Install

Most of the questions we get asked by our customers are related to the installation process. It’s simple and includes the necessary parts to complete the job with simple tools, patience, precision, and good old common sense. We’ve innovated our product over the years to make this as simple as possible. For example, we provide nearly all the materials you will need to install your gate. Of course, you will need tools, but only simple household tools are required to hang your gate once the supports are in place. Installation breaks down into really three steps:

1. Supporting your gate
2. Attaching your gate to the supports via jambs so it can swing properly.
3. Installing a latch so that you can secure and lock your gate.

Supporting Your Gate

The recommended support types are:

• Masonry posts. For example, brick, stucco or cinder block.
• Wood posts
• Exterior house wall combined with one of the above

When installing new columns or posts, you must get them as evenly spaced and plumb as possible. If you need help with these processes, we suggest you discuss them with a trusted contractor/handyman. These are not complicated or unusual things to do, but ensuring precision for plumpness and rough opening size can make a big difference in the success of your project.

Note: Our gates are only moderately heavy. The average walk-through gate is around 50 – 75 lbs. Although the supports should be stout and sturdy and made from quality materials, you need not be overly concerned that they can hold a hefty load.

Attaching Your Gate To The Supports

We include matching cedar “jambs” with our walk-through gate packages. Jambs are boards on either side of a typical door in your home that attach to the structure supporting the door itself. Jambs serve various functions, including a solid piece of wood that the gate will land against when it is closed.

This is called a ‘stop.’ The jambs are also used as a connection point for one half of the hinge, the gate being the other connection point. Jambs also serve as a way to nicely frame out the beauty of the gate door itself. Our jambs come standard with fasteners to attach the jamb to either wood posts or masonry columns and the jamb stop, which is also used to hide unsightly fasteners. We mill the hinge pockets, so the hinges sit flush with the jamb surface.

We include a pack of adjustment shims as an option to help ensure the opening is even from top to bottom and that the jamb itself is plumb. This will allow your gate to swing naturally and evenly.

Note: 2in is the standard ground clearance

Securing Your Gate

After you attach the jambs to your supports and the gate is attached to the jambs via the included hinges, you are ready to securely close your gate with our ring latch. Again, the ring latch installation is straightforward. Just a single common-size hole through the gate at that position you would like, and then a few screws to secure the latch components to the jamb and the gate itself. The latch is operable from both sides of the gate by simply lifting the ring on either side and giving it a slight twist. When you close your gate, it will automatically latch (‘self-latching). The latch includes a set of padlock eyes for locking purposes with a padlock.

Note: You can use your own latching hardware if you prefer. You must be careful about not drilling through the joinery that keeps the gate frame together and structurally sound.

Installing a PGW walk-through outdoor gate is simple and only requires a few steps, essential tools, and a little time