How to Measure Gate Opening Correctly Before You Order

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To measure a gate opening, record the width at the top, middle and bottom, the height at both sides and the centre, and the slope or ground level inside the opening. Use the smallest measurement as the reference, then subtract the clearances your gate system needs before ordering.

Why an Accurate Measurement Matters

A gate is made to fit one specific opening, so small errors can cause big problems. A gate that is too wide will not close, and one that is too narrow leaves gaps that let in pets, children and wind. Taking a few careful measurements before you place an order saves time, avoids rework and keeps the installation on schedule.

Measure the opening yourself, but be clear about what you are measuring. Our team will confirm everything on site before production starts, so your numbers are a strong starting point rather than a final specification.

Tools You Will Need

Gather simple tools before you start, so the job goes smoothly:

A steel tape measure, preferably 5 metres or longer
A spirit level or a long straight batten
A pencil and a notebook or your phone for photos
A helper to hold the tape at the far side

Work on a dry day when the ground is firm, and keep the tape straight and taut for each reading.

Measuring Width and Height Step by Step

Start with the width. Measure from the inside face of one post to the inside face of the other, at the top, the middle and the bottom. Write down all three readings, because pillars and walls are rarely perfectly parallel.

Next measure the height. Take readings at the left side, the centre and the right side, from the ground or finished paving up to the underside of the top beam or lintel. Note whether the ground slopes, since a sloped surface changes how the gate sits.

Quick checklist

Three width readings
Three height readings
Ground level and slope noted
Photos from the front and from inside

Allowing for Clearances and Hardware

A gate cannot fill the opening exactly. It needs a small clearance at each side and at the top and bottom so it can swing or slide freely. The clearance depends on the gate type, the hinges or rollers used and how the gate is hung, so these values are set by our engineer rather than guessed at home.

Also check what is around the opening: wall thickness where hinges will be fixed, the position of any electrical boxes, drains or lighting, and the space needed for a swing arc or sliding track. Mark these on your sketch.

Checking the Site Before You Order

Before you finalise numbers, check that the structure can carry the gate. Posts should be solid and plumb, and the wall or pillar should be stable enough to take hinges or a track fixing. If the posts lean or the ground is uneven, mention it in your enquiry.

Confirm which way the gate will open, inward or outward, and whether there is room for that movement. A sloped driveway or a kerb can block a swing gate, so note any obstacles on the inside and outside of the opening.

Sending Your Measurements and Photos

Once you have your readings, send them together with clear photos of the opening from the front, from inside, and of each post or wall. Add a simple sketch with the dimensions written on it, and say whether you prefer a swing or sliding gate if you have a preference.

Include your name, the address of the property and a phone number. This lets us arrange an on-site measurement to verify everything before we draw the gate and send you a written specification for approval.

After Approval: What Happens Next

After you approve the drawing and specification, the gate is manufactured in our Tel Aviv workshop to your measurements. Finishing such as galvanizing or powder coating is applied before delivery, and then the gate is installed on site.

Because the final dimensions are checked on site, you can order with confidence knowing the gate will match your opening. If anything changes during installation, we adjust it together with you.

Frequently asked questions

Which measurement should I use for the gate width?

Use the narrowest of your three width readings as the reference, because the gate must fit the tightest point of the opening. Your installer will confirm the clearances needed on each side.

Do I need to measure the height from the ground or from the paving?

Measure from the finished surface you will walk or drive on, such as paving or concrete, rather than from raw soil. This gives the true clearance the gate has to work with.

Can I send only one set of measurements?

It is better to send three readings for width and height plus photos, because a single figure does not show whether the posts are parallel or the ground is level. We will still verify everything on site.

What if my gate opening is sloped or uneven?

That is common and can be handled. Note the slope or unevenness in your enquiry and mark where the ground is highest and lowest, so the gate can be designed to suit the site.

Common mistakes to avoid

Measuring only once or from the wrong surface, such as soil instead of paving, leads to a gate that does not fit. Forgetting to note the swing path, obstacles or the clearances needed for hardware often causes the most delays.

Our recommendation

Take each reading twice, write everything down with a simple sketch, and send photos with your enquiry. Let a professional confirm the clearances on site before the gate goes into production.

Summary

Measure width and height at three points, note the ground level and swing path, and send clear photos with your readings. An on-site check before production ensures your gate fits correctly the first time.

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