plumb by using a spirit level. If the ground isn't level, pack the feet up.

4: Hang the gate and adjust to level using the adjustable "i" bolts.

Please note: The hinge pins are welded into position to allow a clearance from the ground to bottom edge of the gate of approx 25mm (1") for garden and side gates or 50mm (2") for driveway or estate gates. If this needs to be increased, please call to order.


Below Ground:

Metal Gate Posts Below Ground

Below ground posts are sent to allow approx 1/4 of the post to be positioned in the ground. Hinge pins (both posts for driveways) and/ or closing latch (garden gates or side gates) are pre welded to the posts alongwith finishing caps.
Before you start, ensure that no services are below the ground you are digging. As a rule, any services should be deeper than the depth you are going to.

1: First, mark the position of the first post.

2: Using the post digger (or spade) dig the hole. The hole can be either circular or square (if looking from a birds eye view). The actual width of the hole should be determined depending on the width of post. This is calculated by taking the width of the post and multiplying by three. For example; a 4" x 4" Post would require a hole width of 12". The post to be positioned in the centre allowing for a 4" clearance gap around the post. Depth of the hole needs to 1/4 the size of post length. Therefore, a standard 8ft length post would need a 2ft deep hole.

3: Now the hole has been dug, fill the base of the hole with a mix of the Fast Set Concrete. The depth of the concrete at this stage to be one to two inches. Allow 10 to 15 minutes (if Fast Set) to set.

4: Two Person Job: Place the post into the hole. Fill (following instructions on the concrete pack) the hole with fast set concrete. Allow one bag per post. Whilst filling the hole, the second person to use a spirit level to ensure upright. Check both sides and ensure the post is in position. If using fast set mix, you may only have 5 to 10 minutes before concrete has set so be prepared.

5: Fill the reminder of the hole with soil and compact down to the level of the ground. Use a string line or straight edge from the face of the post to enable you to mark out the positions of any further post you are fitting.