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Originally Posted On: https://fencingstaples.com/seven-steps-for-installing-a-gate-on-your-wire-fence/
To install a gate, you must first build a fence. It’s essential to know one and the other individually. This way, you can repair them both in a pinch when something goes wrong or if it just needs some updating. You’ll get used to maintaining your fence as it is a continual process from the moment you build it and onward. Here are seven steps for installing a gate on your wire fence to get you started.
Locate and Mark
First, you must decide where you want to build your fence and gate. Once you decide where to start, you’ll need to measure everything, namely the distances between the post holes. Measuring is vital because you’ll have separate posts for the gate itself. Once everything is marked, you’ll prepare to dig. Make sure everything stays marked while doing this so you don’t lose your place. Otherwise, you’ll have to do the process all over again.
Post Digging
You need to be mindful of a few things when digging your posts. Before you dig, mark your posts so you know how tall you want them.
Measuring the distance between the bottom of the hole and the surface will ensure that they will all be the same height, which will level out your fence. By doing this, you will scale up the fence’s integrity so it can last for years.
Make sure you’re not digging too deep or too wide. Overcompensating will make the job more complicated to measure and fix once you start to fill the holes after you set the posts. If you can, dig a little at a time, and measure after each dig to get as close to the depth that you need to without overworking the site.
Dig a Trench
The purpose behind digging a trench is to bury the fence slightly, so make sure that you’re not digging too deep and offsetting the fence. Measuring it out will keep the fence from leaning or shifting.
Grounding the fence this way also serves to give it more structure. You might also notice that it helps to keep pests out. It’s also more aesthetically pleasing, and it measures and marks the guide for the fence around the perimeter. This way, you will always know the proper measurements around the edges in case you have to rebuild in the future.
Mark and Cut the Posts
When you finish with your trench and set your wire, you’ll want to prepare the posts you’re using for your gate. You can do this in one of two ways.
The first way is to measure and mark the posts where you want to put your gate so that they are aligned and equal. Second, you can cut them as they are or leave them alone.
If you cut them, you will have an exact measurement for each post, ensuring that they are even with one another. If not, you’ll need to measure out your holes again to dig a little further until you get to those lines and make your posts level with the ground.
Install Posts
You’ll need to fill the post holes with rock or a mixture of rock and dirt instead of the dirt alone. Even with the dirt impacted, erosion will happen after some time, and you will need to ground the posts.
You can even use cement to ground it in there, but the post will eventually rot, and when you replace it, you’ll have to dig up the adhesive. This is why it’s advised to use something like gravel or stone.
Also, make sure that you are using pretreated lumber. It’s not as costly and will save you more money years down the road because as it will be resistant to the elements and pests.
Pre-drill Posts and Level the Gate
You will want to measure where the corners of your gate meet the posts. Measuring the distance tells you where to drill holes for the hinges.
Once you have matched your drill bit to the size of the lag screws or construction screws of your choice, you can place the holes. Next, do the same with the gate itself, matching everything up evenly and measuring every step of the way.
Before you drill, you will want to stand your gate between the posts and use either brick or another material to evenly distribute the entrance from post to post. Make sure there is a little bit of space so that the gate doesn’t hit flush with the ground. Centering will ensure an even clearance for opening and closing the gate.
Measure and Install the Gate
Once you have predrilled all the holes, you must measure and place your gate. You can set the screws in their designated holes with your lag bolts in hand. Make sure you fasten them down so they are cranked slightly beyond snug. If they are measured correctly, they should last.
Ensure that once you are finished installing your gate, you lubricate the hinges so that they don’t stick or rust. Then, level once more to ensure that you have it set correctly. Open and close the gate several times to check for consistency without warping or drooping. Also, listen for squeaking. If nothing is present then the job is done.
Painting and Staining
You might take it a step further and either stain or paint over the gate and posts to give them an extended life beyond what the treated solution they were given will offer you. It may be more appealing to do this also. It also preserves your project to last for years with minimal maintenance outside of an annual touch-up.
If you’re looking to build a gate for your fence and are wondering what fence materials are best or you have general fence questions, Cat’s Claw Fasteners can help. We are professionals in this trade and would love to take a minute to answer all of your questions about fence building. This article has covered seven steps for installing a gate on your wire fence so you’ll know how to make it happen. Make sure to use the steps in the order that they are given for the best results in your fence and gate build.
