Choosing a Laser-Cut Panel for Your Gate

Start with the pattern

The three families we cut most are symbols (stars, longhorns, brands, monograms), scenes (hill country landscapes, wildlife, cactus and agave), and geometry (hexagons, lines, and modern repeating patterns). A good rule: a bold symbol reads best from the road, a scene rewards a closer look, and geometry suits modern architecture. If you have a logo or art file, we can cut from that too. Send vector files when you have them, but a clear scan or sketch works for simpler designs. You approve the layout before we cut.

Mind the open area

A panel with large open areas shows the property behind the gate and handles wind well. A dense, intricate pattern offers more privacy and shade but catches more wind, which matters for sliding and cantilever gates. Tell us if your gate is automated so we can size the panel for the opener's rated load.

Pick the steel thickness

Most gate panels are cut from steel in the range of 14 to 16 gauge, which balances detail and strength. Thinner steel allows finer detail but dents more easily; thicker steel is tougher but limits very fine patterns. For a driveway gate that takes weather and occasional contact, we typically recommend the middle of that range and we confirm the choice with you at quote.

Choose the finish

Matte black powder coat is the workhorse: durable, low glare, and it hides dust. A rusted patina gives the weathered ranch look and pairs well with limestone and cedar. Custom color powder coat matches a door, trim, or brand color. All three hold up in Texas sun when the steel is properly prepped, and we prep every panel before finishing.

Get the fit right

For a panel that bolts or welds into an existing gate, measure the inside of the gate frame at top, middle, and bottom and use the smallest measurement. Panels up to 5' x 10' cut in one piece; larger designs are cut in sections and seamed so the pattern reads as one. If the panel is for a fence run or railing, the same rule applies to that bay.

Ordering an insert only?

You do not need a full gate from us. Plenty of customers order a standalone insert for a gate we never built. Send the opening dimensions, the pattern or art, and a photo of the gate, and we cut a panel that drops in.

Ready to design one

Look at the panel gates in our catalog for starting points, then request a quote with your pattern, dimensions, and finish. We will confirm the design with you before any steel is cut.