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What Is the Standard Size of a Garden Gate?

How to Choose Perfect Gate Size for Garden

Garden gates are the first thing anyone will see as they enter your backyard. They keep your property secure while adding beauty and interest to your landscape.

But they also come in varying styles and sizes, so we’re here to help you choose the right garden gate specs according to your needs. In this article, we’ll walk you through the standard size of garden gates and style that will fit your taste and style. 

Read on to learn about choosing the right garden gate for your home!

What is the standard size of a garden gate?

What is the standard size of a garden gate
Image: Garden Gates Direct

The standard dimensions of garden gates range from 3 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. This standard size is tall enough to prevent intruders from entering your property but broad enough so people can walk through comfortably. 

Some factors that you should consider when choosing the size of your gate are the size of its opening, the amount of traffic and the type of gate and materials used to build it. 

Ultimately, your garden gate should be durable and water-resistant. It should also be easy to walk open, close, or through. 

For instance, the amount of traffic should make it easy for people to pass through or prevent pets from coming in and out of your garden.

How do you measure a garden gate?

How do you measure a garden gate
Image: Gates Plus

To make sure the garden gate is the right fit, here are steps on how to measure them correctly. 

DifficultyEasy ●○○○○
Duration15 to 30 minutes
Things You NeedTape measure
Pencil

How To Do:
1. Open your garden gate fully.
2. Measure the width of the opening between the gate posts to get the width of the garden gate. 
3. If you’re measuring a double gate, measure the width of each gate and add the measurements together.
4. Measure the opening height from the ground to the top of the gate posts to get the height of the garden gate.
5. Add one inch to the width and height measurements for clearance.
6. If the gate is not attached to a post, add two inches to each measurement for clearance.

How do you make a garden gate taller?

How do you make a garden gate taller
Image: Boundary Fence

You can extend the height of a garden gate using an arbor, arch or trellis. 

Below are the steps on how to use them to make your garden gates taller. 

1. Arbor

Arbor
Image: Pinterest
DifficultyAverage ●●●○○
Duration2 to 3 days
Things You Need

four posts – 4×4 inches and 8 feet long
2×4 lumber – cut to 6 feet or any desired length of the arbor 2×6 lumber – cut to 3 feet or desired length of the crossbeams
Nails or screws
Shovel
Concrete
Wood glue
Sandpaper
Paint
Climbing plants

An arbor is a gardening structure that is used to support climbing or vertical plants. It’s usually made of wood or metal and helps climbing plants to camouflage on the gate and make it look taller.

Some climbing plants you can use in an arbor are clematis, honeysuckle, passionflower, trumpet vine, wisteria and moonflower.

How To Do
1. Dig holes that are 12 inches deep and wide. Space each post about 8 feet apart.
2. Fill the post with concrete and let it cure for 24 hours. 
3. Attach the 2×4 lumber to the posts at the top and bottom of the arbor using nails or screws. 
4. Attach the 2×4 crossbeams to the 2×4 lumber at the top of the arbor using nails or screws.
5. Using sandpaper, smooth out any rough edge on the arbor.
6. Apply a coat of paint to the arbor for extra protection.
7. Plant climbing plants on the arbor.

2. Arch

Arch
Image: Allotment & Gardens
DifficultyAverage ●●●○○
Duration1 to 2 days
Things You Need

2 pieces of lumber – 2×4 inches cut to 4 feet or the desired length of the arch
2 pieces of lumber – 2×6 inches cut to 3 feet or the desired length of the crossbeams
Saw
Galvanized nails or screws
Wood glue
Sandpaper
Paint
Hinges

An arch is a curved gardening structure common used in making elegant entrances to gardens. You can make your gate look taller by adding an arch at the top of the gate post and decorating it with flowers, vines or other climbing plants. 

How To Do
1. Cut the pieces of lumber to the desired height and width of the arch using a saw. 
2. Lay the 2x4s on the ground parallel to each other. Attach the 2x6s to the 2x4s at the top and bottom of the arch.
3. Attach the crossbeams to the 2x4s at the top of the arch.
4. Smooth out the rough edges of the arch using sandpaper.
5. Apply paint for added protection. Attach the arch to the gate using hinges.

3. Trellis

Trellis
Image: Houzz
DifficultyAverage ●●●○○
Duration1 day
Things You Need

2 pieces of lumber – 2×4 inches cut to 4 feet or the desired length of the trellis
1 piece of lumber – 2×4 inches cut to 2 feet or the desired height of the trellis
Saw
Galvanized nails or screws
Wood glue
Sandpaper
Paint
Vining plants

A trellis is a lattice-like gardening structure that is used to support vining plants. When attached to the top of your garden gate, it creates an illusion of additional height and depth, making the gate look taller. 

How To Do
1. Cut the pieces of lumber to the desired height and width of the trellis using a saw. 
2. Assemble the trellis by attaching the two 2x4s that will be its height using nails, screws and wood glue. 
3. Attach the trellis at the top and bottom of the gate using nails or screws.
4. Sand the rough edges of the trellis.
5. Apply a coat of paint for extra protection. 
6. Plant vining plants on the trellis.

How To Fit a Garden Gate

How To Fit a Garden Gate
Image: Duncombe
DifficultyAverage ●●●○○
Duration2 to 3 hours
Things You Need

Gate post
Concrete
Garden gate
Gate hinges
Gate latch
Screws
Drill
Level
Tape measure

Fitting a garden gate is a crucial task to completing your garden. It must be well-fitted and sturdy enough to keep intruders away but still add beauty and style to your home. 

Below are steps on how to fit the garden gate.

How To Do
1. Prepare the gate posts by setting them in concrete at least 2 feet deep.
2. The top of the gate post should be 6 inches above the ground.
3. Attach the hinges evenly spaced along the top and bottom of the gate.
4. Attach the garden gate to the posts.
5. Make sure that the gate is properly leveled, and leave a one-inch gap between the gate and the ground.
6. Attach the latch to the garden gate. Make sure that the latch is inside the gate.

FAQs on Garden Gate Width

How wide should a garden gate be?


The standard width for garden gates is 3 to 4 feet, depending on the amount of traffic, the size of the opening, and the type and material of the gate itself. 

How tall is a garden gate?


The standard height for garden gates is 3 to 6 feet, depending on the fence height, the amount of security needed, the average size of people using the gate, and aesthetic design. 

What is the gap for the garden gate?


One inch is the standard gap for garden gates. This gives sufficient clearance for the gate to open and close without rubbing against the gate posts.

Should a garden gate be inwards or outwards?


Garden gates should have inward openings. This will prevent posing a hazard to people or vehicles passing by and make it difficult for intruders to force open the gate.

Which side do you hinge a garden gate on?


The hinges of a garden gate should be attached to the gate post on the same side of the latch and located inside the gate so that it can open and close smoothly.

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