How to Size a Cantilever Gate the Right Way
When purchasing a cantilever gate, it doesn't matter the brand or how much you spend if the size of your gate isn't measured properly as this causes operational issues, hardware mismatches, and added cost down the road. It's a common misconception that it's all about height and width when what really matters is opening width and the weight of your gate. These measurements are the most important ones as if a gate is too heavy for the gate hardware, it could significantly damage it if it will even move at all, and obviously a gate that is too long for its track isn't going to open properly. That's why we've created this quick guide to help you get it right the first time.
Start With the Opening Width
Finding your gate width is as simple as using a tape measure and measuring the clear opening (post to post) to determine the required gate span for your cantilever gate track. It's a general rule of thumb that a cantilever gate must be longer than the opening it covers which means that the track extends beyond the opening on the latch side, so the gate panel itself needs to account for that counterbalance. The standard rule is that your gate length should be about 1.5x the clear opening width (e.g., a 13' gate covers roughly an 8' opening).
Slide Gate Installation Guide
Most of our available kit sizes correspond to common opening ranges up to 13' for lightweight steel kits & up to 16' for aluminum mini-cantilever kits. It's important to note that before choosing a kit exlusively on length, be sure you know what you're using it for. Make sure that when measuring for vehicles, equipment, or intended use to ensure adequate clearance to protect your gate from any damage.
Know Your Gate Weight
Gate weight can be a little more complicated to figure out but it's just as critical as opening width. Every hardware kit has a maximum weight rating that must not be exceeded at risk of causing serious damage and gate malfunctions. The weight of your gate depends on gate material (chain link vs. solid panel vs. aluminum) and overall gate dimensions which are often disclosed by the manufacturer of your gate. Generally, our steel kits are rated up to 660 lbs while our aluminum mini-cantilever kits rated up to 550 lbs which is great for most residential and commercial areas.
Properly Measured Cantilever Gate Installations
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Match Your Gate to the Right Hardware System
Once you have opening width and gate weight, you can confidently select the right cantilever system from our wide range of DuraGates steel kits, aluminum/mini-cantilever kits, E/Z Slide track systems and more! Each of these kits comply with safety standards such as ASTM F2200 and UL325 for enhanced safety. For heavy-duty/weather-exposed applications we recommend our galvanized steel kits for industrial and outdoor areas with extreme weather conditions and aluminum for lighter-weight residential/commercial or corrosion-sensitive environments. For guidance on selecting the right cantilever gate parts and kits for your next project, contact our expert sales team today! Our team is ready to help you find the precise components you need to ensure every job is completed right the first time.
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