HowTo Install A Good Neighbour Single Gate

Whether you're putting the finishing touch on your Stratco fence or just adding access to an existing boundary, installing our Good Neighbour® Single Gates is simpler than you might think. In this guide (based on our how-to video with Adam), we’ll walk you through the steps, tools, and tips for a smooth install using our Good Neighbour® Gates made with COLORBOND® steel.

Before You Start: What You’ll Need To Install a Single Good Neighbour® Gate

A few basic tools and safety gear will get you sorted:

• Safety gloves and goggles – you’ll be handling steel and drilling
• Cordless drill, drill bits, 10mm spanner
• Spirit level, measuring tape, plumb line
• Tech screws and wafer-head screws (included with your kit)
• Timber chocks or leftover slats – for spacing during install

Pro tip: Your gate is custom-sized to your measured gap. All we need in-store is the post-to-post distance and we’ll do the rest.

Step 1: Concrete Your Posts

Start with solid footing - literally. Your gate will hang off SHS posts (50x50mm minimum, or 65x65mm for larger/double gates). Set them square and level in concrete. Double-check spacing top and bottom; this is your last chance to tweak alignment.

Step 2: Unwrap & Prep the Gate

Unbox your Stratco Good Neighbour® Gate. Check it’s built to the size of your opening - an 820mm gate, for example, suits a post gap of 860-870mm.

Clear any swarf from packaging or drilling, keeping your finish clean and corrosion-free.

Step 3: Fit the Hinges

Using a tape measure, mark 150mm from the top and bottom of the gate frame.

Then:

• Position the butt hinges so the pins face up (prevents sag over time).
• Drill pilot holes and fasten using wafer-head screws.
• Wipe away any metal swarf before lifting into place.

Step 4: Position the Gate

Place chocks or leftover slats under the gate to raise it to the desired height. You’re aiming for a clean gap at the top and bottom (around 18mm).

With a mate or temporary support holding it steady:

• Check that the gate is level and centred
• Fasten the hinges to your post using tech screws
• Swing it open and closed; it should move smoothly

Step 5: Install the Latch

Mark a height of around 1200mm from the ground.
Secure the striker to the gate frame, and then the D-latch to the post.

Position the latch around 5mm above the striker—this prevents rubbing or jamming. Drill and fasten using screws provided, ensuring you pick up the internal steel frame where applicable.

Step 6: Custom Touches (Optional, But Worth It)

Want to elevate your gate game?

• Upgrade to a push-pull handle (great for convenience)
• Go colour-matched with hinges and latches to match your COLORBOND® steel finish
• Spring-load the latch for auto-close functionality
• Ask in-store about matching to your house key!

Built to Last, Easy to Love

Every Good Neighbour® Gate is built with durable COLORBOND® steel, internally framed, and designed to look great from both sides. Plus, with matching fencing profiles like Superdek, Smartspan, Wavelok®, and CGI, your entire boundary can be as good-looking as it is practical.

And remember: we’ll cut your gate to size, help you select hardware, and make sure you walk out ready to install. Come and see our team at your local Stratco store, give us a call, or request a free quote for your project, and we'll be more than happy to help.

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