How to Measure for a Raked Sliding Gate

Got a driveway on a slope? A raked sliding gate is the answer, because the frame is angled to match the fall of your driveway. This gives you a smooth finish and a gate that slides properly without dragging. For your gate to fit right, the measurements need to be exactly right. 

At Top Screens, we’re solely a fabrication and supply company. This means that our clients need to supply their own measurements. If you want to purchase a raked sliding gate, we’ve put together this guide to help you accurately and easily take the required measurements. 

These are the steps to take to get them.

Four Steps to Accurate Measurements

Step 1: Face the Gate from the Road

Stand at the front of your driveway, looking back towards the house. This is the view you’ll measure from. It’s important you stick to this perspective so all measurements are consistent.

Step 2: Mark Out a Level Line

Use a string line or laser level to create a straight, level reference across the gate opening. This helps you capture the slope accurately. In the diagram above, this is shown as the blue level line.

Step 3: Take Your Measurements

You’ll need five key measurements:

• A – Measure across the top of the opening, from the outside edge of one post to the outside edge of the other. This should be at least 100mm wider than the driveway itself.

• B – Measure from the top left hand post down to the level line

• C – Measure from the level line on the left hand side down to the driveway, deducting your tolerance for wheels and track.

• D – Measure from the top right hand post down to the level line

• E – Measure from the level line on the right hand side down to the driveway, deducting your tolerance for wheels and track.

These combined readings give us the width, height, and slope difference of your opening.

Step 4: Allowing for Wheels and Track

Don’t forget to include clearance for the gate wheels and track. This tolerance ensures the gate slides freely without scraping along the driveway. In the diagram, this is shown by the green line.

Step 5: Allow for Tail

Our tails are 300mm in addition to the width of the gate but we can make them smaller if you need. If you would like a tail on your gate, make sure that the total width including the additional tail will fit within your space when the gate is opened. We also need to know which side your tail will sit if facing your gate from the road.

Why Accuracy Counts

Our raked sliding gates are custom-built to exactly match your driveway's slope. Accurate measurements are extremely important in order for your gate to operate smoothly. If they’re out by just a fraction, the gate might not line up with your posts. It won’t operate smoothly, which is not only frustrating but also impacts on the life span of your gate. 

We recommend following the steps above and double-checking your figures so we don’t make up a raked sliding gate that doesn’t fit. 

Ready to Place Your Order?

You’ve got your measurements, and you know exactly the style of sliding gate you want. Now it's time to place your order with Top Screens so we can fabricate it for you! Put your order in or get a custom quote from our team here. Turnaround time is normally one to two weeks, depending on how large your order is. If you’re in Greater Brisbane, we’ll deliver your sliding gate to you, or you can pick it up from our conveniently located factory in Virginia. 

Happy measuring and talk soon.