Here at Metal Gates Direct, we are often asked - what is the standard thickness for a gate? When it comes to choosing a new gate for your property, one of the key considerations is most certainly the thickness of it. The thickness impacts the strength, durability and security of the gate, so it's important to understand the standards.
The short answer is that there is no single standard thickness. Gate thicknesses tend to range from 1.2mm to around 5mm. The thicker the gate, the more robust it will be. However, you need to strike the right balance between thickness and cost. Excessively thick gates may be unnecessarily expensive.
Domestic Gates
For domestic properties in the UK, a good standard thickness for entrance gates is usually between 1.6mm to 2mm. This provides a good level of security and durability for the average home. Wrought iron gates tend to sit at the lower end around 1.2mm to 1.6mm, while solid metal gates often range from 2mm to 3mm.
Commercial Gates
For commercial premises, thicker gates are usually recommended to withstand higher traffic volumes and improve security. Good quality electric or manual commercial gates often range from 3mm to 5mm in thickness. Some ultra heavy-duty automated gates can be 6mm to 10mm thick, but these are specialist gates for high-security applications.
So in summary:
· Domestic gate thickness standard = 1.6mm to 2mm
· Commercial gate thickness standard = 3mm to 5mm
Factors Affecting Thickness There are a few factors that will determine the ideal gate thickness:
Usage
If the gates experience frequent daily use by vehicles or heavy equipment, a thicker gauge may be preferable to withstand wear and tear. Domestic gates that are only occasionally opened can be slightly thinner.
Gate height and width
In very wide or tall gate designs extra thickness provides extra strength and resistance to potential impacts.
Gate material
Certain materials like wrought iron can be slightly thinner than steel to achieve equivalent strength.
Wind load
For exposed sites prone to high winds, a thicker gate construction may be recommended to resist wind damage.
And so, is there a standard thickness of a gate? Whilst there is no universal standard - the typical domestic type-gate falls between 1.6mm to 2mm, while commercial gates range from 3mm to 5mm in thickness. The exact thickness you need will depend on factors like usage levels, gate dimensions, material, and wind exposure.
If you’re in the market for a new gate, then do consider our options. We have a range of gates for many different purposes and many different thicknesses. Get in touch today to discuss your needs with our team.