Measuring Guide
We suggest that you carefully review this user-friendly measuring guide before making an online purchase. It will demonstrate the proper method for measuring the opening for any of the items available in our online store. It is important to take the time to fully comprehend this guide, as it provides valuable and detailed information that is particularly helpful for individuals who enjoy DIY projects. If you have any uncertainties about the provided instructions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to UVMEC Steel for additional support.
Single Gates – Fitted to Existing Structure
The process of measuring the opening for customers wishing to order one of our metal garden gates or side gates in between an existing structure (such as a brick wall or pillars) could not be easier.
To determine the size you need to order, simply measure the distance between the walls, which represents the gap size.
When taking measurements, we highly recommend measuring the opening at three points: the top, middle, and bottom. If there is any variation in size, we advise using the smallest width for placing your order.
Example
- Distance Between Walls = 90cm
- Ordering Width = 90cm
Don`t worry if the space you have available does not correspond exactly to the gate widths shown online as we are also able to offer a popular made to measure service on the majority of design available.
Important Points to Remember
- Do not confuse the opening size (distance between brickwork) with the physical width of the gate (as this will be smaller to allow enough space for the hinges and latch).
- If the product description refers to the “physical height” we have made no allowance for ground clearance.
- The gap size is the ordering size.
Single Gates – Fitted to Metal Posts
Where there is no existing structure in place to support the gates it will be essential that you install metal posts.
When measuring for this simply work out the total space you have available then deduct the width of the posts to find the gate ordering size. When doing this please be aware that not all gates use the same size posts so if you are in any doubt, please feel free to contact us for assistance.
Example
- Overall Space: 100cm
- Width of Post (each side) = 5cm
- Gate Ordering Width: 90cm
Driveway Gates & Estate Gates – Fitted to Metal Posts
In situations where you need to install metal posts to provide a suitable hanging point for the gates you will first need to establish the overall space you have available to work with. Once this has been established it is simply a case of deducting the width of the relevant post from this measurement to give you your ordering size.
Example
- Distance Between Pillars: 2.7m
- Ordering Size: 2.7m
In situations where you need to install metal posts to provide a suitable hanging point for the gates you will first need to establish the overall space you have available to work with. Once this has been established it is simply a case of deducting the width of the relevant post from this measurement to give you your ordering size.
Example
- Overall Space: 3.2m
- Width of Post (each side): 10cm
- Gate Ordering Width: 3m
Important Information Relating to Metal Posts
When deciding if you require metal posts to hang any of our single and double gates, please be aware that certain designs will place a large amount of additional weight onto the structure and as a result may not be suitable for fixing to. To avoid any potential issues if you are unsure of the suitability of your existing structure please feel free to contact us or speak to a local builder who will be able to offer advice.
Measuring the Opening Height
Unless stated otherwise on the product page, all gates, railings and fencing should be installed with a 50mm gap at the bottom to allow them to open and close without catching the floor.
Whilst most installations will not be limited in height, should there be a set height to work to please ensure this is taken into consideration when selecting the gates.
What do the Heights Refer to in the Product Description?
If you browse through some of the different designs you may notice that the are 2 different ways the height are displayed.
Physical Height – This refers to the total height of the gate, fence or railings (excluding any ground clearance). Please be aware that once fitted the heights will increase by approx 50mm to allow for ground clearance.
Height (after installation) – This refers to the height of the product once installed and is measured from the ground to the top of the horizontal framework (with an allowance of 50mm for ground clearance). Any finials or scrollwork above this point is not included within this dimension.
Free Professional Advice
If you have any uncertainties about how to measure the opening, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to provide assistance and support.