Kissing gate installation in Exeter
Professional kissing gate installation 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
Kissing gates installed on footpaths and field boundaries. Posts set deep, gates hung to swing freely - walkers can pass through easily while livestock stay put.
Footpath Access Done Right
If you've got a public footpath crossing your land, a kissing gate is better than a field gate that gets left open by walkers who can't wrestle it shut.
💡 Pro tip: Position kissing gates where the fence line is naturally strong. Livestock push at gates - you don't want them finding weak fence either side.
What Makes a Good Install
| ✅ Done Properly | ❌ Wonky Install |
|---|---|
| Posts 60cm+ deep in ground | Wobbly within months |
| Gate swings freely both ways | Sticks or drags |
| Livestock-proof spacing | Sheep squeezing through |
| Smooth operation for walkers | Catches on frame |
What You're Getting
🔧 The Installation
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Survey | Check position, ground conditions, fence line |
| Dig | Post holes deep enough for secure install |
| Set | Posts concreted in or driven depending on ground |
| Hang | Gate fitted and adjusted for smooth swing |
| Test | Walk through it, make sure it works perfectly |
📦 End Result
- Securely installed kissing gate
- Swings freely for walkers
- Livestock can't get through
- Should last 15+ years
Pricing Guide
| Installation Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard install, firm ground | 2 hrs | £110 |
| Difficult ground (rocky/wet) | 2.5 hrs | £135 |
| Complex position or repairs | 3 hrs | £160 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Assumes you've supplied the gate - I can source one if needed.
Perfect For Your Land If...
✅ Public footpath - proper access without gates left open
✅ Livestock security - walkers through, animals stay in
✅ Council requirement - upgrading stiles or old gates
✅ Preventing damage - stop walkers breaking fence climbing over
Why Choose Us for Kissing gate installation in Exeter?
Posts set deep and secure
Gate swings freely both ways
Walkers pass, livestock can't
Built to cope with constant use
What to Expect
Step 1: Site Check
We check where it's going, measure the gap, work out if posts need concreting or can be driven.
Step 2: Post Installation
Dig or drive posts to proper depth. In soft ground they need concrete. Rocky ground is slower but more stable.
Step 3: Hang & Adjust
Fit the gate mechanism, adjust it so it swings smoothly and returns to centre. Test it thoroughly.
🔧 DIY Tips
Kissing gate installation is doable DIY if you're capable:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Post hole digger or auger
- Spirit level
- Concrete (for soft ground)
- Spanner set for gate fixings
- Tape measure
- Mallet or post driver
📐 Getting it right
- Mark post positions accurately (check gate instructions)
- Dig holes 60cm minimum depth
- Set posts truly vertical
- Let concrete cure before hanging gate (if using concrete)
- Adjust gate swing - should return to center naturally
🔨 Installation tips
- In rocky ground: drive posts, backfill with rammed stone
- In soft ground: concrete posts in
- Check swing clearance before fixing anything
- Gate should move freely but not rattle
- Test with actual walking through motion
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Posts not deep enough - works loose
- Posts not vertical - gate binds
- Wrong spacing - livestock squeeze through
- No concrete in soft ground - posts lean
- Gate catching on ground or frame
💡 Pro trick: Before finalizing post positions, walk through with the gate loose-fitted. Make sure it feels natural and won't catch on clothing or bags.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Council approval: Public rights of way usually need council approval for gate changes. Check before installing. They might even fund it.
Gate types: Metal gates last longest. Timber looks nice but needs treating and wears faster.
Spacing: Standard is 600mm gap width. Enough for walkers, narrow enough for livestock control.
Signage: On public paths, consider a small sign explaining how the gate works. Not everyone's used them.
Maintenance: Oil moving parts annually. Check posts are still firm. A wobbly gate is dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a kissing gate?
It's that U-shaped or V-shaped gate you see on footpaths - person squeezes through but livestock can't get past. Called kissing because the gate 'kisses' the frame when it closes. Lets walkers through without them having to open and close a field gate.
Can you install them on public footpaths?
Yes, but check with the council first if it's a public right of way. They usually want to approve the type and position. Private land, your choice. I can advise on what's typically acceptable.
How deep do the posts need to go?
Minimum 60cm, deeper in soft ground. These get constant use from walkers and pushing from curious livestock. Shallow posts work loose fast.
What about wheelchair access?
Standard kissing gates aren't wheelchair accessible. If you need accessible paths, you need a different gate type - like a self-closing field gate or radar gate. I can discuss options.
How long does installation take?
Usually 2-3 hours. Depends on ground conditions - rocky Devon ground is slower going. Includes setting posts, hanging the gate, and making sure it swings freely.
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