Fabrication for Gates & Fence Components

Swing gates are the most common type we build. Single swing gates for pedestrian and vehicle use, double swing (bi-parting) gates for wider openings. Frames can be simple rectangular construction or complex shapes with arched tops, decorative elements, and custom profiles.

Slide gates require different construction than swing gates. The frame must be rigid enough to span the opening plus the stacking distance without sagging. V-groove track systems, cantilever designs, and overhead support configurations each have specific structural requirements.

Cantilever gates eliminate ground track, making them ideal for rough terrain, gravel drives, and snowy climates. The counterbalanced design requires heavier construction, the tail section must balance the lead section without the support of ground track.

What fills the frame defines the gate appearance. Pickets,vertical bars spaced for security and aesthetics,are most common. Solid panels provide privacy and wind resistance. Mesh and expanded metal serve industrial applications. Decorative elements add architectural interest.

Picket design varies widely. Simple square bar is economical. Pressed spear points add traditional style. Twisted and scrolled pickets create ornamental effects. Spacing determines transparency and child safety compliance.

Solid panels require careful construction. Large flat surfaces show waviness and distortion. Frames must prevent oil-canning. Weight increases substantially compared to open designs, affecting hardware and operator sizing.

Automated gates endure stresses that manual gates do not. Daily cycling creates fatigue loading. Operator forces concentrate at mounting points. Emergency release and manual override create additional structural requirements.

Operator mounting points need reinforcement. A residential swing gate operator pulls with several hundred pounds of force, concentrated in a small area. That force transfers through the frame on every cycle. Reinforcement spreads the load and prevents local failures.

Gate weight affects operator selection and life. We can advise on weight reduction strategies when operators are at their limits. Lighter gates cycle faster, stress operators less, and use less energy. But weight reduction cannot compromise structural integrity.

Raw fabricated steel needs protection. Powder coating is our standard finish, durable, attractive, and available in many colors. Hot-dip galvanizing provides maximum corrosion protection for harsh environments. Combination systems (galvanize plus powder coat) offer the best of both.

Finish selection affects fabrication. Powder coating requires clean, properly prepared surfaces. Galvanizing requires drain holes and specific design considerations. Paint systems have their own preparation requirements. We fabricate with the finish in mind.

Color and texture communicate design intent. Gloss black is traditional. Bronze and earth tones blend with landscapes. Custom colors match architectural elements. The finish is part of the design, not an afterthought.