MADE TO MEASURE DRIVEWAY GATES

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Made to Measure Driveway Gates:

As we are the manufacturer, we can offer made to measure/ bespoke sizes, on all of our Wooden Driveway Gates with no additional charge. Therefore, we can create your exact Driveway Gate for your property.

All of our Wooden Gates are handcrafted using traditional, time served techniques. We don't rush Gate production and as such, the typical waiting time is 2 weeks. Customers are welcome to visit our factory in Devon between the times of 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. Here you will see a range of completed Gates ready for delivery and also Gates that are being produced.

Our Sales Team can guide you through the process of selecting the size you need for your Driveway Gate along with any extras you may require, lines are open Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00.

Nationwide Delivery.

How to build a side gate

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The link below shows how we build a side gate

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=NIv2Nbi1Ors

How to fit gate posts

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Whether your replacing Driveway Gate Posts, Side Gate Posts or Fence Posts into the ground, the technique to how to fit posts stays the same. Below is a guide along with a short video on how to do this but we are here to help and will answer any questions if you get stuck along the way.

Things you'll need:

Post Digger or Spade
Tape measure
Spirit level
String line or straight edge
Fast setting concrete (available from any leading garden or builder centre)
Wooden batton
Hammer (not essential)
Nails/ screws (not essential)

• First, mark the position of the first post.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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. Once in position, use the wooden battons to hold the post in place. Simply screw/ nail the batton half way up the post and angle to the ground. Usually doing two sides is enough.

• Fill the raminder 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.

Help on calculating a driveway gate width

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Driveway Gate sizes listed are the ACTUAL width of the gate. Therefore, allowances need to be made for hinge/ centre clearance and posts/ pillars. Calculating the required size is an important yet simple task to complete but we are always at hand to assist you through the process (0800 6124 965).

1. Calculating the width required between existing Pillars or Posts:

Take three measurements, top, middle and bottom (as below).

The shortest measurement will be the one required to calculate your gate size. Reduce the measurement by 40mm (1, 1/2 inch). (This is the gap required for a standard hook & band hinge set & the centre opening)
Example: Shortest Width: 3m 450mm (minus 40mm) = ACTUAL WIDTH OF GATE 3m 410mm.

2. Calculating the width required without Posts in position:

• Take the total measurement of your opening (example: 4m 320mm)
• Decide on the size of posts needed either 4" x 4" (95mm x 95mm) or 6" x 6" (150mm x 150mm). Generally, an opening size of 3m will be 4" x 4" posts, any size over will need 6" x 6" posts.
• Reduce the posts off the opening measurement: Example: 4m 320mm MINUS (2x 6" x 6" posts) = 4m 020mm
• Finally, reduce the 40mm gap (for hinges/centre opening): Example: 4m 020mm MINUS HINGE ALLOWANCE = 3m 980mm
• ACTUAL WIDTH OF GATE WILL BE: 3m 980mm

See our YOU TUBE clip for more...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wVRmwmoR19s

How to install a side gate

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A Wooden Gate can greatly enhance the appearance of your home. Once the hinges have been attached, your gate is ready to be hung. Proper installation will ensure that the Gate swings open and shut without a hitch and remains tightly closed when not in use. A smooth operation also will ensure less wear on your hinges and a longer life for your gate. Installation of the gate should take about an hour for a first-time installer.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Inspect the Gate to be certain the wooden structure is sound and the hinges are properly placed. They should be large enough to hold the Gate's weight. It's best if the Gate has a large T-hinge with one rectangular plate that attaches to the post and one long, pointed end bolted to the face of the Gate with fixings supplied.
   • 2
     Use a level to make sure the two vertical posts are plumb (exactly vertical). The support post must be strong enough to hold the weight of a swinging gate (generally either a 4" x 2" or 4" x 4"). Hold the Wooden Gate between the two posts to see that the Gate fits properly. There should be a gap of a quarter-inch to a half-inch between the gate and the post on each side.
   • 3
     Set the Gate on two blocks at the exact height you want it when it's installed. The Gate should be level and evenly spaced between the posts. Mark the spot where the top hole of the top hinge falls on the support post, pull the hinge plate back (you don't need to move the door) and drill the hole.
   • 4
     Insert a lag bolt into the hole you just drilled. Use an adjustable wrench to turn the head of the lag bolt until it is tight against the hinge plate.
   • 5
     Mark the top hole in the bottom hinge plate, where it falls against the support post. Pull the hinge back and drill the pilot hole. Insert the lag bolt. Once the bolt is tightened, remove the blocks under the Gate and the hinges will support the Gate's weight.
   • 6
     Drill the rest of the pilot holes, insert the lag bolt and tighten it using an adjustable wrench.
   • 7
     Choose a height for the gate latch. It will be on the opposite edge of the door near the top. The latch will have two parts. The latch will go on the face along the outside edge of the gate, while the catch will be placed on the far post in a position to hold the latch in place.
   • 8
     Hold the latch in place, so the edge of the base lines up with the side of the door. Mark the location of one of the top holes on the face of the gate with a pencil. Pull the latch away and drill a pilot hole that is smaller than the screw that will hold the latch in place. Put the latch back against the side of the gate and insert the first screw using a screwdriver.
   • 9
     Drill the rest of the screw holes (there should be three) and after each pilot hole is completed, add the screw.
   • 10
     Put the catch against the far post and slide the catch mechanism until it wraps around the barrel portion of the latch. Mark the location of the first pilot hole for the catch with a pencil and drill the first pilot hole. Put the catch back in place and insert the first screw.
   • 11
     Drill the rest of the pilot holes and insert a screw after each hole is drilled.

How to fit a fence part 3

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How to fit a fence part 2

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Fence posts

 

How to fit your wooden driveway gates

Driveway gates add security and style to the front of your home. They prevent unannounced visitors from entering your property easily. Gates can either have electronic openers or be manually operated, depending on your preference. When coupled with a fence, you create a protected space for children and pets that extends beyond the limitations of your back yard.

• 1: Dig out the holes for your support posts on opposite sides of your Driveway at the proper spacing for the width of your Gate. The holes should be two to three feet deep to support the weight of the Driveway Gate.

• 2: Set the posts in their holes. Use the level and plumb line to ensure your posts are even and level, and brace them to hold them while you fill the holes with concrete. Allow to set. (overnight is better). Purchase a fast set concrete such as postcrete available at any large DIY/ Builders Centre.

• 3: Drill guide holes in the posts for hinge hardware if they were not pre-drilled. If your driveway is not level, make sure the Driveway Gate has adequate clearance to open in the direction the hinges will swing it.

• 4: Mount the Gate Hinges to the posts using your guide holes.

• 5: Hang your Driveway Gate on its hinges. You may need another person to help hold the Gate while you tighten and adjust the hinge bolts.

• 6: Screw on the Gate latch assembly at the appropriate height.

• 7: If you have an Electronic Gate, mount the gate-opener brackets and accessories next. Your access pad should be at a height convenient to you when you are sitting in your vehicle.

• 8: Test your Driveway Gate for proper function. Make sure it opens wide enough for your needs, closes completely, and has proper ground clearance for the terrain. If you have an electronic opener, check that it is functioning properly.www.gatesandfencesuk.co.uk

We strive on manufacturing the highest quality Gates using time served, traditional techniques. The attention to detail and craftsmanship involved remains at a very high level for each and every order. We believe that there is no better way to create a stunning and durable wooden gate than ours. As an example of how much time goes into the construction of each gate, below shows how the frame of the gate is produced.

Mortise and Tenon Joints: After marking the position of the mortise, the lines are squared around the timber. We then calculate the centre in which the mortise hole will be made.

The timber is then clamped to the mortiser and positioned in place. A 50mm deep hole is then cut into the side rail. This process is repeated until the rectangle shaped mortise has been formed. This has to be done slowly, at a small section at a time to prevent the timber from splitting.

Tenon Joint: Above shows a before and after shot of the process. The timber starts (square edged) and is cut to form the tenon. This is the vertical pieces of the frame and both sides are cut to have tenons on each end.

Once the tenon joint has been formed, the shoulders are then marked and removed using a bandsaw. With a Driveway Gate, the whole process is repeated 8 times for each set.

Now we have a completed mortise and tenon joint. We have to "dry" test the joint to ensure it fits perfectly. This is repeated on every joint for the frame of the gate.

Strong poly urethane glue is then applied to the mortise and the tenon.

The joint is then checked to make sure the angle is square. This is repeated on the whole frame. Once the frame is correct, long clamps are put in place until the glue has cured, this process takes 6 hours before the clamps can be removed.

One of the ways we differ from other companies is by adding the dowel joint. The dowel joint ensures that the mortise and tenon joint has no way of pulling apart. Once the gate has cured, the clamps are removed. The position for the beach dowel is then marked. It is then drilled to a depth of exactly 45mm through the timber. This is done from the rear side of gate so its not visible from the front.

The Dowel hole is filled with poly urethane glue and the beach dowel is entered. Once the glue has set, the dowel is then sanded down to a completely smooth finish. Again, this is repeated for all of the frame. The dowel joint remains visible from the rear side of the gate.