Planning a Gate Upgrade for an Existing Entrance

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Upgrading a gate in an existing opening works best when the old frame, posts and clearances are measured carefully before any design is chosen. A made-to-measure gate is then drawn to fit that opening, produced in our Tel Aviv workshop, finished for outdoor exposure and installed with the existing structure in mind.

Start by Understanding Your Existing Opening

Before choosing a new design, look closely at the opening you already have. Check the width between the posts, the height from the ground to the lintel or gate header, and whether the ground slopes. Older gates were often built with less precision, so the openings may not be perfectly square.

Note what you want to keep and what you want to change. The posts, the wall, the paving and the driveway slope all affect what can be done. Taking clear photos from several angles helps us understand the site before we visit.

On-Site Measurement Comes First

We measure the opening on site rather than relying on the old drawings or estimates. We record the clear width, the height at both sides and the centre, the depth of the posts and the position of any existing hinges or electric gate components.

Clear width at top, middle and bottom
Height at both posts
Ground level and slope
Condition of posts and their foundations
Space needed for the gate to swing or slide

Drawing and Written Specification

Based on the measurements, we prepare a drawing and a written specification. The drawing shows the gate size, the infill pattern, the frame profile, the hinge or track positions and how the gate meets the posts. The specification describes materials, finishing and any automation.

You review both before anything is produced. This is the moment to adjust the design, add a pedestrian door, change the height or confirm the colour, so there are no surprises later.

Approval and Factory Production

Once you approve the drawing and specification, production begins in our factory on Rival Street in Tel Aviv. Iron, aluminum and steel sections are cut, welded and assembled to the measured dimensions. Because the gate is built to your opening, it is made to fit the actual space rather than a standard size.

Where possible, we check the assembled gate against the measurements before it leaves the workshop, which reduces adjustments on site.

Finishing for Outdoor Exposure

A gate stands outside in sun, rain and salt air, so finishing matters. Steel gates are commonly hot-dip galvanized for corrosion protection and then powder coated in the colour you choose. Aluminum and stainless steel elements are finished according to their material and use.

Ask us which finish suits your location, especially if the gate faces the sea or receives strong sun for much of the day.

Installation and Final Checks

Installation is planned around the existing posts and the ground conditions. We confirm that hinges or tracks align, that the gate swings or slides freely, and that any automation is correctly positioned. Clearances to the ground and to the wall are checked so the gate operates smoothly.

For railings and safety-related elements, we follow the Israeli standard SI 1142 in general terms, and exact values are confirmed with the engineer for your project.

Frequently asked questions

Can a new gate fit an old opening that is not perfectly square?

Yes. We measure the opening at several points and build the gate to those actual dimensions. Minor irregularities are accounted for during design and installation.

Do I need to replace the existing posts when upgrading the gate?

Not always. If the posts are sound and properly positioned, they can often be reused. We inspect them during the site visit and advise you on their condition.

How do I know the drawing matches what I want?

You receive a drawing and written specification before production starts. You can request changes at that stage, which is the easiest time to make them.

Can I add an electric opener to a gate I am upgrading?

Yes, automation can be planned during measurement and design. We confirm the hinge or track layout and clearances needed for the opener.

Common mistakes to avoid

Ordering a gate based only on an old measurement or a photo, without checking the opening on site. Skipping the drawing approval step can also lead to a gate that looks right but does not operate well.

Our recommendation

Measure the opening yourself as a rough check, then let the workshop take the precise on-site measurements before you approve any design. Mention any plans for automation or a pedestrian door at the start, so the posts and clearances are planned together.

Summary

Upgrading a gate in an existing opening is a planning process: measure accurately, approve a clear drawing, produce to size, finish for outdoor use and install around the existing structure.

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