Sliding Gate Installation Guide UK¶

Complete UK guide to sliding gate installation, covering track types, ground preparation, motor sizing, and safety compliance for cantilever and tracked systems.

Sliding Gate Types, Track Options and Ground Preparation¶

Sliding gates are the preferred choice for UK driveways with limited depth, steep gradients, or where swing gate clearance is impractical. The two main types are cantilever - which uses a counterbalance system and requires no ground track - and tracked sliding gates, which run on a galvanised rail bolted to a concrete foundation. Cantilever gates cost £2,500 - £5,500 installed and suit sites where a threshold track would obstruct pedestrians or vehicles. Tracked sliding gates start at £1,800 - £4,000 and are simpler to install but require the track to be kept clear of debris. Ground preparation is critical: a reinforced concrete foundation at least 300 mm deep and 600 mm wide must be poured along the full gate run, with a 50 mm drainage gap below the gate. UK brands such as DoorHan, BFT, and LiftMaster offer cantilever kits with 3.5 m to 8 m clear openings. Always verify the gate weight against the motor duty cycle - a 400 kg gate used six times daily needs a minimum 24V 600 N operator.

Motor Sizing, Safety and UK Building Compliance¶

Selecting the correct motor for a UK sliding gate installation depends on gate weight, leaf length, and expected daily cycle count. Residential sliding gates typically require a motor with 600 - 1,200 N pull force. BFT's Aries series and Came's SLA series offer 24V and 230V options with integrated control boards and radio receivers. Safety devices mandated by BS EN 12453 include a pair of safety edges on the leading and trailing gate edges, photocell beams across the gate opening, and a torque limiter that stops the gate if resistance exceeds 150 N. The running track (if used) must be set in a galvanised channel drain to prevent water pooling, and the motor housing must be mounted on a plinth at least 100 mm above ground level to avoid flood damage. For gates over 2 m wide, a safety breakaway clutch is recommended. All electrical connections must comply with Part P and BS 7671 (18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations), with RCD protection on the supply circuit.

Specifications and Comparison¶

Sliding Gate Type	Typical Cost Installed	Foundation Needed	Motor Power Range
Tracked Sliding Gate	£1,800 - £4,000	Concrete strip 300mm deep, 600mm wide	400 - 800 N
Cantilever Sliding Gate	£2,500 - £5,500	Concrete pads at both ends	600 - 1,200 N
Heavy-Duty Industrial	£4,000 - £9,000	Full concrete plinth 400mm deep	1,200 - 2,500 N
Bi-Parting Sliding	£5,000 - £12,000	Full foundation both sides	2 600 - 1,200 N

FAQ¶

What is the difference between cantilever and tracked sliding gates?: Cantilever gates have no ground track and use a counterbalance system, making them suitable where a threshold track would obstruct vehicles or pedestrians. Tracked gates run on a galvanised rail and are simpler to install but the track must be kept clear.
Do sliding gates need planning permission in the UK?: Sliding gates under 2 m set back 1 m from the highway normally do not. Gates on a building line or in conservation areas may require approval. Check with your local planning authority before proceeding.
How much does a sliding gate motor installation cost in the UK?: A 24V residential sliding gate motor kit with installation ranges from £800 to £1,500. Heavy-duty 230V industrial operators cost £1,500 - £3,000 fitted, including control board and radio receiver. For more information see our Swing Gate Installation Guide UK.

Last updated: 2026-05-31.

External Resources¶

For further information consult authority guidelines at the Which?.