Installation Guide

Explore the Wortley Brothers’ ultimate installation guide to help you enjoy your new wooden gates or garage doors. From our top tips and common challenges to a handy configuration guide, we’ve got everything covered.

If you need further support for your project, please contact our friendly team today.

Our Top Tips

There’s plenty of little things you can do to help make your gate or garage door installation a smooth, no-hassle job. Here are our tips and tricks:

Always apply your protective treatment before installing. This ensures all of the wood behind the hinges and joints and in those smaller gaps is protected. It’s much easier to treat it before rather than later when you can’t reach those parts!
Leave a clearance gap (10mm-15mm) between double gates and garage doors. A small gap will allow for any seasonal wood expansion and no catching between the doors. This should be included in your own measurements when you configure your Wortley Brothers product.
Leave a 25mm-50mm clearance gap at the bottom. This will keep the door from catching and dragging on the floor, which can damage the wood after long-term use. Please note this is not applicable for garage doors.
Make sure the bracing (the diagonal support timber) is at the back. This should always point towards the hinge side of the gate or garage door as it directs the weight back into the post. If it’s the other way around, the gate may sag.
Use wooden wedges or blocks to level the gate before screwing the hinges in. This will help to make things perfectly level when screwing in your hinge holes. A great little trick to make sure you’re not struggling with both holding the gate and screwing it into the post at the same time!
Pre-drill pilot holes to avoid any splintering or splitting, as this can ruin the strength of the joint.
Store your gates or garage doors flat on an even surface after they’ve been delivered if you’re not planning to install straight away. Ensure they’re not exposed to extreme heat or humidity. This will prevent any warping.

Things to avoid

It’s easy to run into some challenges during installation. Here are some of the most common mistakes to look out for and avoid:

Always double check your measurements before buying. A gate that is either too large or too small for the space can cause alignment and catching issues, making it difficult to open and close. Get in touch with us if you need support.
Misaligned posts can cause the gate to hang unevenly and catch on the ground or against the other door (if you’ve opted for a double gate). To prevent this, use a spirit level to make sure it’s even.
Ensure that water doesn’t pool around the wooden posts. Even with our protective treatments, it’s still important to minimise water exposure to wood, as it can cause long-term issues. Make sure the ground is level before installing.
Similarly, don’t skip your treatments! Our treatments are a two-in-one primer and top coat with weather and rotting protection – it’s important to treat your wooden product to ensure longevity.
Use the correct hinge size to ensure the weight of the gate is held correctly and the screws won’t be ripped out. For example, a larger gate will require a few of the larger hinges. Get in touch with us if you need support.
Don’t trap the rebate on garage doors. Make sure to double check the positioning of the doors, with the rebated door not being too close to the centre. This prevents the rebate joint from obstructing the closure.

Step-by-Step Installation Instructions

These steps cover all of our wooden gates and garage doors. If you still need any further support for your own product, please contact us.

Step 1: Preparation

Treat your wooden products in a protective coating, giving them a few hours to dry before installing.
If applicable, mark out and dig holes for your new wooden posts to sit into, approximately 600mm to 900mm deep (depending on the height of the gate). Make sure they are even.

Step 2: Hanging the gate or garage door

Attach and secure the hinges into the gate or garage door.
Position the product into the correct place and mark where the hinges will sit on the post.
Secure the product to the post and ensure it swings freely without catching.

Step 3: Fitting additional ironmongery

Attach any necessary latches, bolts and key locks.
Double check that they operate correctly and maintain optimal security.

Step 4: Aftercare

To maintain optimal performance and protection, we recommend that you annually re-treat the timber and oil the hinges to ensure smooth operation and longevity.

Product Considerations

The steps above are a useful starting point for installing your new gate or garage door. Here are some extra considerations for certain products.

Installing double or split gates:

For uneven split gates, hang the larger leaf first and secure it. Then, hang the smaller gate, aligning it with the first.
Install a gate stop to the inside of the post. This gives the gates something to close against and prevents them from swinging out and damaging the hinges.

Installing garage doors with a rebate:

Hang the rebated door first. Ensure it is perfectly level and secured.
Then, you can hang the secondary door to ensure the rebate overlaps cleanly without rubbing or catching. This door should also be on the side where you intend to attach the lock and handle.
Make sure there is a 5mm-10mm expansion gap between the rebated joints.

Tools You’ll Need to Ensure Installation Success

Measuring & Marking

Tape measure (at least 5m long)
Spirit level (at least 1,200mm long is best for gates)
Pencil to mark on your hinges and latches

Drilling & Fixing

Power drill
Drill bits
Screwdriver sets
Screws

Structural & Safety

Spades
Wooden wedges or blocks
Hammer
Safety goggles and gloves

Struggling to do it yourself?

Don’t struggle and get in touch with us today, we would be happy to give you advice, guide your installation or get you in touch with the best installers we know.

Configuration Guide

Please select your gate style.

Height

Height will rise or fall 30mm to the centre*

Here are our three simple steps to help you measure the height for your new gate:

Measure the total height from the floor to the top of the gate post.
Minus 30mm for the clearance gap below the gate. This is to allow the gate to open freely and not catch.
Finally, these measurements will leave you with a total height for your gate.

*Please note that our Bow and Omega style single gates will rise approximately 30mm in the centre above the gate posts. Do not include this into your calculation.

Example:
Total Measured Space = 1500mm
Minus Clearance Gap: 1500mm – 30mm = 1470mm
Total Height to Order = 1470mm

We will manufacture your gate to the exact height measurement you order, without deducting any tolerances or gaps. Therefore, it’s important you take these off in your own measurements.

Width

Here are our four simple steps to help you measure the width for your new gate:

Measure the total space you have for everything to fit into, including the new gate, posts, and a clearance gap.
Minus the widths of any posts you require from the previous measurement.
Minus your clearance gap, which will be 10mm each side, totalling 20mm. This is so that the gate will not catch and can open smoothly.
These measurements will leave you with a total width for your gate.

When taking the width measurement, make sure you are measuring from the front view.

Example:
Total Measured Space = 1500mm
Minus Posts: 1500mm – 290mm (2 × posts at 145mm each) = 1210mm
Minus Clearance Gap: 1210mm – 20mm (10mm each side) = 1190mm
Total Width to Order = 1190mm

We will manufacture your gate to the exact width measurement you order, without deducting any tolerances or gaps. Therefore, it’s important you take these off in your own measurements.

Height

Here are our three simple steps to help you measure the height for your new side panel:

Measure the total height from the floor to the top of the gate post.
Minus 30mm for the clearance gap below the gate. This is to allow the gate to open freely and not catch.
Finally, these measurements will leave you with a total height for your gate.

Example:
Total Measured Space = 1500mm
Minus Clearance Gap: 1500mm – 30mm = 1470mm
Total Height to Order = 1470mm

We will manufacture your gate to the exact height measurement you order, without deducting any tolerances or gaps. Therefore, it’s important you take these off in your own measurements.

Width

Here are our four simple steps to help you measure the width for your new side panel:

Measure the total space you have for everything to fit into, including the new side panel, posts, and a clearance gap.
Minus the widths of any posts you require.
Minus your clearance gap, which will be 5mm total.
Finally, these measurements will leave you with a total width for your side panel.

When taking the width measurement, make sure you are measuring from the front view.

Example:
Total Measured Space = 1500mm
Minus Posts: 1500mm – 290mm (2 × posts at 145mm each) = 1210mm
Minus Clearance Gap: 1210mm – 5mm = 1205mm
Total Width to Order = 1205mm

We will manufacture your gate to the exact width measurement you order, without deducting any tolerances or gaps. Therefore, it’s important you take these off in your own measurements.

Double Five Bar Gates

Height

Here are our three simple steps to help you measure the height for your new gates:

Measure the total height from the floor to the top of the gate post.
Minus 30mm for the clearance gap below the gates. This is to allow the gates to open freely and not catch.
Finally, these measurements will leave you with a total height for your gates.

Example:
Total Measured Space = 1200mm
Minus Clearance Gap: 1200mm – 30mm = 1170mm
Total Height to Order = 1170mm

We will manufacture your gate to the exact height measurement you order, without deducting any tolerances or gaps. Therefore, it’s important you take these off in your own measurements.

Width

Here are our four simple steps to help you measure the width for your new gates:

Measure the total space you have for everything to fit into, including the new gates, posts, and a clearance gap.
Minus the widths of any posts you require.
Minus your clearance gap, which will be 10mm each side plus an extra 10mm between the gates, totalling 30mm. This is so that the gates will not catch and can open smoothly.
If you are using a traditional hinge, please minus an additional 110mm clearance gap from either side, which will total 220mm.
Finally, these measurements will leave you with a total width for your gates.

For double gates, the total measurement of the space where the gate will be is indicative of both gate leafs, and you will receive two gates that total the measurement you provide. For example, if you insert 3000mm width into the configuration (a final measurement you have taken, which accounts for expansion gaps), you will receive two 1500mm wide gate leafs.

When taking the width measurement, make sure you are measuring from the front view.

Example:
Total Measured Space = 1500mm
Minus Posts: 1500mm – 290mm (2 × posts at 145mm each) = 1210mm
Minus Clearance Gap: 1210mm – 30mm = 1180mm
Minus Traditional Hinge (if using): 1180mm – 220mm (2 × 110mm) = 960mm
Total Width to Order = 960mm

We will manufacture your gate to the exact width measurement you order, without deducting any tolerances or gaps. Therefore, it’s important you take these off in your own measurements.

Single Five Bar Gate

Height

Here are our three simple steps to help you measure the height for your new gate:

Measure the total height from the floor to the top of the gate post.
Minus 30mm for the clearance gap below the gate. This is to allow the gate to open freely and not catch.
Finally, these measurements will leave you with a total height for your gate.

Example:
Total Measured Space = 1200mm
Minus Clearance Gap: 1200mm – 30mm = 1170mm
Total Height to Order = 1170mm

We will manufacture your gate to the exact height measurement you order, without deducting any tolerances or gaps. Therefore, it’s important you take these off in your own measurements.

Width

Here are our four simple steps to help you measure the width for your new gate:

Measure the total space you have for everything to fit into, including the new gate, posts, and a clearance gap.
Minus the widths of any posts you require.
Minus your clearance gap, which will be 20mm.
If you are using a traditional hinge, please minus an additional 110mm clearance gap.
Finally, these measurements will leave you with a total width for your gate.

When taking the width measurement, make sure you are measuring from the front view.

Example:
Total Measured Space = 3000mm
Minus Posts: 3000mm – 290mm (2 × posts at 145mm each) = 2710mm
Minus Clearance Gap: 2710mm – 30mm = 2680mm
Minus Traditional Hinge (if using): 2680mm – 220mm (2 × 110mm) = 2460mm
Total Width to Order = 2460mm

We will manufacture your gate to the exact width measurement you order, without deducting any tolerances or gaps. Therefore, it’s important you take these off in your own measurements.

Split Five Bar Gates

Height

Here are our three simple steps to help you measure the height for your new gates:

Measure the total height from the floor to the top of the gate post.
Minus 30mm for the clearance gap below the gates. This is to allow the gates to open freely and not catch.
Finally, these measurements will leave you with a total height for your gates.

Example:
Total Measured Space = 1200mm
Minus Clearance Gap: 1200mm – 30mm = 1170mm
Total Height to Order = 1170mm

We will manufacture your gate to the exact height measurement you order, without deducting any tolerances or gaps. Therefore, it’s important you take these off in your own measurements.

Width

Here are our four simple steps to help you measure the width for your new gates:

Measure the total space you have for everything to fit into, including the new gates, posts, and a clearance gap.
Minus the widths of any posts you require from the previous measurement.
Minus your clearance gap, which will be 10mm each side plus an extra 10mm between the gates, totalling 30mm. This is so that the gates will not catch and can open smoothly.
If you are using a traditional hinge, please minus an additional 110mm clearance gap from either side, which will total 220mm.
Finally, these measurements will leave you with a total width for your gates.

When taking the width measurement, make sure you are measuring from the front view.

Example:
Total Measured Space = 3000mm
Minus Posts: 3000mm – 290mm (2 × posts at 145mm each) = 2710mm
Minus Clearance Gap: 2710mm – 30mm = 2680mm
Minus Traditional Hinge (if using): 2680mm – 220mm (2 × 110mm) = 2460mm
Total Width to Order = 2460mm

We will manufacture your gate to the exact width measurement you order, without deducting any tolerances or gaps. Therefore, it’s important you take these off in your own measurements.

Height

Here are our three simple steps to help you measure the height for your new gates:

Measure the total height from the floor to the top of the gate post.
Minus 30mm for the clearance gap below the gates. This is to allow the gates to open freely and not catch.
Finally, these measurements will leave you with a total height for your gates.

Example:
Total Measured Space = 1800mm
Minus Clearance Gap: 1800mm – 30mm = 1770mm
Total Height to Order = 1770mm

We will manufacture your gate to the exact height measurement you order, without deducting any tolerances or gaps. Therefore, it’s important you take these off in your own measurements.

Width

Here are our four simple steps to help you measure the width for your new gates:

Measure the total space you have for everything to fit into, including the new gates, posts, and a clearance gap.
Minus the widths of any posts you require from the previous measurement.
Minus your clearance gap, which will be 10mm each side plus an extra 10mm between the gates, totalling 30mm. This is so that the gate will not catch and can open smoothly.
Finally, these measurements will leave you with a total width for your gates.

When taking the width measurement, make sure you are measuring from the front view.

Example:
Total Measured Space = 3000mm
Minus Posts: 3000mm – 290mm (2 × posts at 145mm each) = 2710mm
Minus Clearance Gap: 2710mm – 30mm (10mm each side and 10mm between the gates) = 2680mm
Total Width to Order = 2680mm

We will manufacture your gate to the exact width measurement you order, without deducting any tolerances or gaps. Therefore, it’s important you take these off in your own measurements.

Height

Height will rise or fall ~ 250mm to the centre*

Here are our three simple steps to help you measure the height for your new gates:

Measure the total height from the floor to the top of the gate post.
Minus 30mm for the clearance gap below the gates. This is to allow the gates to open freely and not catch.
Finally, these measurements will leave you with a total height for your gates.

*Please note that our Bow and Omega style double gates will rise approximately 250mm in the centre above the gate posts. Do not include this into your calculation.

Measure the total height from the floor to the top of the gate post.
Minus 30mm for the clearance gap below the gates. This is to allow the gates to open freely and not catch.
Finally, these measurements will leave you with a total height for your gates.

We will manufacture your gate to the exact height measurement you order, without deducting any tolerances or gaps. Therefore, it’s important you take these off in your own measurements.

Width

Here are our four simple steps to help you measure the width for your new gates:

Measure the total space you have for everything to fit into, including the new gates, posts, and a clearance gap.
Minus the widths of any posts you require from the previous measurement.
Minus your clearance gap, which will be 10mm each side plus an extra 10mm between the gates, totalling 30mm. This is so that the gates will not catch and can open smoothly.
Finally, these measurements will leave you with a total width for your gates.

When taking the width measurement, make sure you are measuring from the front view.

Example:
Total Measured Space = 3000mm
Minus Posts: 3000mm – 290mm (2 × posts at 145mm each) = 2710mm
Minus Clearance Gap: 2710mm – 30mm (10mm each side, 10mm between the doors) = 2680mm
Total Width to Order = 2680mm

We will manufacture your gate to the exact width measurement you order, without deducting any tolerances or gaps. Therefore, it’s important you take these off in your own measurements.

Left & Right Hang

For single gates, choosing a left or right hang simply indicates which side the hinges will sit on. This will affect where the gate will be when it is open.

For example, if you open a left hang gate, it will sit on your left hand side as you pass through from the front view.

Please refer to the diagram for a visual representation which shows the gate opening inwards. If you are planning for your gate to open outwards and away from your property, you will require hinge packer(s) to allow the hinges to sit on the front of the gate.

Please note that our five bar gates only open inwards and away from you from the front view.

Wood Types

At Wortley Brothers, we offer two premium wood types. Both Scandinavian Redwood and African Iroko Hardwood are premium grade wood.

Our wooden gates and garage doors are handmade and manufactured in-house using these wood types by our team of skilled experts.

Scandinavian Redwood

This premium grade timber experiences minimal moving, swelling, shrinking or warping, which ensures that your new product will stand the test of time.

Our Scandinavian Redwood costs us 35% more than standard timber – a cost which we carry ourselves and do not reflect back in our prices to you.

African Iroko Hardwood

This hardwood is an extremely durable timber that is naturally resistant to decay and rot, even before any treatment is applied. This is a beautiful premium grade hardwood made to last for years to come. Sourced from the west coast of tropical Africa.

Treatments

Our treatments offer both an in house premium factory finish that will be applied before your gate/s arrive, ready to go. We also offer an all in one finish for you to do at home.

We also offer an in house colour matching service we can colour match any of our gate/s to any colour shade available inc: F&B, Little Greene, Period, Heritage. Ral Colours are also available

Simply select our colour match service above and then note your chosen colour match in the special requests box at checkout.

Factory Finish

We are proud to offer a full factory finish to your new wooden gates or garage doors. Our team will professionally spray two high-build coats of your chosen treatment, ensuring ultimate protection and visual impact. Your new product will be sent to you fully treated and ready to install.

Home Finish

Our home finish treatment is a true DIY application. There’s no preparation needed; simply apply this treatment directly onto your gates using a brush or sprayer. After two hours, apply a second coat for ultimate protection. Dried and ready to use within a few hours.

Rebate Position

Our range of garage doors come with a rebate. This is an overlapping joint in the centre where the two doors meet and overlap. It is designed to eliminate gaps for a more secure and weatherproof close.

This feature offers a freedom of choice on how your garage door will open, either inwards or outwards, and which door will open first.

For example, if you choose a right rebate, you will open the right door outwards from the front view and towards you first, as you are stood in front of the doors. This means your left garage door has to be closed first, and the right door will sit securely on top. If you require the garage doors to open inwards, please contact us and we can advise.

Please refer to the diagram for a visual representation.

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