How much gap is there between the gate and post?

Author: Felton Gleason  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Gap Between Gate & Post In general, we build gates to accommodate a 3/4-inch to 1-inch gap on the latch side. The hinge side gap depends on the type of hinges used and can range from no gap to about 3/4-inch.

What is the gap between gate and post?

Allow 4.5 to 5 inches between the post and gate for hinges and pins. Optional f ller blocks can be installed with lag bolts to reduce this opening (see photograph on left). Double gates will require a throw over gate loop and or drop rods. Allow 1/2 to one inch between double gates .

How much gap between gate and post vinyl?

Position gate between fence posts. Allow 1" gap on hinge side and 3/4" gap on latch side of the assembled gate for hardware and gate swing.

How much gap to leave either side of the gate?

Put the gate between your opening. Ideally the gap should be 10mm per side (1/3″).

How to fill a gap between a gate and a fence post?

Or fill gaps with mosaics, marbles, sea glass, or pebbles in cement for colorful, artsy accents. Use wood slices, tree branches, or bamboo to make rustic inlays. The options are limited only by your imagination. Creating your own fence gap fillers allows you to match the style and size of your fence precisely.

Driveway Gate Installation: Post Spacing, Width and Depth Calculations

How much space should I leave between the gate and post?

Distance between gate posts is determined by adding the actual width of the gate to an allowance for hinges and latches. Single walk gates require 3¾" for hinges and latches and double drive gates require 5½". For example, a 3 foot walk gate should measure 32¼" wide.

How do you fix a gate gap?

Fixing this fence gate gap often involves cutting wooden boards or slats to the exact size of the gap and securing them in place with screws or nails. For a more cohesive look, choose the wood material that matches the existing fence panels in color and type. This also allows for a seamless repair.

What is the minimum gap between gate and post?

Typical allowances are as follows: If using Butt hinges total gap between posts should be actual gate panel size + 25mm(single) or + 35mm(double). If using TruClose hinges total gap between posts should be actual gate panel size + 35mm(single) or + 55mm(double).

How much gap should I leave for gate?

There should be a gap of about one inch between the rails and the fence post on the latch side of the gate, and the rails of the gate should be approximately lined up with the rails on the fence.

How much clearance should a gate have?

A driveway should have 12' minimum clearance through the gate. 14' is better.

Do vinyl gate posts need inserts?

Do Vinyl Fence Posts Need Wood Inserts? If you're installing a new post, wood inserts help provide more stability to your post, and therefore entire fence system. However without proper drainage putting a wooden post into concrete, inside your vinyl post can cause problems.

How deep should a gate post be set?

Generally, metal gate posts should be set to a depth of at least 2ft. At Metal Gates Direct, our posts (designed to be placed into the ground using concrete) are supplied approx 2ft longer than the height of the gate, ensuring a robust, stable and rigid installation to serve you well for decades to come.

When building a fence How far apart should the post be?

So, how far apart should fence posts be? The standard spacing for fence posts is 8 to 25 feet apart, depending on the type of fence. A standard wood fence would require posts 8 feet apart, while a high-tensile wire could span 25 feet.

How do you measure a gate gap?

Take three measurements, top, middle and bottom (as below). Take the shortest of the three measurements and reduce by 150mm (or 6"). This allows for the hinge (inc pins) and opening gap. The final figure will be the actual width of gate required.

Do I need a 6x6 post for gate?

1) Post size for pedestrian gates: 4x6 minimum; 6x6 preferred (actual dimensions: 3.5” x 5.5” and 5.5” x 5.5”). If using a 4x6 post, the 5.5” face must be in line with the gate (if looking at the gate in the closed posi- tion, you will see the 5.5” face).

How big of a post do I need for a 16 foot gate?

To hang a 14- to 16-foot gate, use a wood post six to eight inches in diameter, or a six-inch diameter pipe.

How much space do you leave between gate and post?

Gap Between Gate & Post

In general, we build gates to accommodate a 3/4-inch to 1-inch gap on the latch side. The hinge side gap depends on the type of hinges used and can range from no gap to about 3/4-inch.

How much gap should you leave?

The easiest way to judge a safe gap is to use the two-second rule. By keeping a minimum of a two second time gap in front of your vehicle (double in poor weather) you will create space in which to react to any emergency that happens ahead. In wet weather or on poor road surfaces you should double this gap.

What is the maximum gap under a gate?

To prevent possible attempts by an intruder, the gap under the gate should not be more than 100mm. If this cannot be achieved further safety devices may be required to ensure the gate's safe operation and to prevent reducing gaps under the gate from creating a further hazard.

How much gap is there between the gate and post chain link?

First determine the location of end, corner, and gate posts (which are referred to as terminal posts). Distance between gate posts is determined by adding the actual width of the gate to an allowance for hinges and latches. Single walk gates require 33/4" for hinges and latches and double drive gates require 51/2".

How big should a gate post hole be?

A general rule of thumb is that the depth of the post-hole should be one-third of the height of the pole above the ground. For example, if your post is 2400mm, it should be set at 1800mm above ground. In this case, the hole should be 600mm.

How to fix a gap between a gate and a fence?

There are a few good options when it comes to sealing the gap under a gate:
  1. Caulk: Caulk is inexpensive and easy to apply. ...
  2. Concrete: Mixing up a batch of quick-drying concrete is another sturdy option. ...
  3. Foam Sealant: Foam sealants in a can are a great choice for filling gaps.

Why wont my gate close properly?

Check if there's any debris like twigs, leaves or overgrown plants and bushes preventing the gate from closing. Debris and small items in your gate's path can prevent it from working properly. If you have a cantilever gate, verify that the rollers and wheel bearings are well lubricated and aligned.

How much smaller should a gate be than the opening?

Your gate should be 3/4 to an inch smaller than the opening. The opening size that you need for your gate can vary depending on your hinge type. You may also need to add reinforcing braces if the gap between your gate and the fence is not uniform from top to bottom.

How do you fix a loose gate post?

Method 1 Fix your Fence Post with Concrete

First off, dig up the soil around the fence post to expose the existing concrete base. Mix up some concrete and water in a wheelbarrow and have it ready to go, it should be the consistency of oatmeal. Re-level the fence post and add a support beam to hold it in place.

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