COMMERCIAL GATES
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No Ground Track
Commercial Cantilever Slide Gates in Metro Detroit
A cantilever gate rolls on carriages mounted to its posts and floats above the driveway, so there is no track to fill with snow, ice or gravel. We build them for truck yards, storage lots, apartment entrances and HOA access points, with posts set below the 42″ frost line.
Openings From 12 to 40+ ft
No Track to Ice Over
Frost-Line Post Footings
Automation-Ready Builds
DIRECT DISPATCH PHONE
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Quick response guaranteed within 24 hours
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WHY CANTILEVER
The Gate That Keeps Working in a Michigan Winter
Swing gates need clear ground in front of them and V-track slide gates need a clean track. Cantilever gates need neither, which is why they are the standard for commercial entrances here.
Nothing on the Ground
The gate hangs from enclosed roller carriages on two support posts. Snow, ice and plow berms under the opening do not stop it.
Plows drive right through
No Swing Arc Needed
The gate slides along the fence line instead of swinging, so it works on sloped drives and tight lots where a swing gate cannot.
Works on any grade
Fewer Wear Parts
Sealed carriages and no track mean less to clean, re-level or replace than a ground-wheel slide gate.
Lower maintenance cost
Built for Operators
Cantilever gates pair naturally with slide gate operators, keypads and card readers for controlled access.
Automate now or later
HOW CANTILEVER GATES WORK
Sizing, Run-Back Space and Footings
A cantilever gate is longer than the opening it closes. The extra length, a counterbalance tail commonly around half the opening width, stays behind the support posts so the gate can hang level without touching the ground. That means you need clear, reasonably level space along the fence line roughly one and a half times the opening, which we check at the site visit. The two support posts and the latch post carry all the load, so we upsize them and set them in deep concrete below the 42 inch frost line.
Gate frames are built from galvanized or coated aluminum or steel and filled with chain link to match commercial chain link perimeter fencing, or with ornamental pickets for HOA entrances. Automated gates should meet UL 325 and ASTM F2200 safety standards, including entrapment protection like photo eyes and safety edges. Read more on cantilever gate openers and commercial automatic gates, or see our full commercial fencing scope.
SLIDE GATE COMPARISON
Cantilever
V-Track Slide
Ground Track
In the driveway
None
Steel Track
Snow & Ice
Winter operation
Unaffected
Must Clear Track
Run-Back Space
Along fence line
About 1.5x Opening
About 1x Opening
Upfront Cost
Gate and posts
Higher
Lower
Upkeep
Long-term
Low
Track Cleaning
HOW A GATE PROJECT RUNS
Engineered to the Opening, Built to Run Smoothly
Commercial gates are fabricated to size, so the measure and the footings matter most. Plan on several weeks between approval and install.
01
Step 1
Site Visit & Opening Survey
We measure the opening, check run-back space and grade along the fence line, and discuss traffic, security level and automation.
Opening and run-back measured
Grade along fence line
Manual or automated plan
FABRICATED TO SIZE
02
Step 2
Spec, Permit & Miss Dig
We spec frame, infill and posts, file the permit, call in Miss Dig 811 and order the gate built to the measured opening.
Frame and infill chosen
Permit filed by us
Utilities marked first
03
Step 3
Footings, Hang & Commission
Support posts go into cured deep footings, carriages are aligned, the gate is hung and adjusted to roll level, and operation is tested with your staff.
Frost-line footings cured
Carriages aligned level
Locks and stops tested
Gate Dragging, Binding or Out of Service?
We realign carriages, replace rollers and reset posts on existing slide gates. See gate repair or call (734) 977-0554.
GATE TYPES & OPTIONS
Commercial Gate Options
Match the gate to the opening, the traffic and the look of the property.
Chain Link Cantilever
Galvanized or vinyl-coated frames with chain link infill. The workhorse for truck yards and storage lots.
Ornamental Cantilever
Aluminum or steel picket infill for HOA entrances, apartments and office parks where appearance matters.
Double Cantilever
Two leaves that meet in the middle for very wide openings or where run-back space is split between both sides.
V-Track Slide Gates
A lower-cost slide gate on a ground track for paved openings where snow can be kept clear.
Heavy-Duty Swing Gates
Double swing gates for openings with enough level space in front. See commercial chain link gates.
Operators & Access Control
Slide gate operators, keypads, card readers, remotes and safety devices for controlled entrances.
Pedestrian Gates
A separate lockable walk gate beside the slide gate so staff do not open the main gate for foot traffic.
Barbed Wire Topping
Barbed wire arms on chain link cantilever gates to match a secured perimeter, where zoning allows.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Cantilever Gate Questions
Answers for property managers, owners and HOA boards.
How much does a commercial cantilever gate cost?
Installed manual chain link cantilever gates commonly land roughly between $4,000 and $12,000 depending on opening width, frame and infill, and posts. Ornamental gates and automation with access control add significantly. We provide an itemized proposal after a site visit.
How wide can a cantilever gate be?
Single cantilever gates commonly cover openings from about 12 to 30 feet, and heavier frames go wider. Double cantilever gates can cover 40 feet or more.
How much space does a cantilever gate need?
Plan for clear space along the fence line roughly one and a half times the opening width so the gate and its counterbalance tail can slide back. The ground there does not need a track but should not rise into the gate's path.
Can you automate an existing cantilever gate?
Often, if the gate is in good condition and rolls freely. Automated gates must meet UL 325 and ASTM F2200 safety requirements, so older gates sometimes need new rollers, guards or safety devices first.
Why choose cantilever over a swing gate?
Cantilever gates do not need a clear swing arc, are not stopped by snow piles and are better suited to automation on wide openings. Swing gates cost less where there is level space and light traffic.
How long does a cantilever gate installation take?
Fabrication usually takes a few weeks after approval. On site, footings are poured first and allowed to cure, then the gate is hung and adjusted, typically over two to three working days.
FREE GATE PROPOSAL
Request a Commercial Gate Site Visit
Send us the opening width, the property type and whether you need automation. We will survey the site and send an itemized proposal.
PREFER TO CALL DIRECTLY?
Speak directly with our estimating desk for quick questions or emergency repairs.
Fabricated to your measured opening
Support posts below the frost line
Automation-ready on request
Get Your Free Estimate
Quick response guaranteed within 24 hours
Online Booking Open
🔒 Your contact info is strictly confidential. We never sell your data or spam you.