Looking to create a secure, stylish outdoor space without compromising functionality?
This sliding driveway gate project solved multiple challenges for our family, offering privacy, safety for kids and pets, and a modern design—all while staying under budget. Read on to see how we built it step-by-step and how you can too.
Why This Plan Works
- No Welding Required: All-wood construction avoids the need for specialized metalwork skills or tools.
- Sliding Gate Design: Ideal for steep driveways where swinging gates won’t work effectively.
- Aesthetic Meets Function: Industrial-modern design complements mid-century homes while hiding unsightly items like grills.
- Budget-Friendly: Total cost came to around $350 (excluding cedar boards we salvaged).
- Kid & Pet Safe: Lets children and pets enjoy the backyard safely with minimal supervision.
- Complies with Local Code: Stands at 5 feet tall—under the 6-foot max without permit.
- Custom Fit: Designed to suit specific spatial constraints and maximize usability.
What You Will Need
Tools
- Tape measure, level, carpenter’s square, T-bevel
- Drill, circular saw (minimum), miter saw, table saw
- Pocket hole jig (optional), palm sander, hammer drill (for concrete)
- Clamps and cabinet clamp
Materials
- 4 Simpson Strong-Tie 4×4 post supports
- 4 retrofit bolts (5” long, ½” diameter), washers & nuts
- 4 8′ pressure-treated 4x4s, 6 8′ pressure-treated 2x4s
- Salvaged interlocking cedar (or 60 pieces, 2ft long x 3.5in wide)
- 4 unidirectional 2.5” casters, lag bolts
- 4 galvanized pipes (½” diameter, 24” long), 8 pipe caps
- 12 eye bolts (fit snugly around pipe), concrete adhesive
- Screws (1¼” and 2½”), exterior paint & caulk, cedar seal
Step 1: Anchoring the Posts
Our driveway was already poured, so we used Simpson Strong-Tie supports. We marked and drilled ½” holes with a hammer drill, spacing them evenly. After applying concrete adhesive, we bolted in the supports. Initially, I misjudged this step, but following a how-to video corrected it. Take your time with drilling—overheating the bit reduces effectiveness.
Step 2: Framing Side Panels
Due to the steep slope, I angled the bottom of each 4×4 post to stand vertically once mounted. Using a level and T-bevel helped get precise cuts with a miter saw.
After securing the posts, we measured and cut 2x4s to frame rectangles for the side panels, joining them with a pocket hole jig. Exterior caulk sealed the joints for a clean look.
Step 3: Framing Gate Panels
Next, we framed two gate panels to span our 9-foot driveway, leaving an overlap on inner posts. We used 2x4s and pocket holes to create the frames, ensuring alignment with side panels.
Tip: Confirm caster height matches post bracket height—ours aligned perfectly by chance, but it’s crucial for a level top edge.
Step 4: Attaching Casters
To ensure smooth rolling, we trimmed the bottom 2×4 of each gate panel with an angle matching our driveway slope.
After ripping the wood, we lag-bolted unidirectional casters underneath. This step is optional on flat driveways but crucial for sloped ones.
Note: After this step, the frame structure is complete—double-check alignment before moving on.
Step 5: Cutting and Fitting Cedar
We measured, then cut 60 cedar boards to fit the frame dimensions. For gate panels, boards were screwed from the back.
For side panels, we added picture-frame-style supports to minimize setback and attached cedar to those. Using a miter saw with a stop block made cutting efficient.
Step 6: Painting and Sealing
Sanding prepped the wood for paint and sealant. Treated lumber was painted with Behr Peppery (to match existing decking), while cedar boards got a semi-transparent seal. Though two coats would enhance durability, one coat sufficed for us. Painting is the least fun, but it pays off in long-term aesthetics.
Step 7: Assembling Side Panels
Using interlocking cedar made assembly easy and polished. We slotted boards together, screwing them from the back to avoid visible fasteners. A nail gun could speed this up, but screws prevent rust streaks.
Step 8: Assembling Gate Panels
Just like with the side panels, we locked cedar boards together and secured them from behind. Consistency ensured a cohesive look across all four panels.
Step 9: Installing the Sliding Mechanism
This part makes the gate special. We adapted a single-gate sliding design into a double-gate system with galvanized pipes and eye bolts. Each gate had four eye bolts; each fixed panel had two. Pipes ran through the bolts, capped at each end. Ensuring perfect level alignment for bolts is critical to avoid sticking. Top and bottom sliders stabilized the gates, eliminating wobble.
Step 10: Mounting Gate Hardware
We installed a latch on the backside (high enough to be out of reach for children) and handles on the front for easy operation. This completed the functional aspect of the gate.
Step 11: Enjoy the Finished Gate
With everything in place, our pre-schooler and dog now roam freely in the backyard, safely contained. The dog may be unimpressed, but the kid is thrilled. Mission accomplished!
Note: Take extra care with leveling in Steps 1, 2, and 9—precision here ensures smooth gate operation and long-term stability.
Other Details Display
- Gate Height: 5 feet
- Driveway Width: 9 feet
- Gate Type: Double sliding, centered opening
- Surface: Concrete driveway, steep incline
- Paint Used: Behr Peppery, exterior paint+primer (1 quart)
- Sealant: Semi-transparent cedar seal (1 quart)
- Materials Cost: ~$350 (cedar salvaged)
- Time to Complete: 3 days
- Gate Hardware: Latch, handles, 4 casters, galvanized pipes & caps
Summary
This sliding driveway gate project delivered functionality, safety, and modern curb appeal for around $350. Built to fit a steep driveway, it maximized space without sacrificing design.
With durable materials and thoughtful planning, this custom gate now provides a secure backyard haven. Sliding driveway gate solutions like this can be a practical and stylish upgrade for any home.
This plan is a contribution by [jwisch]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.