Swing vs. Sliding vs. Cantilever Gates: How to Choose

Swing vs. Sliding vs. Cantilever Gates

Choosing the right gate type comes down to your opening, your clearance, and your ground. Here is a practical breakdown of the three most common driveway gate types we build in our New Braunfels shop.

Swing Gates

Swing gates open like doors, pivoting on hinges set in posts. They come in single and double configurations. Double swing gates are the most common residential driveway gate because they are simple, strong, and easy to automate.

Swing gates need room to arc open on the inside. If your driveway is short or slopes up from the road, a swing gate may not have the clearance to open. They also need solid posts set deep, especially for wide doubles.

Sliding Gates

Sliding gates roll along a track set in the ground. They are a good fit for wide openings and tight side clearance, since they slide parallel to the fence line instead of swinging into the property.

A sliding gate needs a level track and a clear run along the fence. Debris, leaves, and ice can collect in the track, so they need occasional cleaning. They are a strong choice for wide ranch entrances and commercial driveways.

Cantilever Gates

Cantilever gates slide like sliding gates but use a counterbalanced frame that runs on rollers, with no ground track. That makes them ideal for uneven ground, rocky soil, or areas where a track would collect debris.

Cantilever gates need more side room for the counterbalance tail, so they are not right for every opening. Where the ground is right, they are low maintenance and reliable.

How to Choose

• Short, flat driveway: swing gate.
• Wide opening, level ground, clear side run: sliding gate.
• Uneven or rocky ground, no track wanted: cantilever gate.

If you are not sure, send us photos of your opening and we will recommend the type that fits.