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Difference Between a Cantilever Gate and a Sliding Gate

  • Post category:Fun Stuff

(Updated Sept. 4, 2020)

Just as a square is a special kind of rectangle, a cantilever gate is a unique type of sliding gate. However, it differs from a typical gate with wheels in a few distinctive and interesting ways.

We go over some of the differences below. In the meantime, if you have questions about gate frames, swing gates, rolling gates (and/or gate rollers), groove wheels, stainless steel gates, cantilever rollers, double tracks, guide rollers, chain link fences, heavy-duty gates, gate openers, security gates, driveway gates or any kind of gate at all, then please contact Pacific Fence & Wire today! We’re always happy to discuss your options.

We’ve been in business for a long time, and we’re certain to have the perfect fencing solution for your property. No matter the length of the gate, the track system, the gate design, and gate hardware, we’ve got the tools and the know-how to get it right.

The Wheels’ Role
gated-drivewayOne of the primary differences between cantilever gates and sliding gate systems is the location of the wheels that help the gate move. A cantilever sliding gate rests and rolls on a wheel on the front bottom edge of the gate with a track supporting wheels on the back edge. In contrast, a cantilever gate is held above the ground, moving via rollers running along the top and inside of the fence with wheels attached to a vertical concrete foundation.

Space Requirements
Generally, the space required to accommodate a sliding gate’s opening size is the same as the width it covers, with a few extra feet for access. A 30-foot wide driveway would need to have 30 feet on one side for gate storage and about three feet to allow maneuverability around the gate frame. A cantilever gate needs to be about 50 percent wider than its span to counterbalance the weight of the suspension posts. (Post sizes can vary.)

Price
Because sliding gate frames aren’t supporting mounting posts, they don’t require the material strength and rigidity needed for cantilever gates. The frames for sliding gates are smaller overall, making them less expensive than cantilever gates.

Performance
Sliding gates have simpler and smaller operating mechanisms than cantilever gates. As a result, they roll more easily. But wheel contact with the ground can make operation noisier than cantilever gates.

Since cantilever gate wheels are off the ground, this style can span a wider range of terrain including gravel, grass, blocks and uneven, angled or steeply inclined surfaces. The absence of contact with the ground also allows cantilever gates to function easily in snowy or icy conditions.

Installation
The smaller frames of sliding gates make materials easier to lift, while the weight of cantilever gates requires a crane. Sliding gates, however, may require concrete footings or ground track installation in the existing driveway. Cantilever side posts are installed with no disruption to the drive, making this part of installation easier and faster.

Security
Sliding gates can be shifted from the track, making them more susceptible to breaches from both top and bottom. Cantilever gates can’t be lifted and, as a result, may be more useful if and when security is a concern.

Sliding Gate or Cantilever Gate: Finding the Right Option

If you’re looking at a gate for residential, small commercial, or industrial interiors and face some space limitations, then a sliding gate may be the right choice for you.

For high-traffic areas with rougher, outdoor terrain — in locations where installing a ground track isn’t possible — or if you’re facing security considerations, a cantilever gate is the better alternative.

Cantilever Gate Installation in Southwest Washington

Talk with our team at Pacific Fence & Wire about our high-quality sliding and cantilever gates. We’ll find the solution to fit your needs, with expert installation to ensure reliable performance.

Pacific Fence & Wire Co. is family-owned and operated. We’re your Oregon fence company — just as we’ve been since way back in 1921. That means for almost 100 years we’ve been providing high-quality materials and workmanship to our Pacific Northwest Neighbors.

We’re dedicated to customer service, and our knowledgable and friendly staff are always available to answer any questions you have. We’ll also keep you informed of our progress as we work to provide you with the best in fencing solutions.

Although the gates and fences we install are not always simple affairs — we do have one simple goal: to ensure that our customers are satisfied with every aspect of their interactions from us — from the first moment, you contact Pacific Fence & Wire until the time you sit back, relax, and enjoy the benefits of a professionally installed fence or gate.

Call us today! And remember to ask about all of our fencing options for your specific property.