Security meets function, one smooth glide at a time
Ah, there's nothing like coming home to the convenience of a gate that glides open with little manual effort. A sliding gate’s purpose is simple: Provide controlled access and security for the vulnerable points outside your home. Here, we share how to build a sliding gate that opens manually for a deck. These instructions can be adapted for other entrances, such as concrete paths along the side of your home.
Your primary prep task is to buy the required materials. A sliding gate hardware kit includes wheels, brackets, latch, screws, and additional pieces for smooth operation. You can find these kits from different retailers at a range of prices from $40 to $90 or more. The hardware will hold at least 150 lbs.
You’ll also need a snap-and-lock baluster kit. This includes rails and connectors and is available in different metals, with aluminum being the cheapest. A kit with five rails starts at $15, and a galvanized steel kit with 30 rails and 60 connectors costs around $100. Sizes range from 26 inches to 42 inches in height.
The project requires four two-by-fours. Ensure the lumber is in the desired length for your gate. Remember, you can always cut larger pieces down to size. We suggest pressure-treated pine because of the material’s resistance to rot. Expect to pay around $5 or more per piece. Extra supplies include pipes, end caps, eye screws, and wood stain. These items may be optional depending on your project needs and add up to around $40.
During the planning phase, carefully assess your space constraints. Your existing railing must allow adequate clearance on one side for the sliding gate, equivalent to the gate's width, with an additional foot for stability (more on this shortly). It is necessary for unobstructed movement. If you need expert guidance, consider working with a local fence professional.
The sliding gate should cover the deck entrance fully but overlap your existing railing when closed by one foot for extra support.
Cut the lumber to fit the gate length you are building. Gate openings are usually 36 inches or 48 inches wide. When you add one foot for the overlap, they should be 48 inches or 60 inches. The top and bottom pieces of lumber will be the exact length.
Typically, gates and rails for decks are 42 inches above a deck’s surface. Measure your existing deck railing to determine your gate’s height. Remember, you want your gate to match your current deck’s railing height. When measuring the side pieces of lumber for height, they will fit inside the top and bottom pieces, impacting final measurements.
After cutting the lumber, consider lightly sanding and staining. Protecting pressure-treated pine with staining will shield it from cracks and splits due to seasonal fluctuations and extend its lifespan.
First, use a fine-grain sanding block to sand the cut surface quickly. Avoid sanding other areas because it will remove the chemicals protecting the wood from weather conditions. Next, using a brush, apply an oil-based stain made for outdoor use. Water-based stain is not recommended for pressure-treated wood because it’s chemically treated and can’t absorb it. The stain will take about a day to dry.
Place the cut lumber on a work table to form the gate. Then, secure the corner brackets from the sliding gate hardware kit on all four connecting points of the gate’s frame.
Sometimes, two-by-fours are not perfectly straight. You may need a rubber mallet to seat the wood in each bracket properly. Just tap until the wood slides into place. Use the screws in the kit to secure the brackets using a drill. Each bracket will have pre-drilled holes, crystalizing where the fastener goes. Afterward, attach the barrel bolt inside the gate, near the top, per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Following the kit's instructions, install the wheels on the bottom of the gate. The brackets will determine placement for equal spacing. When installing, ensure the wheels are level and secure using the screws and bolts provided in the hardware kit. During this process, you may need a wrench for bolts and a drill for screws.
The kit includes two hooks that attach the gate to your existing railing to aid gliding. These hooks aren’t compatible with every railing—if that is the case, step six shares a fix using pipes.
The snap and lock baluster kit simplifies this step. Building codes in most areas require baluster spacing to be less than four inches. To measure this, mark where the center baluster will go inside the gate, ensuring the top and bottom are perfectly aligned. Afterward, measure outward on each side for the remaining balusters.
Next, attach the connectors to the marked areas at the top and bottom inside the frame using a drill and the included screws. Then, snap and lock each baluster in, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the hooks in your kit aren’t compatible with your existing railing, this pipe hack will ensure the sliding gate opens and closes smoothly. The top and bottom of the sliding gate will each have a pipe on the exterior facing side.
First, install 1” eye screws to accommodate the two 3/4-inch diameter pipes for the sliding gate. You don’t want a tight fit as you need room for gliding. Ensure the eye screw is smaller than the pipe caps: The caps act like stoppers, keeping the sliding gate in place. You must also ensure the eye screw placements align with your existing railing. You will add eye screws there, too.
Place the eye screws above or below each bracket in the center of the lumber. Using your measuring tape, ensure each side is perfectly aligned and mark the drill holes. Drill pilot holes for the screws, then place the eye screws and attach them securely. Slide each pipe along the bottom and top, then pop on the caps so they don’t slip out.
First measure for placement. You want to ensure the sliding gate is aligned and level with the existing railing. Next, mark where you will install two eye screws directly next to each other to the top and bottom of the existing post in the middle (total of four). Make sure to place them inside the railing.
With the help of a friend, hold up the sliding gate and place it at the entrance from the inside. It should sit behind your existing railing. Remove the caps from the pipes and slide them into the eye screws on the rail post. Pop on the caps. Now, your gate should glide open and closed.
If you installed the hooks included with the sliding gate hardware kit, just slip it over your existing railing.
There are many types of gate latches to choose from. Attach the latch mechanism on the existing gate post on the side that closes following the manufacturer’s instructions. You will need to use your drill to attach the screws.
First, measure for placement. The mechanism needs to align with the barrel bolt to close securely. Test the gate to ensure it opens and closes smoothly and locks securely. If all is well, pat yourself on the back.
Periodically check and lubricate the gate's moving parts to ensure it continues to operate smoothly. Inspect for any damage or wear and make repairs as needed.
Building a simple sliding deck gate is a relatively straightforward DIY project suitable for those with little woodworking skills. This great addition to your deck earns you bragging rights, and doing it yourself can also save money. A professional installer may charge around $400 on top of the materials.
However, hiring a professional for a more complex sliding gate project offers several advantages due to the intricacies and challenges involved.
Professional gate installers have in-depth knowledge of design and engineering. They understand the complexities of larger projects—like a sliding driveway gate—including the weight, dimensions, and structural requirements. Their expertise ensures that the gate functions smoothly and safely.
If you want a sliding gate that works at the push of a button, a licensed professional may be best prepared to handle complicated wiring.
A large sliding gate project may require permits and adherence to local regulations. A professional will have experience in that area.
Reputable gate installation companies in your area often provide warranties or guarantees on their work and products. They both offer peace of mind, knowing you have recourse in case of any issues.
A sliding gate, or a sliding gate door, is a versatile gate system used for various applications. Sliding gate mechanisms allow the gate to move horizontally along a track or guide system when opened or closed. They come in multiple types, including sliding folding gates, telescopic gates, cantilever gates, and track sliding gates. These gates are known for their durability, ease of installation, and user-friendly operation, making them popular for property access and security.
When making this decision, three essential factors come into play. For budget-conscious individuals, swing gates are the more economical choice. Despite the possibility of both gate types having similar dimensions, many types of sliding gates demand a more intricate opening mechanism and additional components, requiring electrical work for motors and signaling remotes, resulting in higher installation costs.
