Planning a Matching Colorbond Gate: Size, Swing and Hardware

A gate gets used far more than the rest of the fence, so it's worth planning carefully.

It's much easier to get the gate right at the design stage than to add or change one later.

Top-down diagram comparing a single swing gate, double swing gates and a sliding gateGate types seen from aboveSingleDouble swingSlidingDashed lines show the space each gate needs

Illustration only. Not a New Fence Adelaide project.

Measure what needs to fit through

Think beyond people walking through. Common items include:

  • Wheelie bins
  • Lawn mowers and wheelbarrows
  • Trailers
  • Cars

Measure the widest thing you'll regularly move and allow some extra room.

Beige steel fence with lattice top panels, timber plinths and a matching sliding driveway gate

A sliding driveway gate built to match the fence. Example image only. Not a New Fence Adelaide project.

Choose the right gate type

  • Single pedestrian gates suit side paths and backyard access.
  • Double swing gates suit driveways and wide openings.
  • Sliding gates can suit driveways where there isn't room for gates to swing.

Check which way it will swing

Look for paths, steps, sloping ground or garden beds that could block the gate.

A gate swinging uphill can catch on the ground.

Pick practical hardware

Hinges, latches, drop bolts and locks all matter for day to day use. Ask yourself:

  • Do you want a lockable latch?
  • Should kids be able to reach it?
  • Do double gates need a drop bolt to hold one side closed?

Pool gates have extra rules

If the gate forms part of a pool barrier, it must meet pool safety requirements, such as self closing and self latching.

Check the current South Australian pool safety rules before choosing a design.

Match it to the fence

Most people choose a gate in the same colour and style as the fence for a neat finish.

Building it at the same time as the fence also helps keep heights and alignment consistent.

Quick checklist

  • ☐ Widest item measured
  • ☐ Gate type chosen
  • ☐ Swing direction checked
  • ☐ Hardware decided
  • ☐ Pool rules checked if relevant

Where to go next

For more ideas, see the guide to planning a matching Colorbond gate.

If your gate is part of a pool barrier or you are thinking about an automatic opener, this page on Colorbond gates for Adelaide homes covers what to check first.

New Fence Adelaide includes gate options as part of its Colorbond fencing work in Adelaide.

About this blog: Adelaide Colorbond Fence Planning shares practical planning tips for Adelaide homeowners. It was created for New Fence Adelaide and supports the Adelaide Colorbond Fence Guide. It isn't a separate fencing business.





Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Questions to Ask Before You Book a Colorbond Fence Installer

Image
A good fence should last a long time, so it pays to ask the right questions before you commit. Clear answers upfront mean fewer surprises on installation day. Copy these into your phone or print them out. Ask exactly what is included, from posts and capping to clean up. Example image only. Not a New Fence Adelaide project. Questions about the quote What exactly is included? Removal, disposal, gates, extensions and clean up? Is the quote based on a site visit or on photos and measurements? What happens if the crew hits rock, roots or unexpected services? What are the deposit and payment terms? Questions about the business What insurance do you hold for this type of work? Do you hold any licences relevant to the job? What warranty applies to the workmanship? Who handles material warranty claims? Questions about the old fence and your neighbour How will you handle removal of the existing fence? What happens if the old fence might contain asbestos? Can you provide a quote that's easy t...
Read more

Planning a Colorbond Fence in Adelaide: Where to Start

Image
A new Colorbond fence looks simple from the street, but there are a few moving parts behind it. You've got a neighbour to talk to, a boundary to confirm, council rules to check and a style to choose. Sorting these early saves a lot of back and forth later. Illustrative image only. Not a New Fence Adelaide project. Step 1: Confirm where the boundary is Old fences aren't always on the true boundary. Check your title plan or survey documents first. If there's doubt or a history of disagreement, a licensed surveyor can mark the line. Do this before any posts go in. It costs less than moving a fence later. Step 2: Talk to your neighbour early For a dividing fence, your neighbour is usually a partner in the project. In South Australia the Fences Act 1975 sets out a formal notice process for dividing fence work. It covers how costs are shared and how a neighbour can object. A friendly chat first makes the paperwork easier. The Legal Services Commission of South Australia has plai...
Read more