Types of Wood Gates in Winnipeg: Standard, Double Swing, and Sliding

A+ Fences installs three main types of wood gates: Standard gates for everyday pedestrian access, Double Swing gates for vehicle and trailer access, and Sliding gates for the widest openings, including back lanes. The right choice comes down to what needs to pass through it. A Standard gate suits foot traffic, a Double Swing gate handles most vehicles and equipment, and a Sliding gate covers the widest openings without needing extra swing clearance.

When it comes to selecting the right gate for your Winnipeg property, the choices can seem overwhelming. At A+ Fences, we specialize in three types of wood gates, each designed to meet different functional needs and aesthetic preferences.

Here's a breakdown of each type to help you decide which gate is the best fit for your home or business.

At a Glance: Wood Gate Types

• Standard Gate: around 42 inches wide, built for pedestrian access

• Double Swing Gate: up to 10 feet wide, ideal for vehicles and trailers

• Sliding Gate: up to 16 feet wide, best for back lanes and the widest openings

• Choice comes down to what needs to pass through, people, vehicles, or equipment

• Available space also affects which gate type will work best on your property

What Size Is a Standard Gate?

A Standard gate is typically 42 inches wide, the most common gate we install at A+ Fences. It's built for pedestrian traffic, family members and guests coming in and out of your yard, and combines simplicity with functionality in a way that complements most fence designs.

1. Standard Gate

The Standard gate is the most common type we install. Typically 42 inches wide, this gate provides basic access to and from your backyard. It's perfect for pedestrian traffic, such as family members and guests coming in and out of your yard. The Standard gate combines simplicity with functionality, offering a practical solution that complements most fence designs.

How Wide Is a Double Swing Gate?

Double Swing gates can extend up to 10 feet wide, making them a strong option for driveways or larger entryways where vehicle or equipment access is needed.

2. Double Swing Gate

If you need access to vehicles, trailers, or large pieces of equipment, the Double Swing gate is an excellent choice. These gates can extend up to 10 feet wide, making them ideal for driveways or larger entryways. Double Swing gates operate by swinging outward from a central point, requiring sufficient space to open fully. They are particularly useful for properties that need a wider entry point for occasional or regular vehicle access.

3. Sliding Gate

For properties requiring the widest access possible, such as those with back lane entries, Sliding gates are the go-to option. These gates can cover an opening of up to 16 feet, sliding horizontally along the fence line rather than swinging outward. This makes them suitable for spaces where the range of motion for a swing gate might be restricted. Many homeowners in Winnipeg love this option for their back lane. Sliding gates are popular in both residential and commercial settings where space and functionality are paramount. For a deeper look at this option, see our full guide on sliding gates in Winnipeg.

Which Gate Works Best for a Back Lane?

A Sliding gate is generally the better choice for back lane access. It doesn't require outward swing clearance, which matters in Winnipeg's often-narrow back lanes, and it covers a wider opening than a Standard or Double Swing gate.

How the Three Gate Types Compare

Real Scenarios: Which Gate Fits Your Property?

"I just need a gate for people to walk in and out of my backyard."

A Standard gate covers this without any added complexity; it's the simplest and most common option for everyday pedestrian access.

"I need to get my truck, trailer, or mower through occasionally."

A Double Swing gate is built for exactly this, offering up to 10 feet of width for regular or occasional vehicle and equipment access.

"My access point is a back lane, and space is tight."

A Sliding gate is almost always the better fit here. It doesn't need outward swing space, which matters in a narrow back lane.

"I'm not sure how wide my opening needs to be."

We measure this carefully during the estimate visit based on what you need to move through the gate, so you don't need to have the exact number figured out beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which gate is best for vehicle access?

A Double Swing gate handles most vehicles and equipment well, offering up to 10 feet of width. For wider access needs or tighter spaces, a Sliding gate may be a better fit.

Can a Standard gate be widened later?

This typically means rebuilding the gate section rather than a simple adjustment, so it's worth choosing the right width from the start based on how you plan to use it.

Do all three gate types work with any fence style?

Standard and Double Swing gates pair well with most wood fence styles. Sliding gates require a clear run along the fence line, so property layout plays a bigger role in whether one fits.

Is a Sliding gate more expensive than a Standard or Double Swing gate?

Generally, yes, due to the additional hardware and rail system involved, though the exact cost depends on your specific property and gate size.

How do I know which gate size I need?

It comes down to what needs to pass through: foot traffic only, a vehicle occasionally, or wider equipment and trailers regularly. We measure your specific access needs during the estimate visit.

Antoine Leblanc

A+ Fences | Surround Yourself with Quality

204-250-8246

antoine@aplusfences.ca

A+ Fences proudly serves Winnipeg and Southern Manitoba. If you're unsure which gate type is best for your property, reach out and we'll help you figure out what fits.