Knowledge Builders

how wide should a deck gate be

by Clay Blick II Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

Set Your Opening First
We typically recommend that your gate area be no wider than four feet when building a single wood fence gate. Anything wider than that and you will need to measure and build a double gate, which meets in the middle.
Apr 6, 2015

What is the average size of a gate?

Swing Gate. Because they're made for a higher traffic volume, these gates usually start out at 14 feet wide. Other standard sizes for swing gates are 16 feet wide and even 18 feet wide. Since they're made to accommodate large fences and cars, they tend to be taller than pedestrian gates.

How far should a gate be from the deck?

The distance between the bottom of the gate and the deck should be no more than 4 inches. The space between each baluster must have a maximum distance of 4 inches. Handrails and gates must be at least 42" in height, measured from the surface of the deck. Self-latching devices can be located no less than 3 inches below the top of the gate.

What size Gate do I need for a swing gate?

On widths of 6' or more, use a double swing gate. Gates of 16' opening size are the widest possible with wood frames. These gates should have a leading edge roller to help support the gate on each leaf.

How wide should a gate be for a front porch?

If a 3' wide walk gate is enough, forget the 1' waste on the rails and make it 3' (2 x 4's are usually 8' long). Every foot adds weight that will eventually make the gate more prone to sagging. On widths of 6' or more, use a double swing gate. Gates of 16' opening size are the widest possible with wood frames.

How far above the deck should a deck gate be?

How to Build a Deck Gate without Lifting a Finger?

How to make a gate with a 2x4?

Why put a gate on the top of the stairs?

Do you have to open the gate to the deck?

See 2 more

About this website

image

How wide is a standard deck gate?

Most garden gates are 3 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. Some common garden gate dimensions are 6 feet tall by 3 feet wide, 6 feet tall by 4 feet wide, and 3 feet tall by 3 feet wide. For a gate wider than 4 feet, it might make sense to install a double gate instead of a single gate.

What is a good width for a gate?

Most driveway gates are 10' or 12' wide, however some are larger. Larger driveway gates are often installed because a vehicle will not or cannot pull in straight; vehicles will be turning as they drive through the gate opening. This is especially important for vehicles pulling trailers and boats.

What is the standard gate size?

The common driveway gate sizes are 10, 12, 14 and 16 feet. Driveway usually measures between 9 and 24 feet wide, with most towards the smaller end of that scale. The driveway gate should be a little wider than your driveway entrance. Use a tape measure, and measure your driveway.

How wide should a 4 gate opening be?

A 4′ wide gate will actually measure 44″ and change. Double Driveway Gates: Designed for larger items such as vehicles, and lawn maintenance equipment are generally available in any side up to 12′ (2 -6′ gates).

How do I determine my gate size?

Simply measure the distance between the walls (the gap size) and this will give you your ordering size. When taking measurements we strongly recommend that you measure the opening in 3 places (top, middle and bottom). Should there be a deviation in size we suggest you use the smallest width for ordering purposes.

How far apart are gate posts?

Distance between gate posts is determined by adding the actual width of the gate to an allowance for hinges and latches. Single walk gates require 3¾" for hinges and latches and double drive gates require 5½". For example, a 3 foot walk gate should measure 32¼" wide.

How wide is a typical wooden fence gate?

Average Fence Gate Width These gates are called garden gates, and since they are primarily used for walking through in and out of the gated property, they can be wide enough for an average-sized person to walk through. Usually, they will be 26 to 32 inches or about 81 to 91 centimeters.

How much smaller should gate be than opening?

Measure the opening. You will want to make your gate 1 to 1-1/2 inches smaller than the opening to allow for swing and hardware.

How wide is a standard wooden fence gate?

They're usually called garden gates. Since only people are going to be walking through, they are usually from 32 to 36 inches wide. Their height and material often correlate with the fence they happen to be connected to.

Should a gate open in or out?

Traditionally, gates open inwards towards a property and can be considered more welcoming. Sliding gates need to have room either side of the gate entrance so you may just not have the room or do not want to pay the more expense installation costs of having an automated gate.

How wide can a swing gate be?

Single swing gates have a practical limited width of about 16'. Gates wider than 16' do exist and gate operators are available to handle 20' wide gates. Bi-parting swing gates are considered the most elegant entryways. Bi-parting gates can be much larger; up to 32'.

How much space should be between ground and gate?

2"Generally we recommend a space of 2" between the gate bottom and the ground.

How wide is a normal fence gate?

Average Fence Gate Width Usually, they will be 26 to 32 inches or about 81 to 91 centimeters. Heights will usually vary from 4 to 5 feet.

What is a standard size gate for a driveway?

between 12 and 24 feet wideMost standard driveway gates are between 12 and 24 feet wide. That said, driveway gates for residential properties typically range between nine and 12 feet but can also be larger or smaller, depending on your property size.

How much smaller should gate be than opening?

Measure the opening. You will want to make your gate 1 to 1-1/2 inches smaller than the opening to allow for swing and hardware.

How wide can a swing gate be?

Single swing gates have a practical limited width of about 16'. Gates wider than 16' do exist and gate operators are available to handle 20' wide gates. Bi-parting swing gates are considered the most elegant entryways. Bi-parting gates can be much larger; up to 32'.

7 Best pool deck gate ideas | deck gate, decks and porches ... - Pinterest

Jun 19, 2018 - Explore Wendy Stover Crust's board "pool deck gate ideas" on Pinterest. See more ideas about deck gate, decks and porches, pool deck.

How far above the deck should a deck gate be?

Handyman recommends following these rules when building your deck gate: Hand rails and gates must be at least 42" above the deck surface. No gaps in or under the gate can be wider than four inches.

How to Build a Deck Gate without Lifting a Finger?

If learning how to build a deck gate that you’ll actually enjoy is proving to be difficult – or if you just can’t find the time – your local Mr. Handyman can help. While we’re at it, we can complete any of your other outdoor or indoor handyman projects. Call us today at (877) 685-1377 to learn more, or schedule an appointment online.

How to make a gate with a 2x4?

Lay a 2x4 underneath the gate frame diagonally. Use a pencil to mark where you need to cut the ends of the cross member. Trim the 2x4 and screw it into place. Now you need to add balusters to the inside of the frame. Measure the inside dimensions of the frame and cut the desired number of 2x2 balusters to the appropriate length.

Why put a gate on the top of the stairs?

Putting a gate at the top of your deck stairs is a simple safety solution. With a gate in place, your deck becomes a secure play area for your children and pets.

Do you have to open the gate to the deck?

The gate must open onto the deck, not the stairs.

How wide is a driveway gate?

Most driveway gates are 10' or 12' wide, however some are larger. Larger driveway gates are often installed because a vehicle will not or cannot pull in straight; vehicles will be turning as they drive through the gate opening. This is especially important for vehicles pulling trailers and boats.

How wide is a lawn mower gate?

Lawn Care Maintenance Equipment and Pedestrian Gates: Typically 3' wide gates are sufficient for push mowers; riding lawnmowers usually require 4-5' wide openings. Wheelbarrows can require a 4' wide opening. Always measure these items and any others you want to push, pull, and carry through the gates. Also keep in mind doors in most houses are only 36" wide. All sorts of large cumbersome items can fit through these openings.

How wide is a vinyl fence?

Aluminum and vinyl fence sections are sold in sections, 6', 7-1/2', and 8' wide depending on style. Plan locations and widths of gates to eliminate waste and cutting sections down to size.

Which part of a fence moves?

To sum, gates are the only part of the fence which move. They are also the only part of the fence which tends to get abused. Years of experience have taught us that the smaller the gate - the better. Smaller gates will last longer, be less finicky years later, and cheaper to replace should they ever fail or get damaged.

How wide is a gate?

Since only people are going to be walking through, they are usually 3 to 4 feet wide. Their height and material often correlate with the fence they happen to be connected to. Manufactured gate heights are usually 4 to 5 feet, but can also be made higher or lower depending on the fence they're attached to. Advertisement.

How wide are swing gates?

Because they're made for a higher traffic volume, these gates usually start out at 14 feet wide. Other standard sizes for swing gates are 16 feet wide and even 18 feet wide. Since they're made to accommodate large fences and cars, they tend to be taller than pedestrian gates.

Why are driveway gates placed over rails?

Many driveway gates are placed over a rail so that they can easily be slid open and shut for having vehicles, such as trucks, cars or large lawn mowers, go through them. Driveway gates are usually 10 ...

What are gates made of?

By Angely Mercado. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Gates can be made from all kinds of materials, such as wood, steel or iron. They can be used to either blend in with a fence or wall around a house or as a decorative element. Advertisement.

What is a front gate?

Front or back gates are usually for pedestrian access, which means they're made for people to use to enter and exit. They usually aren't meant for cars or any other large vehicle. They're usually called garden gates online. Since only people are going to be walking through, they are usually 3 to 4 feet wide.

Can gates be custom made?

Image Credit: Kirkikis/iStock/GettyImages. Although many gates can be custom-made to fit the yard, front lawn or house it's near, they also come in standard sizes that make them easy to order and incorporate in any home. There are also various types of gates with different uses.

Is a gate taller than a pedestrian gate?

Since they're made to accommodate large fences and cars, they tend to be taller than pedestrian gates. Though the measurements above are the standard manufactured sizes, there are many gates that can be customized for specific areas and fences. It is worth keeping the standard sizes in mind when planning where to put a gate and ...

How wide should a wood gate be?

WIDTHS OF WOOD GATES. Wood gates can be in any size within maximum limitations. Never make a wood gate wider than necessary. If a 3' wide walk gate is enough, forget the 1' waste on the rails and make it 3' (2 x 4's are usually 8' long). Every foot adds weight that will eventually make the gate more prone to sagging.

How wide should a driveway be?

A driveway should have 12' minimum clearance through the gate. 14' is better. That provides a single lane. Most highways are only 10' wide and people drive them at 65 miles per hour. A double lane driveway should then be at least 22' wide. 24' is better. Please don't drive that at 65 miles per hour though.

Why do 100% wood gates sag?

100% wood gates, with wood rails and wood diagonal bracing, are prone to sagging either within the frame itself or when the bolts in the hinges "pull" through the wood. This is due to the "soft nature" of fence wood, like red cedar.

How long does a wood fence last?

Although a good wood fence can be constructed that will last for 10-20 years without much more trouble than replacing an occasional warped picket or staining, the gate itself will be the first part of the fence to fail.

Do you need long bolts for a gate?

The only other precaution is to use long bolts to secure the hinges to the posts or fence. Most hinge sets do not provide bolts long enough. The gate side bolts should pass through the picket and rails on the gate and be nutted. Lag bolts, which are usually provided with most hinge sets, will eventually pull out of the soft cedar or other wood that is used. Even in harder treated pine fences, the failure of bolts will occur eventually.

Do wood gates sag?

These gates will not sag like all wood framed gates. The frame resembles the wood counter part, but the diagonal is not needed with narrow gates. Since every style of fence is different the size, and layout of steel frames and bracing can vary a lot. The wider and taller the gate, the more diagonal bracing is required.

Do swing gates need a center brace?

Most swing gates require a center brace regardless of the height. This provides a place for the operator arm to attach. It is wise to choose the operator with the gate. You can assure that proper bracing is installed in the gate ahead of time to accommodate the operator.

How far above the deck should a deck gate be?

Handyman recommends following these rules when building your deck gate: Hand rails and gates must be at least 42" above the deck surface. No gaps in or under the gate can be wider than four inches.

How to Build a Deck Gate without Lifting a Finger?

If learning how to build a deck gate that you’ll actually enjoy is proving to be difficult – or if you just can’t find the time – your local Mr. Handyman can help. While we’re at it, we can complete any of your other outdoor or indoor handyman projects. Call us today at (877) 685-1377 to learn more, or schedule an appointment online.

How to make a gate with a 2x4?

Lay a 2x4 underneath the gate frame diagonally. Use a pencil to mark where you need to cut the ends of the cross member. Trim the 2x4 and screw it into place. Now you need to add balusters to the inside of the frame. Measure the inside dimensions of the frame and cut the desired number of 2x2 balusters to the appropriate length.

Why put a gate on the top of the stairs?

Putting a gate at the top of your deck stairs is a simple safety solution. With a gate in place, your deck becomes a secure play area for your children and pets.

Do you have to open the gate to the deck?

The gate must open onto the deck, not the stairs.

image

1.How to Build a Simple Deck Gate - This Old House

Url:https://www.thisoldhouse.com/decking/23298632/how-to-build-a-deck-gate

2 hours ago Determine the Size Gate You Need. How wide should your deck gate be? The right answer is: “whatever fits your needs.” A good rule of thumb is between 36 and 48 inches. Of course, if …

2.How to Build a Deck Gate - Mr. Handyman

Url:https://www.mrhandyman.com/blog/2019/june/how-to-build-a-deck-gate/

34 hours ago  · Determine the Size Gate You Need. How wide should your deck gate be? The right answer is: “whatever fits your needs.” A good rule of thumb is between 36 and 48 inches. Of …

3.Videos of How Wide Should a Deck Gate Be

Url:/videos/search?q=how+wide+should+a+deck+gate+be&qpvt=how+wide+should+a+deck+gate+be&FORM=VDRE

35 hours ago The width of the gate should be at least 4 inches wider than the widest part of the opening, and the height of the gate should be at least 2 inches taller than the tallest part of the opening. If …

4.How to Choose Gate Sizes - Hoover Fence Co.

Url:https://www.hooverfence.com/how-to-choose-gate-size

7 hours ago Most driveway gates are 10' or 12' wide, however some are larger. Larger driveway gates are often installed because a vehicle will not or cannot pull in straight; vehicles will be turning as they …

5.What Is the Standard Size of a Gate in a Fence? | Hunker

Url:https://www.hunker.com/13424790/what-is-the-standard-size-of-a-gate-in-a-fence

13 hours ago Most deck gates are about 32 inches wide, but some are as wide as 48 inches. What is a cantilever gate? A cantilever gate is a type of gate that is attached to a wall or fence at one …

6.Everything You Need to Know About Wooden Fence Gates

Url:https://www.hooverfence.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-wood-gates

33 hours ago  · They're also ideal for various vehicles coming and going at the same time. Because they're made for a higher traffic volume, these gates usually start out at 14 feet wide. Other …

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9