Which hinge should I use for a garden gate?

Before you order hinges for a garden gate, check the gate, the post and the way the hinge needs to sit. A hinge can look right online and still be wrong for the job if the fixing point, finish or movement is not right.

This guide is not a fitting calculation. It is a buying check to help you narrow the route before you order.

Start with the gate, not the hinge name

Check these details first:

• Is the gate timber, metal, lightweight, framed, ledged or braced?
• Is it going on a timber post, wall plate, masonry post or existing frame?
• Does the gate need to open one way only, or fold back wider?
• Are you replacing like-for-like, or changing the hinge style?
• Will the hinge be visible from the front of the gate?
• Does the finish need to suit the rest of the gate hardware?

If you are replacing an old hinge, measure what is already there before you shop. The old hinge is often the best clue, even if it has failed or looks tired.

Visual hinge checks

Use these product images as visual clues, not as guaranteed fitting advice. The right choice still depends on your gate, post, fixing points and finish.

Common garden gate hinge routes

Tee hinges

Tee hinges are a common route for many timber garden gates. The long strap sits across the gate, while the smaller plate fixes to the post or frame.

They are worth checking when:

• the gate is timber;
• the hinge needs to spread across the face of the gate;
• you want the hinge to be visible as part of the gate hardware;
• you are replacing a similar tee hinge.

Before ordering, check the size shown on the product page, the fixing points and the finish. Do not assume the longest hinge is automatically the right one.

Band and hook style hinges

Band and hook style hinges are often used where the hinge needs more movement or a different hanging method. They can suit some gate setups better than a simple face-fixed hinge, but the fixing surface and existing gate design matter.

They are worth checking when:

• the gate needs to lift on or off the hinge pins;
• the existing gate already uses this style;
• the post and gate arrangement suits that fitting method.

Do not guess this route from the name alone. Check the product details and, if needed, ask before ordering.

Padbolts, latches and matching gate hardware

The hinge is only one part of the gate. A working gate may also need a latch, bolt, catch or other hardware. It is worth checking the whole job before placing a small order, especially if the existing gate hardware is worn or mismatched.

That does not mean buying everything at once. It means checking whether the hinge change affects the rest of the gate.

Quick comparison

If this is your situation	Start by checking
Replacing an existing tee hinge	Tee hinge size, fixing holes, finish and old hinge position
Hanging a simple timber garden gate	Gate Hardware and Tee Hinge routes
Gate also needs a latch or bolt	Hinges, Latches & Gate Ironmongery or Gate Hardware
Old hardware is mixed or worn	Hinge, latch, bolt and finish together before ordering
You are not sure what style you have	Take a photo and measure before ordering

Mistakes to avoid

• Buying by colour only.
• Assuming every hinge suits every gate.
• Ignoring the post or frame the hinge fixes to.
• Forgetting the latch or bolt until after the hinge arrives.
• Replacing one hinge when the pair or fixing points also need checking.
• Using product names such as "heavy duty" as a substitute for checking the product details.

Before you order

Check:

• hinge style;
• hinge size shown on the product page;
• gate and post fixing points;
• finish;
• whether the old hinge gives you a like-for-like clue;
• whether the latch, bolt or other gate hardware also needs attention.

If you already know the hinge style you need, browse the gate hardware route and narrow from there. If you are still unsure, check the old hinge and fixing points first rather than ordering by appearance alone.