Gate Post Replacement in Exeter
Professional gate post replacement services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£110-160
Typical Duration
2-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Gate post replacement - remove rotten posts, set new ones properly in concrete, re-hang your gate so it works smoothly again. Solid repair that lasts.
Get Your Gate Hanging Right
A wobbly gate post makes gates impossible to adjust properly. You can faff with hinges all day, but if the post's rotten or loose, the gate will never hang right. We'll replace dodgy posts with new treated timber, set deep in concrete, and re-hang your gate properly.
💡 Pro tip: Gate posts fail at ground level where water sits. By the time you see rot above ground, the underground section is often completely gone. New posts need to be set deeper with proper drainage.
Done Right vs Done Wrong
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Post set 600mm+ deep in concrete | Shallow post wobbling immediately |
| Perfectly plumb in both directions | Post leaning, gate never hanging right |
| Gate re-hung with new heavy-duty hardware | Old hinges reused, gate sagging again |
| Concrete allowed to cure before load | Post moves as soon as gate's hung |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Remove Gate & Post | Take gate off carefully, dig out old post completely |
| Dig New Hole | Dig deeper than original (600mm+), clear old concrete and rot |
| Set New Post | Position post plumb, concrete in, support while it cures |
| Re-hang Gate | (24-48hrs later) Fit new hinges, hang gate level and square |
📦 You're Left With
- New post solidly set in concrete
- Gate hanging properly and closing smoothly
- Proper latch operation restored
- Old post and waste removed
Pricing Guide
| Scope | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single post (simple) | 2 hrs (across 2 days) | £110 |
| Single post (standard) | 2.5 hrs (across 2 days) | £135 |
| Single post (complex/large) | 3 hrs (across 2 days) | £160 |
£60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Post and concrete included. Spread over 2 days for curing.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Wobbly Post - Gate post rocks when you push it, making gate impossible to adjust
✅ Visible Rot - Post soft or crumbling at ground level, clearly past repair
✅ Gate Dragging - Gate drags or won't close because post has moved out of plumb
✅ Storm Damage - Gate has pulled the post over or damaged it beyond repair
Why Choose Us for Gate Post Replacement in Exeter?
Old post removed completely
New post set deep in concrete
Gate re-hung properly
Solid, long-lasting repair
What to Expect
Step 1: Assessment
We check both posts (even if only one seems bad), assess how the gate's hung, and confirm what needs doing. You get a clear quote and realistic timeline.
Step 2: Day One - Remove & Set
We take the gate off, dig out the old post completely (including underground rot and old concrete), dig deeper if needed, and set the new post perfectly plumb. Concrete goes in, post gets braced, and we leave it to cure.
Step 3: Day Two - Re-hang Gate
Once concrete has cured (24-48hrs), we return to hang the gate. New hinges fitted if needed, gate hung level, latch adjusted to catch properly.
Step 4: Testing
We test the gate thoroughly - swing, latch, clearances. You try it too. We make any final adjustments until it's perfect.
🔧 DIY Tips
Gate post replacement is hard work but doable if you're fit and have the right kit:
🔧 What you'll need
- New treated fence post (sized to match)
- Post hole digger or mattock
- Concrete mix (several bags)
- Spirit level (6ft ideal)
📐 How to do it
- Remove gate carefully - label hinges top/bottom for re-fitting
- Dig out old post completely (you'll find more rot than you expect)
- Dig hole 600-750mm deep (deeper for tall/heavy gates)
- Set new post in hole, check it's plumb in both directions
- Pour concrete around post while supporting it perfectly plumb
- Brace post to hold position while concrete cures
- Wait 48 hours minimum (72 in cold/wet weather)
- Re-hang gate with new hinges, check swing and latch
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Not digging out all the old concrete (makes new hole too narrow)
- Rushing concrete cure time (post moves, gate never hangs right)
- Post not plumb before concrete sets (unfixable after)
- Reusing old worn hinges (gate sags again within months)
💡 Pro trick: Before the concrete sets, swing the post gently back and forth a couple of times (keeping it plumb). This works the concrete into any gaps and ensures the post is solidly embedded. Don't overdo it - just a gentle wiggle.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🔧 This is a 2-day job minimum: Day 1 we set the post, then concrete needs 24-48hrs to cure properly before we can hang the gate. Anyone offering same-day gate post replacement is cutting corners that'll cost you later.
Combine with:
- Gate replacement if it's knackered too
- Second post if both are dodgy
- Fence panel repairs either side
Related services:
- Garden gate replacement
- Garden gate installation
- Fence gravel board replacement
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my gate post needs replacing?
Push the post at the top - if it rocks or wobbles, it needs replacing. Other signs: gate dragging despite adjusting hinges, post visibly rotten at ground level, gate won't close properly because post has moved. Sometimes posts look okay but are rotten underground - we'll check properly when we remove it.
Can you replace just one post or do both need doing?
We can replace just one if that's what's failed. But if one post has rotted, the other is probably similar age and condition. We'll check both honestly and tell you what needs doing now vs what can wait. Some people do both together for peace of mind and to save a call-out charge later.
How long until I can use the gate after post replacement?
The post needs 24-48 hours in concrete before we can hang the gate and put it under load. We'll set the post on day one, return day two to hang the gate. Trying to rush it means the post moves out of plumb and your gate never hangs right. Patience pays off here.
Will the new post match my existing fence and gate?
We use treated timber posts that match standard sizes. New posts won't match weathered ones for colour initially - they'll grey naturally over 6-12 months. If exact matching matters (like a front garden), we can discuss staining, but that adds cost. Function matters more than cosmetics for most people.
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