A Complete Guide for Every Gate Type
When it comes to building or upgrading a gate, hinges often don’t get the attention they deserve. But the truth is, hinges are the backbone of any gate — they determine how smoothly your gate swings, how long it lasts, and even how safe it is.
Choosing the right hinge depends on the material of your gate (timber, steel, or aluminium) and the design or purpose — whether it’s for a small garden gate or a heavy industrial swing gate.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best hinge types for different materials and designs so you can make the right choice every time.
1. Timber Gates
Best hinge types:
- Strap Hinges
- T-Hinges
- Adjustable Hook & Band Hinges
Why they work:
Timber gates are often heavier than aluminium or tubular steel, and they expand or contract slightly with the weather. This means they need sturdy, adjustable hinges that can handle movement without sagging.
- Strap Hinges provide strong support across the timber surface, distributing weight evenly — ideal for wide or heavy gates.
- T-Hinges are great for smaller or decorative timber gates, offering easy installation and a traditional look.
- Adjustable Hook & Band Hinges are perfect when you need to fine-tune alignment after installation, especially useful on uneven ground or sloping driveways.
Pro tip:
Always use galvanised or stainless steel hinges for outdoor timber gates to prevent rust and corrosion.
2. Aluminium Gates
Best hinge types:
- Locinox Surface Mount Hinges
- Self-Closing Hinges (e.g., D&D TruClose)
- Heavy-Duty Bolt-On Hinges
Why they work:
Aluminium gates are lightweight but can still require strong, durable hinges — especially when paired with gate automation systems.
Surface-mount and bolt-on hinges are popular because they’re non-weld options that suit the powder-coated finish of aluminium gates.
- Locinox hinges are a top choice for modern aluminium designs — stylish, strong, and fully adjustable.
- D&D TruClose hinges offer built-in self-closing functionality, ideal for pool or pedestrian gates where safety compliance matters.
- Bolt-on hinges are excellent for modular aluminium systems, providing long-lasting strength without damaging the finish.
Pro tip:
Choose nylon-bearing or stainless-steel pin hinges for smooth, maintenance-free operation.
3. Steel Gates
Best hinge types:
- Weld-On Bullet Hinges
- Adjustable Ball Bearing Hinges
- Heavy-Duty J-Bolt Hinges
Why they work:
Steel gates are strong and often used in driveway, security, and commercial applications, which means they need hinges that can handle significant weight and stress.
- Weld-on bullet hinges (also known as barrel hinges) are compact, strong, and perfect for steel-to-steel welding applications.
- Ball bearing hinges provide smooth movement and are great for heavy or frequently used gates.
- J-bolt hinges are adjustable and ideal for hanging large driveway gates on steel posts — easy to level and tighten when needed.
Pro tip:
Greaseable hinges extend lifespan — look for ones with grease nipples for easier maintenance.
4. Design Considerations
Choosing the right hinge isn’t just about the material — your gate’s design and use play a huge role:
| Gate Type | Recommended Hinge | Key Features |
| Pedestrian / Garden Gate | T-Hinge or TruClose | Light duty, self-closing |
| Driveway Swing Gate | J-Bolt or Ball Bearing | Heavy-duty, adjustable |
| Pool Gate | Self-Closing Hinge (TruClose / Locinox Tiger) | Safety compliant, corrosion resistant |
| Industrial Gate | Weld-On Bullet or Adjustable Heavy-Duty | Long-lasting, high load capacity |
| Decorative Gate | Strap or Locinox | Aesthetic finish with strong function |
5. Final Thoughts
The right hinge makes all the difference between a smooth, long-lasting gate and one that sags or fails prematurely.
At Gate Gear, we stock a wide range of Gatemaster, Locinox, D&D Technologies, and Comunello hinges — trusted by professionals across Australia.
Whether you’re working on a DIY gate project or a commercial installation, our team can help match the perfect hinge to your gate material and design.
👉 Visit gategear.com.au or contact us for expert advice and fast Australia-wide delivery.