GATE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Tools Required:
- Power Drill/Driver
- Screwdriver
- Pencil
- Awl
- Center Hole Punch or Centering Drill Bit (optional)
- Plumber’s Level and/or a 24″ long Level
- Styrofoam block length to support gate (included)
STEP 1 (Clean Working Area):
Using the Gate box and/or Styrofoam packaging material as a cushion, place the deck gate on your deck floor (being careful not to scratch or mar the finish).
STEP 2 (Install Hinge to Gate):
Make certain that you have purchased a good quality outdoor gate hinge and hardware of sufficient size and weight-grade to support a gate weighing at least 35 pounds! Also, be certain to use all of the screws that are provided by the manufacturer. Before continuing, determine the orientation needed for the hinges purchased so that the gate opens from the correct direction (inward or outward).
Place your first hinge just about even with the bottom of the Top Rail in a vertical alignment that is square/perpendicular to the edge of the gate. If available, have a second person hold the hinge in place for you.
(Note: Depending on the hinge product used, a small Plumber’s Level may be helpful to ensure that the hinge is plumb & aligned properly.)
Use a Center Hole Punch or an Awl to mark the center of the screw holes. Using a Centering Hole Drill Bit will be more accurate and will allow you to skip this step.
Using a drill bit that is smaller in diameter than the screws being used, pre-drill the hinge holes to a depth that is slightly less than the length of the screw. If you have a Drill Bit Gauge, use a bit that is two sizes smaller than your hinge screws.
Use a power driver to attach/screw the hinge to your gate being careful to NOT over-tighten or strip the screw holes. If you are not experienced in the use of the power driver, be sure to practice on a piece of scrap material. Repeat above for the bottom hinge.
STEP 3 (Attach to Deck Newel Post):
Special Note: Depending on the material, size and final weight of your gate, it is critical that your newel post is plumb and strong! Preferably, the post should extend down through the deck floor and be blocked to the joists/beams underneath the deck. This is required for Trex Accents gates.
It is helpful to have a second person to attach the gate to your deck. Hold the gate up next to the newel post at the proper height desired (close to the top of your railing).
A long piece of Styrofoam (the same as the width of your gate) is provided. Place it underneath the bottom edge of the gate to help hold it in place.
Properly align the top hinge where it attaches to the newel post (according to the hinge design being used).
Use a 24″ level to make sure the gate is positioned plumb & level. It will be helpful to use wood shims as part of this step.
Use a Center Hole Punch or an Awl to mark the center of the screw holes. Using a Centering Hole Drill Bit will be more accurate and will allow you to skip this step.
Using a drill bit that is smaller in diameter than the screws being used, pre-drill the hinge holes to a depth that is slightly less than the length of the screw. If you have a Drill Bit Gauge, use a bit that is two sizes smaller than your hinge screws.
Use the power driver to attach/screw the hinge to your Post being careful to NOT over-tighten or strip the screw holes.
Keeping the length of Styrofoam in place and using available shims, level the gate in place. Then attach the bottom hinge in the same manner as described above.
STEP 4 (Attach Latch to Gate):
After making certain that your gate is hanging properly in the correct position and smoothly swings open and closed, begin to attach the latch purchased.
First attach the gate latch part by placing it at the desired comfortable height (normally about even with the top hinge). Depending on the hardware design being used, you should attach it on the inside face of your gate.
Hold the latch in place on your gate and lightly mark the holes with a pencil. After verifying you have the latch marked in the proper position desired, pre-drill your screw holes in the same manner as mentioned above. Then attach/screw the latch using a power or hand screwdriver.
STEP 5 (Attach Latch to Newel Post):
Hold the latch part that attaches to your newel post in position so that it lines up with the gate latch part and closes/locks in place properly. Make a light pencil mark to keep the position.
After verifying that you have the latch marked in the proper position desired, pre-drill your screw holes in the same manner as mentioned above. Then attach/screw the latch part using a power or hand screwdriver.