How Much Space Should Be Between A Post And Gate?

When building a fence, everything goes well until you reach the gate. At this point, you may be asking the question: how much space should be between the post and the gate? Without proper measurements, it can be a bit tricky.

There should be between ½” and ¾” of space between the post and gate to keep small animals away. You can leave 1” of space between the post and gate if you have a double-gated fence. Measure the width of your latch before you set the gap between the post and gate.

Below, we will get into more information behind what it means to produce an appropriate gap between your post and the gate. We will provide you with a step-by-step process in installing your gate, ensuring you know exactly how to get the job done.

If you are building a wooden fence, you have a lot of latches available to pick. When choosing a type of latch, make sure you have your priorities straight.

If you want to save on costs, bolt latches are your best choice. They have a classic look that requires clear, human intervention of moving up, sliding right, and moving down. Don’t expect too much security, but they are easy to use and install.

If you want more security, consider purchasing a spring-loaded latch. These latches have a bit more flexibility and can be opened from two sides if needed. However, they also have lockable varieties.

Last, you can choose a gravity latch. As you may expect from the name, gravity locks the latch. They do have dual-sided opening methods available. These latches are great if you are forgetful, as the wind catches the door and locks it for you. As a result, it is one of the least secure options.

Start with the latch connected to your door. Be sure that it is positioned comfortably for your height and others who will be using your latch. Nobody should have to stretch to open their outside door.

Hinges are a bit pickier, as you need to be sure they connect correctly with the rest of your gate. They should be fine as long as you have measured for that one to a two-inch gap from each end.

When positioning your gate, you may have a friend hold it up as you are screwing it to the rest of the fence. Otherwise, you can use two identical wooden blocks. Be sure that they are steady, as you will have to start over if it is crooked.

Check to see if the hinges open properly with no snags. Following the 1/2 inch rule made present earlier, your hinges shouldn’t dig into the sides of the gate.

The same logic applies to the latch. Make sure that it isn’t rubbing against the wood. Your gate should be incredibly easy to close. If it isn’t easy to shut, you will need to take a closer look at the area that is snagging.

Test the latch by firmly pressing against the gate after closing it. It shouldn’t give easily, which means that it is working. Do not test it by trying to kick down your fence.

If you are installing a chain-link fence, the hinges that come with these are in a kit. In many cases, these kinds of barriers have standards which can make things a little easier.

If purchasing from a local hardware store, you can use their customer service if you are uncertain. Be confident that premade kits are for this purpose. If you are purchasing parts separately, be sure that you account for the hinges’ diameter.

As we get into higher-quality materials, you start to see that fences have the ability to be pretty long. It is especially true with wrought iron driveway gates, which are pretty standard in more prosperous communities.

With wrought iron, wheeled, or electric gates, the cost can include installation, adding several hundred (or thousand) depending on the project’s full extent.

There is a lot of wiggle room here. Still, lower-end materials can mean it is more comfortable for ordinary people to install. If you wish to handle a DIY project, consider avoiding more complicated materials. Depending on how long it can take, you may choose to hire a professional company instead.

Be sure that there is at least one half of an inch between gate and post. Try and keep the same distance between double gates, which you will be testing with multiple friends or wooden blocks.

Depending on your tolerance for a gap and, you can have half about an inch or two between gates feasibly. But if you want little to no gap, be incredibly specific with your measurements and installation.

For example, large animal fences typically are more sturdy. Still, they have a wider gap because a cow cannot fit through two inches of space.