Whenever you have to install a gate on a hill, you’re sure to be faced with a lot of challenges. According to most sources, the best way to hang a farm gate on a slope is not to do it, but sometimes it just can’t be avoided. In this article, we discuss the complications of hanging a farm gate on a slope and offer some helpful tips and creative solutions to help you deal with this farm security challenge. Read on to learn more.
What You'll Learn Today
Installing A Farm Gate On A Hill
Before you begin installing, try to look for an area with a minimum of sloping, and remember that when you install a gate on a hillside, you may only be able to open it one way depending upon the slope.
Think about aspects of the lay of the land that will get in the way of your gate. Determine how you will counter these problems.
Solutions to problems when installing a farm gate on a hill:
1. Excavate to create a level area
You might need to excavate and level a surface area that will accommodate the entire swing of the gate. This will leave you with a leveled plateau surrounding the gate.
2. You can create a sloped gate
When you build your gate, keep the top level but build the bottom so that it is at the same angle as the lay of the land, as demonstrated in this video.
Gates On Unlevel Ground
3. Racked gate is also an option
You can build a racked gate in which all of the horizontal poles or boards follow the angle of the slope.
4. Build a lightweight, flexible gate
Such gate can be lifted in either direction to accommodate the lay of the land, as demonstrated in this video.
5. Choose a narrow gate
Wide gates will pose a whole lot more problems. They’ll have more ground to go over, and they’ll put more weight on the posts supporting the gate. This can add up to immediate and ongoing problems as well as ever-increasing complications in the long run.
2 Essential Tips For Installing A Farm Gate On A Slope
- If you are installing a gate so that one end the of it is higher than the other, the hinged end should be the lower end. If you put the hinges on the higher end, the angle and the weight of the gate will exert more pressure on the post, and it will be more likely to develop a sag and drag on the ground.
- If you are installing a gate across a slope, you must plan for it to open toward the downhill side only. Look for a location with a gentle downhill slope on the opening side to avoid complications and the occasional runaway vehicle when stopping to open the gate.
Follow Standard Gate Hanging Protocol
Farm gates take a beating. Whether you are hanging a farm gate on a slope or on level ground, it’s important to adhere as closely as possible to standard protocol. Always use sturdy, top notch materials.
Dig your support post holes deeply enough (4’) to provide a proper anchor for the weight of the gate.
Take careful measurements, and whenever you are faced with a choice between materials, choose the higher quality option.
This video provides simple, easy to follow instruction on basic farm gate installation.
The tips are very useful for me. Thank you for sharing.
Is it easier to excavate a level area to accommodate a gate on a sloped paddock