1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the vidaXL Corten Steel Garden Gate. This manual provides essential information for the safe assembly, operation, and maintenance of your new gate. Please read these instructions carefully before installation and retain them for future reference.
This garden gate is designed to provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing entry point for your garden or patio. Made from corten steel, it will naturally develop a protective rusty patina over time, enhancing its unique appearance and durability.
Figure 1.1: vidaXL Corten Steel Garden Gate installed.
Safety Information
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and safety glasses during assembly.
- Ensure all components are present and undamaged before beginning assembly.
- Assembly requires at least two people due to the weight and size of the gate components.
- Securely fix the gate posts to the ground to ensure stability and prevent tipping.
- Keep children and pets away from the assembly area.
- Corten steel develops a rusty layer. Avoid direct contact with the developing surface layer to prevent staining clothes.
2. Package Contents
Please check the package contents against the list below and the provided image to ensure all parts are present.
Figure 2.1: Exploded view of all gate components and hardware.
- Corten Steel Gate Panels (2 sections)
- Gate Posts (2)
- Hinges and Pins
- Lock Mechanism with Keys
- Door Handle
- Mounting Hardware (screws, bolts, washers, nuts)
- Assembly Instructions (this manual)
Figure 2.2: Complete kit contents.
3. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Corten Steel |
| Color | Rusty (develops over time from normal metal color) |
| Total Size (W x H) | 105 cm x 104 cm (41.3 in x 40.9 in) |
| Gate Panel Size (W x H) | 85 cm x 100 cm (33.5 in x 39.4 in) |
| Adjustable Width | 104 cm - 106 cm (40.9 in - 41.7 in) |
| Post Tube Size (W x D) | 6 cm x 4 cm (2.4 in x 1.6 in) |
| Post Height | 104 cm (40.9 in) |
| Item Weight | 16 kg (35.2 pounds) |
| Model Number | 153251 |
Figure 3.1: Detailed dimensions of the garden gate.
4. Setup and Assembly
Assembly is required for this product. Follow these steps carefully for proper installation.
- Prepare the Area: Choose a suitable location for your gate. Ensure the ground is level and stable.
- Assemble Gate Panels: Connect the two corten steel gate panels if they are separate, using the provided hardware.
- Attach Hinges and Lock Mechanism: Secure the hinges to one side of the gate panel and the lock mechanism and handle to the other side, as shown in the diagrams.
- Install Gate Posts: Position the two gate posts. The post with the hinges will support the swinging gate, and the other post will house the strike plate for the lock.
- Secure Posts to Ground: The base of each gate post has 4 mounting holes. Use appropriate anchors (not included, depending on ground type) to fix the posts firmly to the ground for maximum stability.
- Mount Gate to Posts: Attach the gate panel to the hinge post using the hinge pins. Ensure the gate swings freely and aligns correctly with the lock post.
- Adjust and Test: Verify that the gate opens and closes smoothly and that the lock mechanism engages securely. Make any necessary adjustments to the post alignment or hinge tightness.
Figure 4.1: Assembled gate, front view.
Figure 4.2: Assembled gate, angled view.
5. Operating Instructions
The vidaXL Garden Gate is designed for simple and secure operation.
- Opening the Gate: Turn the handle downwards to disengage the latch, then pull the gate open.
- Closing the Gate: Push the gate closed until the latch engages with the strike plate on the opposite post.
- Locking the Gate: Insert the key into the lock cylinder and turn to secure the gate. Remove the key after locking.
- Unlocking the Gate: Insert the key into the lock cylinder and turn to unlock the gate.
Figure 5.1: Detail of the lockable system.
Figure 5.2: Gate opening mechanism.
6. Maintenance
The corten steel material of your gate is designed for low maintenance, as it naturally forms a protective rust layer.
- Natural Patina Development: Upon receipt, the gate will have a normal metal color. Over time, when exposed to atmospheric conditions, it will develop a distinctive rusty protective layer (patina). This process is natural and eliminates the need for painting.
- Accelerating Patina: To speed up the aging process, you can spray the gate with a mixture of soap water and salt water.
- Stain Prevention: During the initial weathering process, the developing rust layer may transfer to clothing or surrounding surfaces. Avoid direct contact with the gate during this period to prevent stains.
- Cleaning: Periodically wipe down the gate with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the developing patina.
- Hinge Lubrication: Apply a small amount of lubricant to the hinges annually to ensure smooth operation and prevent squeaking.
Figure 6.1: Corten steel weathering process.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Gate does not swing smoothly. | Hinges are dry or misaligned. | Lubricate hinges. Check and adjust hinge alignment. |
| Gate does not close or latch properly. | Posts are not level or strike plate is misaligned. | Check post stability and level. Adjust strike plate position. |
| Lock mechanism is stiff. | Lack of lubrication or debris in the mechanism. | Apply graphite lubricant to the lock cylinder. Clean any visible debris. |
| Rust stains on surrounding surfaces. | Initial weathering process of corten steel. | This is normal. Avoid contact during initial weathering. Stains can be cleaned from most hard surfaces with appropriate rust removers. |
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information or technical support, please refer to the retailer where you purchased this product or visit the official vidaXL website. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
Manufacturer: vidaXL
Model Number: 153251
ASIN: B0CCY3GGJQ