DIY, how to build your own cantilever sliding gate (8) – Mount the fencing board!

I’ve decided to decorate the sliding gate with fencing board from the very beginning. Now the posts were set, the gate was assembled, and the gate opener was installed and powered. Finally, it’s time to start mounting the fencing boards to finish this project!

There are many different ways to mount fencing boards on round steel pipes. The two most common ways shown in the photo below, however, wouldn’t work for me. I couldn’t mount the boards flush against the frame pipes because the cantilever roller will need to roll on the horizontal pipes. Nor would I cut the boards shorter to avoid protruding the top & bottom frames because I wanted to use full 6 ft length of those boards. This way, I will be able to keep the sliding gate same height as the neighboring fence.

Two fencing board mounting methods that won't work me: (Left) boards cut short and cantilever rollers exposed; (right) board mounted flush against the pipe frames.
Two fencing board mounting methods that won’t work me: (Left) boards cut short and cantilever rollers exposed; (right) boards mounted flush against the pipe frames.

My idea solution would be mounting the boards a few inches away from the gate frame to allow free rotation for the U-groove rollers. The fencing boards, or the top/bottom rails still attach to the frame, but not flush against the it. This will keep the top and bottom pipe clear of any obstacles for rollers. The photo below show how I spaced a few inches between the gate frame and the fencing boards.

Top and bottom fence rails are attached about 1 inch away from the gate frame.
Top and bottom fence rails are attached about 1 inch away from the gate frame.

The key elements here are some home-brew brackets that were welded on the gate frame, but not touching any area of the very top or very bottom of the gate frame.

The 2 by 4 fencing rail will sit against the L shape bracket.
The 2 by 4 fencing rail will sit against the L shape bracket, leaving enough space for the U-groove roller.
Another type of rail supporter.
Another type of rail supporter.

Finally, it’s time so say good bye to the old gate!

Remove the old gate and attach the fencing board. Check out the time-lapse!
Remove the old gate and attach the fencing board to the new gate frame. Check out the time-lapse!

17 Replies to “DIY, how to build your own cantilever sliding gate (8) – Mount the fencing board!”

  1. Thanks for sharing this excellent project. Is there a locking mechanism that meets the gate to the opening fence post?

  2. Where did you get the nylon roller wheels? Aleko no longer sells them, I unfortunately only bought two, now they do not sell them at that great price

  3. I would like to thank you for the work you did putting together the series of constructing a cantilever gate. I used it to construct a gate for a 20 foot wide driveway. Without your guidance I would not attempted the project.
    I’m sure many projects have been and will be constructed following your guidance.

  4. Hello, I’m very impressed to your cantilever gate, I watching your videos and i want to build the gate like yours in my backyard, if you don’t mind can I have the measurements of your gate as my reference, and the distance of your post please, thank you in advance ✌✌✌🤗🤗🤗

  5. This is an excellent and thorough post! Thank you! Appreciate your inventiveness. How long did it take you to feel confident about your stick welding?

  6. The idea of spacing the boards a few inches away from the gate frame to accommodate the U-groove rollers is clever and ensures functionality without compromising the desired height of the gate. The home-brew brackets you welded on the frame provide a sturdy and practical solution.
    Thank you for sharing this informative article.

  7. The idea of spacing the boards a few inches away from the gate frame to accommodate the U-groove rollers is clever and ensures functionality without compromising the desired height of the gate. The home-brew brackets you welded on the frame provide a sturdy and practical solution. Thank you for sharing this informative article.

  8. Thanks for your valuable time.
    I want to attach wire to my sliding gate, what is the best practice for mounting wire with a rolling gate?

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