How to Install In Ground Timber Posts

How to Install Wooden Posts into the Ground

Installing wooden posts properly is crucial to support the weight of your gates. While this process requires effort, following the correct steps will ensure a secure and long-lasting installation. Use this guide to simplify the job.

Installation Process

Note: In the absence of a support structure, the posts should be buried between 600mm and 900mm, depending on the ground conditions, and secured with concrete.

• Measure and mark the post positions – Carefully measure the correct distance between the posts and mark the ground accordingly. Refer to the measuring guide below for exact distances.
• Dig the post holes – Keeping your marks as the centre line, dig holes deep enough to suit the ground conditions. Ensure the holes are wide enough to allow for ample concrete to secure the posts firmly.
• Prepare the concrete – Once the holes are ready, mix the concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Install the first post – Position the first post in the hole, ensuring it is correctly aligned. Carefully pour concrete around the base while holding the post in place. Fill the hole approximately ¾ full with concrete, avoiding any disturbance to the post’s position.
• Check for plumb alignment – Once the concrete is in place, use a spirit level to ensure the post is perfectly vertical on both faces. If needed, use temporary supports to keep it upright while the concrete sets.
• Install the second post – Repeat the process for the second post, ensuring it is the correct distance apart from the first post and level across the opening. Posts must always be parallel to each other at all times to ensure a perfect gate fitting, i.e the measurement between the top of  your posts, between the middle of your posts, and between the bottom of your posts should always be the same.
• Allow the concrete to cure – Leave the concrete to harden for several days before attempting to hang the gates.

Tools Required

• Shovel/Spade – For digging post holes
• Spirit Level – To ensure vertical alignment
• Tape Measure – To mark post positions accurately

How to Measure

Setting the correct post spacing is essential to ensure your gates fit properly. The measurements must account for the gate width, post thickness, plus hinge and latch allowances. Please refer to the measuring guide for detailed spacing recommendations.

Double Wooden Gates Example – 2400mm width gates (both gates) fitted to two 100mm timber posts, with a space allowance for the hinges and latch will require a total space of 2640mm (gates 2400mm + two posts (100mm + 100mm) + hinges & latch gap allowance of 40mm Total= 2640mm)

Single Wooden Gate Example – A 1200mm wide single gate fitted to two 100mm timber posts, will require a total space of 1420mm (gate 1200mm + two posts (100mm + 100mm) + hinges & latch gap allowance of 20mm Total= 1420mm) correctly.

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