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120” Gate + 8” 1” Latch + 4” Post = 11’1” (133”) On-Center for Gate Posts
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If the hinges or latch you are utilizing can work at a range of multiple widths, you want to utilize the
middle number of the adjustment range so that you have left/ right adjustment available to you.
Digging Your Post Holes
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Once you have determined the ‘on-center ‘post spacing for your posts and marked all the locations around
your layout, its time to start digging post holes. These instructions apply to either manually digging your
post holes or using powered equipment.
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Begin with an end or corner post in your layout. The ‘on-center’ location you marked should be the center
of your hole. Dig outwards from there. Your posthole should be situated so that when you place the post
in the center, its outer edge is touching against the string line.
Figure 6 - Post Hole Should be Positioned so That The Centered Post Will Contact Your String Line
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Be sure to dig your post hole as straight down as possible. If you live in an area that freezes heavily in the
winter, digging a post hole that is wider at the top than the bottom can allow for heaving of the post in
deep freeze conditions.
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The rule of thumb is that a post hole should be roughly three times the diameter of the post you are
setting. So if you were setting a 2x2 post, the hole should be at least 6” across (2x3 = 6). A wider hole will
not hurt anything, but it will require more concrete.
