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.

We provide posts that have a “in the ground” protection against rot and fungus for 15 years. If you are supplying your own posts, ensure the correct treatment has been applied!

Things you’ll need:

  • Post Digger or Spade
  • Tape measure
  • Spirit level
  • String line or straight edge
  • Postcrete – approx. 1.5 bags per post
  • Wooden batton (staff)
  • Hammer (not essential)
  • Nails/ screws (not essential)
Setting-up-ground-for-gate-post

1) If your drive is on a slope, start with the post that is on the highest ground level. Dig a hole approx 600mm deep leaving a minimum of 100mm around the sides of the post edges.

2) Fill the bottom of the hole with approx 100mm concrete (this allows the post to sit on firm ground and helps protect the post from moisture damage.

3) With one person holding the post level always checking both sides frequently, whilst the second person fills the hole with concrete. If using “postcrete” please remember this will set within 10 minutes.

4) Once the hole is filled strap the post both ways to keep it still whilst the concrete sets.

Next,  Make a staff (basically a piece of wood, or two bits joined together) that is the width of the gates plus the hinge tolerances. This will make fitting the second post alot easier to ensure the correct width is always achieved.

Dig the second hole. The finished height of the second post once in the ground needs to be level from the top of post 1. Use the staff to make sure the post if fitted at the correct width from the first post. Check the distance with the staff at the top,middle and bottom of the post. Start filling carefully with concrete always checking the distance and your levels. Allow the concrete to set properly before fitting any gates.

IMPORTANT:

Always fit the first post where the ground is at its highest
Always level across to make sure the top of the posts are level
Always ensure the posts are plumb (if one post is out of plumb make sure the second post is going the same way ie the spirit level bubble being slightly on the left on post 1 needs to be in the same position for post 2 otherwise the gates may not close with the fronts of the gates being flush)