How to Make a Sliding Gate

A sliding gate Uses a set of rollers inside a roller track to slide the gate back and forth. It is most common in front of a large estate or a gated community. Homeowners will typically construct a sliding gate from the materials in a kit.

• 2 x 4-inch boards


• Tape measure


• Circular saw


• Miter saw


• Drill and bit set


• Carriage bolts with washers


• V-wheels


• Roller Track


• Concrete screws

1. Measure and cut a section of plywood with a circular saw. The plywood will typically be 3 inches shorter and 3 inches narrower than the frame to allow for clearance around the edges of the frame.


2. Cut grooves into the frame with the same width as the plywood with the circular saw. It may be necessary to make more than one pass with the saw to cut the grooves.


3. Cut four lengths of boards at a 45 degree angle with a miter saw, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Each of these boards will reinforce one side of the sliding gate.


4. Install the grooved boards onto the plywood so that the ends of the boards fit together to form a rectangle. Glue the boards into place once you are satisfied with their fit.


5. Drill holes around the inside of the frame according to the manufacturer's instructions.  Place washers onto the carriage bolts and fasten them into the holes to hold the plywood sheet within its frame. Paint the bare wood in the sliding gate.


6. Attach the V-wheels to the bottom of the gate. The instructions will specify their location and required ground clearance.


7. Move the gate to the open position and install the roller track directly under the wheels, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the track aligns with the wheels before you fasten the track to the driveway with concrete screws.