Recommendations for Installation of a new england woodworks custom cedar driveway gate

Recommendations for Installation of New England Woodworks Custom Driveway Gates

To ensure the smooth installation of your custom-built cedar driveway gate, please review and follow these recommendations.

Gate Size Considerations

1. Gate Size: Determine the required gate size before ordering. New England Woodworks custom gates are built to the specified size. For example, a 14’ center opening gate consists of two 7’ halves and will be within ½” of 14’ wide.
2. Gate Thickness: The overall thickness of our cedar gates is 4-1/8”, which conceals the welded stainless-steel frame. Ensure a minimum of 1” clearance for swing room to prevent the gate wings from hitting at the center when opening. Ideally, 2” clearance provides additional wiggle room.
3. Hinge and Hardware Clearance: The stainless-steel ball bearing hinges, welded to the frame, and the adjustable post hardware require a minimum of 2” on each side with a maximum stud extension of 2”. Therefore, a 14’ gate requires a minimum opening of 14’ 6” between columns.

Column and Post Requirements

1. Decorative Columns: If using decorative fluted or raised panel columns, add an additional 3” to the inside requirement and 19” overall to the outside requirement for two nominal 10x10 decorative columns. These post sleeves allow for 6x6 steel posts as foundation posts. The minimum outside dimension required is 16’ 1/2”. Note: If using 8x8 pressure-treated wood posts, the decorative columns need to be nominal 12x12, which adds an additional 4” to the overall space required.

Installation Process

1. Initial Planning:
   • Calculate the driveway dimensions and select the appropriate gate size. Place your order based on these calculations.
2. Foundation Post Placement:
   • Upon receipt of your gate, determine the location for the foundation posts. Dig holes 5’ deep, ensuring to call local utilities and safe dig services in advance for proper markings.
3. Post Installation:
   • Place the foundation posts in the holes and double-check calculations for proper alignment spacing. Secure the posts in place, ensuring they are plumb and straight. Use a suitable amount of concrete around the foundation posts to support the cantilever and wind load of the gate. Allow the concrete to thoroughly cure.
4. Post Re-check and Sleeves Installation:
   • After several days, re-check calculations and confirm the post placement and plumb. Slide decorative sleeves over the foundation posts and secure them in place from the inside gate mounting location.
5. Gate Hardware Installation:
   • Hold the gate in position and mark the columns for gate hardware placement. Use a laser level to ensure parallel placement of the adjacent post hardware. Hold the adjustable gate hardware in place at the marked location and drill (4) four 5/16” pilot holes through the cedar sleeves. Drill an 11/16” center hole for the stainless-steel bolt pin using a 6” long paddle bit (for wood foundation posts). Drill (4) four 1/4” pilot holes for each hinge plate (for wood foundation posts). Steel foundation posts will require special taps or welding.
   • Purchase 5/16”x6” galvanized or stainless lag bolts. Use four of these per gate hinge plate.
6. Gate Hanging:
   • Re-install the 3/4” stainless steel bolt (provided with the optional New England Woodworks adjustable gate hardware kit). Screw it in, leaving 2-4 turns from being fully in. Hang the gates on the stainless-steel male portion and confirm a 2” space in the center meeting point of the gate wings. Ensure the gates are level and are the same height at the center.
   • If the alignment is not acceptable, remove one or both gate wings from the stainless-steel male post hardware. Adjust the stainless-steel bolt in or out to align the center height of the gate wings.