Quick answer: measure the finished opening between the posts, then check the gate width, height, hinge allowance, latch position and ground clearance before ordering. Do not rely only on the size of the old gate, especially if the posts have moved or the gate has dropped.
Most problems with wooden garden gates start before fitting: the opening is measured in the wrong place, the posts are not checked, or no allowance is made for the hinges and latch. This guide gives you a practical checklist before you buy a ready-made gate or choose a GateMate timber gate kit.
1. Measure the finished opening
Measure the clear gap where the gate will hang. If the posts are already installed, measure between the inside faces of the posts at the top, middle and bottom. Use the smallest measurement if the gap is not perfectly parallel.
If the posts are not installed yet, choose the gate and hardware first so the opening can be set out around the real product dimensions and fixing method.
2. Check the post condition
A new gate will not hang well from weak or moving posts. Check that each post is solid, plumb and suitable for the hinge fixings. If the post moves by hand, is rotten at ground level or is too small for the gate, fix the post problem before ordering hardware.
Need posts as well? Browse treated softwood gate posts.
3. Check gate width and height
Product titles often use nominal sizes. Always read the actual product dimensions on the product page. Common Wern-Wood garden gate sizes include options around 900mm to 915mm wide and around 1750mm to 1828mm high, but the correct choice is the one that suits your opening and hardware.
Browse the current range of wooden garden gates to compare lap, featheredge, hit & miss and arched lattice options.
4. Allow for hinges, latch and clearance
The gate needs space to swing and enough clearance so it does not scrape the ground. The hinge side and latch side also need the hardware to line up with solid timber and the post or frame. Exact allowances depend on the hinge and latch being used, so choose the hardware before drilling or setting new posts.
For hardware selection, use the wooden garden gate hardware guide.
5. Decide whether a standard gate or kit is better
A standard ready-made gate is the quickest route where the opening is suitable. If the gap is awkward, non-standard or still being planned, a GateMate complete timber gate kit or adjustable steel gate frame kit may be the better buying route.
Common measuring mistakes
- Measuring the old gate instead of the finished opening.
- Ignoring posts that lean inward or outward.
- Forgetting ground clearance on sloped paths.
- Buying hinges before checking where the gate has solid ledges or framing.
- Assuming every 900mm gate fits every 900mm gap.
Before you order
- Measure the opening at top, middle and bottom.
- Check both posts are solid and plumb.
- Confirm the actual gate dimensions.
- Choose the hinge and latch arrangement.
- Allow for clearance and swing direction.
- Add posts, hinges, latch, bolts and fixings where required.
Ready to choose the gate? Shop wooden garden gates, or read which wooden garden gate should I choose?.
