Wooden Gate Sizes: How to Measure Your Opening

Choosing the correct wooden gate size is one of the most important parts of planning a new garden gate, side gate or driveway gate. Even a well-made timber gate can become difficult to install or operate if the opening has been measured incorrectly.

For Australian homes, wooden gates are commonly used for side access, gardens, front fences and driveways. Some openings suit standard gate sizes, while others require a custom-made gate. The right size depends on the clear opening, the type of posts or pillars, hinge allowances, latch clearances and whether the gate will be manual or automated.

This guide explains common wooden gate sizes, how to measure an opening correctly, how much clearance to allow and when a custom gate is the better option.

Are There Standard Wooden Gate Sizes?

There is no single universal standard size that applies to every wooden gate, but many ready-made timber gates are produced in common widths and heights.

Typical pedestrian wooden gate widths may include:

• 750 mm
• 800 mm
• 900 mm
• 1,000 mm
• 1,200 mm

Wider gates may be available for garden equipment, bins or utility access.

Common heights may include:

• 900 mm
• 1,200 mm
• 1,500 mm
• 1,800 mm

The actual sizes available depend on the manufacturer and gate style.

Driveway gates are usually much wider and are often custom-made to suit the property.

Common Wooden Gate Sizes

Gate Type	Typical Width	Typical Height	Common Use
Small garden gate	750–900 mm	900–1,200 mm	Garden access
Standard side gate	900–1,000 mm	1,500–1,800 mm	Side access and privacy
Wide side gate	1,100–1,200 mm	1,500–1,800 mm	Bins, bikes and garden equipment
Single driveway gate	2,400–3,500 mm	1,200–1,800 mm	Narrow driveways
Double driveway gates	3,000–5,000 mm overall	1,200–1,800 mm	Standard residential driveways
Large custom driveway gate	5,000 mm+	Custom	Large or architectural entrances

These measurements are only a general guide.

The actual gate panel should normally be slightly smaller than the measured opening because clearance is required for hinges and the latch.

Why Accurate Measuring Matters

A wooden gate needs room to open and close freely.

If the gate is too wide, it may:

• Rub against the post
• Fail to close correctly
• Put pressure on the hinges
• Damage the latch
• Require trimming after installation

If the gate is too narrow, the opening may have:

• Excessive gaps
• Reduced privacy
• Poor visual alignment
• Weak latch positioning

A difference of only a few millimetres can affect a tightly fitted gate.

For this reason, the opening should be measured carefully before the gate is ordered or manufactured.

Measure the Finished Opening

The most important measurement is the finished clear opening between the two surfaces that the gate will sit between.

These surfaces may be:

• Timber posts
• Steel posts
• Brick walls
• Rendered pillars
• Concrete block walls
• Fence posts

Do not measure between unfinished structural elements if render, cladding or additional posts will later reduce the opening.

For example, if a masonry pillar will receive 10–15 mm of render on each side, the finished opening will be narrower than the blockwork opening.

The gate size should be based on the final finished dimensions.

How to Measure the Width

Measure the opening horizontally between the two finished gate supports.

Take measurements at:

• Top
• Middle
• Bottom

Do not assume the posts are perfectly parallel.

If the three measurements are different, use the smallest measurement as the main reference.

For example:

• Top: 1,012 mm
• Middle: 1,005 mm
• Bottom: 1,000 mm

The opening should generally be treated as approximately 1,000 mm wide.

The final gate width will then be reduced further to provide the required hinge and latch clearance.

How Much Clearance Does a Wooden Gate Need?

The required clearance depends on the hinge type, latch and installation method.

A common pedestrian gate may need clearance on both sides of the gate.

For example, a 1,000 mm finished opening may not suit a full 1,000 mm gate panel.

A typical arrangement might allow approximately:

• 10–20 mm at the hinge side
• 10–20 mm at the latch side

The exact amount depends on the hardware.

Adjustable hinges, heavy strap hinges and steel-framed gates may require different allowances.

The hardware should ideally be selected before the gate dimensions are finalised.

Measuring the Height

Gate height is usually measured vertically from the finished ground level to the intended top of the gate.

Consider:

• Fence height
• Privacy
• Ground slope
• Bottom clearance
• Local requirements
• Gate design

A side gate commonly matches the height of the adjacent fence.

For example, a 1.8-metre privacy fence will often use a gate approximately the same height.

However, the gate itself may need to be slightly shorter depending on bottom clearance and top alignment.

Allowing for Ground Clearance

A wooden gate should not normally drag on the ground.

Some clearance is required underneath for smooth operation.

The amount depends on the surface below the gate.

A typical clearance might be around 20–50 mm on a relatively level paved or concrete surface.

More clearance may be required over:

• Gravel
• Lawn
• Uneven paving
• Sloping ground

Too little clearance can cause the gate to scrape after small ground movements or timber expansion.

Too much clearance can reduce privacy and may allow small pets to escape.

Measuring a Sloping Opening

Sloping ground can make gate measurement more complicated.

If a swing gate opens across a rising surface, the bottom of the gate may hit the ground.

Before ordering the gate, check the level throughout its full swing path.

Possible solutions include:

• Increasing bottom clearance
• Opening the gate in the opposite direction
• Using rising hinges
• Shaping the bottom of the gate
• Using a sliding gate

For significant slopes, a custom-made gate is usually more suitable than a standard rectangular gate.

Wooden Side Gate Sizes

Side gates are one of the most common timber gate types.

Many homes use side openings around 900–1,200 mm wide.

A 900 mm gate may be suitable for ordinary pedestrian access.

A wider gate can be more practical if the opening is regularly used for:

• Wheelie bins
• Lawn mowers
• Bicycles
• Wheelbarrows
• Garden equipment

Before choosing the size, think about what needs to pass through the opening.

A gate that is just wide enough for walking may become frustrating when garden equipment needs to be moved through it.

Standard Garden Gate Sizes

Garden gates are often smaller than privacy side gates.

Widths between approximately 750 and 1,000 mm are common.

The height may depend more on appearance than security.

A small decorative timber gate may be around 900–1,200 mm high, while a privacy garden gate may be closer to 1,500–1,800 mm.

The gate should be proportioned to the fence.

A very narrow, tall gate can look visually awkward, while a wider gate may require stronger framing and hinges.

Wooden Driveway Gate Sizes

Driveway gates vary significantly in size.

A typical residential driveway may have an opening somewhere between approximately 3 and 5 metres.

The exact width depends on:

• Number of vehicles
• Driveway alignment
• Turning angle
• Property layout
• Gate type

A narrow driveway may use a single gate.

Wider entrances often use double gates or sliding gates.

Single Wooden Driveway Gates

A single swing gate supports the entire gate width from one hinge side.

As the width increases, the gate becomes heavier and places more pressure on:

• Hinges
• Gate post
• Frame
• Automation motor

For this reason, very wide timber openings are often better suited to double gates or sliding gates.

A single timber gate may work well for narrower openings, but large gates usually require a reinforced metal frame.

Double Wooden Driveway Gates

Double gates divide the total opening into two leaves.

For example, a 4,000 mm opening might use two gate leaves of approximately 1,950–1,980 mm each depending on clearances and centre spacing.

Double gates can provide:

• Reduced weight per leaf
• Smaller swing radius
• Easier automation
• More balanced appearance

The centre gap must also be considered.

If the gates use a centre stop or electric lock, this can influence final dimensions.

Wooden Sliding Gate Sizes

Sliding gates require not only the opening width but also enough side space for the gate to move clear of the driveway.

For example, a 4,000 mm opening generally needs at least around 4,000 mm of clear side run-off space for a conventional sliding gate.

Additional length may be required for:

• Gate frame
• End posts
• Motor position
• Safety clearance

Cantilever sliding gates require even more overall length because of the counterbalance section.

The available side space should therefore be measured before selecting the gate type.

Measuring Between Timber Posts

Timber posts can move slightly over time.

Before measuring, check whether the posts are:

• Vertical
• Secure
• Twisted
• Leaning

Measure between the inside faces of the posts at multiple heights.

If the posts are badly out of alignment, it may be better to repair or replace them before installing the new gate.

A perfectly sized gate will not operate properly between unstable posts.

Measuring Between Masonry Pillars

Masonry pillars are generally more rigid but may not be perfectly square.

Measure:

• Top width
• Middle width
• Bottom width

Also check the vertical faces with a level.

If cladding, stone or render is still to be installed, include the final finish thickness in the calculation.

Allowance for Hinges

Different hinge systems require different spaces.

Common wooden gate hinges include:

• T-hinges
• Strap hinges
• Adjustable hinges
• Heavy-duty bearing hinges

Adjustable hinges are useful because they allow minor corrections after installation.

The hinge manufacturer’s requirements should be considered when calculating the gate width.

Allowance for Latches and Locks

The latch side also requires enough clearance to operate correctly.

Possible hardware includes:

• Gravity latch
• Slide bolt
• Key lock
• Digital lock
• Magnetic latch
• Electric lock

Some locks need more spacing than others.

If the gate will use a digital or electric locking system, the hardware should be selected before finalising the gate dimensions.

Timber Expansion and Movement

Timber naturally expands and contracts as moisture conditions change.

This movement is another reason not to install a wooden gate with extremely tight clearances.

A gate that fits perfectly during dry weather may begin rubbing after periods of high humidity or rain.

Proper clearance gives the timber some room to move without affecting operation.

Custom Gate Sizes

A custom gate is often the best option when:

• The opening is non-standard
• The ground is sloping
• The gate is unusually tall
• The gate must match existing fencing
• Automation is planned
• The gate is very wide
• Privacy requirements are specific

Custom manufacturing allows the frame and hardware to be designed around the exact opening.

Measure Twice Before Ordering

Before placing an order, confirm:

• Finished opening width
• Opening width at top, middle and bottom
• Finished height
• Ground clearance
• Post alignment
• Fence height
• Hinge type
• Latch type
• Opening direction
• Ground slope

For automated gates, also confirm:

• Motor position
• Electrical supply
• Post dimensions
• Opening angle
• Side clearance

Small mistakes at the measuring stage can become expensive once the gate has been manufactured.

Common Measuring Mistakes

Measuring Only Once

Posts and walls may not be parallel.

Always measure at several points.

Ignoring Render or Cladding

Finishes can reduce the clear opening.

Ordering the Gate the Same Width as the Opening

The gate needs operational clearance.

Ignoring Ground Slope

The gate may hit the driveway when opening.

Forgetting Hardware

Hinges and locks require installation space.

Measuring Before Posts Are Installed

Final post positions can differ from plans.

Whenever possible, take final measurements after the supports are complete.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right wooden gate size starts with accurate measurement of the finished opening.

Standard pedestrian gates are commonly available in widths around 750–1,200 mm, while driveway gates vary much more and are often custom-made.

The gate itself should normally be slightly smaller than the opening to allow room for hinges, latches and natural timber movement.

Measuring the width at the top, middle and bottom is important because posts and walls may not be perfectly parallel. Ground level, gate swing, bottom clearance and hardware requirements should also be checked before ordering.

For straightforward openings, a standard wooden gate can be practical and cost-effective. For sloping sites, unusual openings, large gates or automated entrances, a custom-made gate usually provides a better fit.

Careful measuring at the beginning helps ensure the finished wooden gate looks balanced, opens smoothly and continues to operate reliably over time.