Gate Repair Tips

Introduction
Time to replace the double hinged driveway gates with a single sliding gate. Why? For both practical reasons and convenience.
The existing gates were only a couple of years old and still worked fine (you can see the making of them here), but because of an uphill driveway, they were purpose-made with an 'under-gate extension' device that had to be raised every time the gates were used. Also, when the gates were open they took up too much room, which made it difficult to park extra vehicles off the driveway.
We thought it would be easier and more practical to have a sliding gate in this particular situation.
So out with the old and in with the new.
I wanted a sliding gate made solely out of lumber.
I had never made or installed a sliding gate before, so I popped in to the local gate makers to get an idea or two.
One of the first things I found out was that most substantial sliding gates required a metal frame to prevent warping. But I didn't want a metal frame. I wanted a gate made solely out of wood.
Because I couldn't find a local gate company that actually made wooden sliding gates and I was unable to get any structural ideas, it was a matter of having to design my own. More >>
Will the wooden gate warp?
We will find out in time and keep you posted in the update page.
What if the gate does warp?
Ahh, there is a back-up plan in mind. I may have to admit defeat (at least with this particular design) and run a piece of metal angle completely around one side of the gate to stiffen it up. However, I don't think it will come to that.
Gate Components
Apart from the gate, I needed a track, wheels, guide rollers and some sort of latch that would hold the gate closed.
I had no trouble obtaining most of the hardware from any number of fence and gate companies, apart from a suitable latch. I decided to design my own. More >>
My plan of attack was in this order...
1) Decide the gate's design and thickness, and get the appropriate track and wheels. More >>
2) Determine how far away from the gate-post to position the sliding track. This was dependant on the preferred gap between the gate and posts, and also the thickness of the gate.
3) Prepare the grade for the sliding track. More >>
4) Fix the sliding track in position. More >>
5) Construct the gate. More >>