Main gates and boundary design

01 · Questions

Draw the complete movement before the gate.

Record legal boundary, road and footpath, levels, drain, utilities, vehicle size, turning, parking position, pedestrian route, sightline, waste collection and emergency access. Test open and closed positions without projecting into unsafe or unauthorised space.

• Clear vehicle opening and actual turning
• Separate pedestrian gate where useful
• Road, footpath and drain interface
• Column, meter and utility conflicts
• Visibility for driver and pedestrian
• Manual emergency operation

02 · Types

Choose from site geometry, not fashion.

Swing gates need a safe clear opening arc and level logic. Tracked sliding gates need a maintained ground track and drainage. Cantilever sliding gates avoid a ground track but need a longer structural tail and support. Telescopic or folding gates reduce stacking length but add hinges, hardware and maintenance.

• Swing: simple, but protect the arc and wind response.
• Tracked sliding: compact depth, but keep track clean and drained.
• Cantilever: clear threshold, but larger support and counterbalance.
• Telescopic or folding: tight stacking, but more moving joints.
• Pedestrian gate: everyday access without moving the vehicle gate.

03 · Structure and material

Coordinate posts, wind, corrosion and weight.

Gate weight, open-area ratio, wind, hinges or rollers, posts, foundation, boundary wall and retaining conditions need competent design. Compare steel, aluminium, timber or composite infill, mesh and solid sheets through corrosion, privacy, wind, repair, finish and replacement.

04 · Automation

Plan safe failure as well as normal opening.

Coordinate power, earthing, controls, detection, obstruction response, manual release, backup, intercom, access control, lighting and maintenance. Keep pinch and crush zones away from normal standing areas. Handover operation, release method, keys, settings, test record and service information.