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The Alu20 SLAT Contractor Line 12′ x 6′ Horizontal Sliding Gate Kit (HD S.G GATE) is a modern aluminum sliding gate system designed for residential driveways, side-yard vehicle access, and light commercial properties where space, security, and clean contemporary design all matter. This guide explains what the kit is, when to choose a sliding gate over a swing gate, how to plan and install it, and how to integrate it with your aluminum fence system for a cohesive, professional result that lasts for decades.
The Alu20 SLAT Contractor Line 12′ x 6′ Horizontal Sliding Gate Kit combines clean horizontal slat design with practical sliding mechanics that saves space and maximizes opening width without intrusive swing arcs. This high-quality aluminum system excels in driveways, side-yard vehicle access, sloped terrain, and modern residential or light commercial projects where aesthetic continuity matters as much as function. A horizontal sliding gate works better than swing gates in tight spaces because the gate leaf glides smoothly along a track rather than rotating from hinges, allowing full width clearance for vehicles without encroaching into driveways or sidewalks.
The 12′ wide by 6′ high configuration accommodates most passenger vehicles, SUVs, and light trucks with comfortable clearance while providing meaningful privacy screening and visual security presence. The horizontal slat profile naturally encourages privacy by stacking overlapping slats, allows air and light to pass through while obscuring direct sightlines, and distributes wind loads evenly across the height of the gate for a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic. Aluminum naturally resists corrosion and rust without ongoing refinishing or paint maintenance, weighs less than steel while maintaining structural rigidity, and does not rot, warp, or degrade from moisture, salt air, or UV exposure like wood inevitably does.
Tight driveways where a swing gate would extend into the road surface, parking area, or require clearing parked vehicles before opening benefit from sliding gates that hug the fence line and pull open in one direction, keeping the driveway clear for traffic flow. Sloped or graded driveways challenge swing gates with binding geometry, but sliding gates move parallel to the ground plane and adapt gracefully to moderate slopes when a properly designed track accounts for grade changes. High-wind zones and coastal areas benefit from the horizontal slat profile’s aerodynamic characteristics—sliding mechanisms resist wind-induced movement and slamming better than hinged systems that catch gusts and swing open or shut unpredictably.
At Aluglobus Fence, our exclusive aluminum fence profiles are designed to offer flexibility, strength, and sleek architectural appeal for any fencing project. From compact and minimal options like ALU15 to more robust and privacy-focused systems such as ALU50 T&G and ALU60, each profile is engineered for long-term outdoor performance. Our lineup also includes hybrid configurations like ALU40+15, giving you the freedom to achieve a modern aesthetic without compromising on privacy or durability. Whether you’re designing for residential, commercial, or custom architectural use, our product profiles deliver refined style and structural integrity backed by professional-grade quality.
The foundation of every successful sliding gate installation is meticulous planning of opening dimensions, travel path, and structural support—measuring the clear opening width and adding substantial extra footage for the gate leaf’s fully open position prevents collisions during operation. A 12′ wide gate leaf requires approximately 12′ to 14′ of unobstructed horizontal space (depending on the mechanical system), so your actual opening or side-yard must accommodate not just the gate width but the full excursion path without colliding with walls, landscaping, parked vehicles, or utility infrastructure. Inspect the intended travel path carefully: verify that ground surface along the track is relatively consistent in grade, free of protruding tree roots or rocks, and positioned so the gate moves parallel to the fence line without veering into neighboring property or creating awkward angles that stress hardware.
Verify the usable opening by measuring the widest vehicles that will regularly access the property (including mirrors on SUVs or trucks), ideally allowing an extra six to twelve inches of clearance on each side to prevent mirror strikes or paint scrapes. Allow sufficient stack space for the gate leaf to “park” when fully open, typically created by extending the fence line beyond the opening with a return panel or post, or by ensuring the gate aligns neatly with existing fence without protruding awkwardly or creating visual gaps. Check the travel path for obstructions like walls, buildings, trees, electrical meters, mailboxes, or HVAC units that might interfere with gate motion—the path must be relatively straight and corridor-free to prevent contact that damages the gate or bends the frame.
Evaluate driveway slope both along and across the gate travel path because slopes affect track installation, roller alignment, and smooth operation—gentle cross-slopes of one to two percent typically accommodate a properly engineered cantilever or track system, but steep grades require structural engineering or cantilever configurations that keep the gate off the driveway surface entirely. Wind exposure and local wind ratings matter substantially for a 6′ high horizontal slat gate with a 12′ width because this configuration presents a significant vertical face to the wind; coastal properties, hilltop locations, and high-wind zones require reinforcement and hardware rated for anticipated wind loads. Check local codes, HOA rules, and setback or height limits before installation because many jurisdictions regulate driveway gate height, setback from roads, automated operation permissions, and safety features—some areas prohibit fully automated gates without manual override or require visibility from the road.
Structural integrity depends entirely on robust gate posts or columns at the opening that anchor the track, support rolling hardware, and transfer the gate’s weight and forces safely to the earth—posts must be positioned at opening edges, set in substantial concrete footings extending below the local frost line, and sized with adequate material thickness to resist lateral, torsional, and vertical stresses. Posts that carry roller brackets or track guides require additional internal reinforcement, thicker wall sections if hollow, or larger diameter if solid, to prevent deflection, cracking, or movement under load—these differ markedly from aesthetic fence posts that support no dynamic mechanical loads. Planning a stable base for ground track involves establishing a level concrete pad or setting deep, secure track sleeves that position track runners at consistent height along the entire travel path—any deviation in height or alignment causes rolling resistance, binding, and premature roller wear.
Ground track with bottom rollers represents a traditional approach where wheels ride on an aluminum or steel rail set at or slightly below ground surface, requiring proper drainage and maintenance to prevent debris accumulation but offering straightforward installation and widely available replacement hardware. Cantilever-style configurations suspend the gate leaf off the driveway surface using an overhead track or support beam, keeping it clear of weather, snow, ice, and debris that would otherwise accumulate in ground tracks and eliminating the need for bottom rollers entirely in some designs. Each approach affects footing planning differently—ground track requires careful depth calculation and backfill management to keep track at the correct height after settling, while cantilever systems require exceptionally robust post footings because all gate weight and forces concentrate at the support point rather than distributing across multiple wheels.
Slope concrete away from posts and track to shed water, preventing pooling and standing moisture that accelerates corrosion of aluminum and steel hardware—design concrete pads with a gentle one-quarter to one-half inch drop per foot of horizontal distance directing water away from the gate structure. Isolate aluminum from dissimilar metals where appropriate to prevent galvanic corrosion, which accelerates aluminum deterioration—use plastic washers, nylon sleeves, or aluminum fasteners where aluminum connects to steel, and avoid direct contact with copper, brass, or galvanized steel without protective barriers. Use approved fasteners and touch up any cut or drilled areas of the finish immediately, as exposed aluminum becomes vulnerable to corrosion unless sealed within hours—apply touch-up paint or protective coatings specified by the manufacturer to match color and ensure corrosion protection.
The Alu20 SLAT Contractor Line 12′ x 6′ kit integrates seamlessly into typical aluminum fence systems, functioning as a logical extension of standard fence panels while maintaining visual and structural continuity that makes the overall installation feel cohesive rather than mismatched. Align the top and bottom rails or slats with adjacent fence panels so the slat profile, spacing, and geometry appear to flow continuously from fence through gate opening, a requirement that necessitates careful measurement of existing or planned fence components before gate fabrication. Coordinate colors and profiles by ensuring powder-coat finish on gate slats matches adjacent fence panels (often requiring the same batch or batch number) and that profile dimensions align so connections appear intentional and hardware operates reliably.
Latch and lock options range from simple manual latches (hook-and-eye designs or slide bolts) to keyed locks providing basic security through electric locks and access control systems for higher-security or automated entry verification—all compatible with aluminum sliding gates when installed per manufacturer specifications. Position latches at or slightly above waist height for comfortable manual operation while keeping them robust enough to resist forcing or manipulation from outside the gate, often recessed slightly into the gate frame or using materials that resist cutting. Use gate stops and catch posts to prevent over-travel of the gate leaf—a stop block mounted to ground track or a catch post at the travel path’s end prevents the gate from rolling off track, jamming, or colliding with structures, positioned so the gate reaches its open position without jarring impact.
Connect the 12′ x 6′ sliding gate neatly into existing aluminum, composite, masonry, or wood fence lines through careful planning of transition points and visual continuity strategies that make the gate feel intentional rather than retrofitted. Manage transitions to different materials or heights by terminating fence lines at the gate opening with post caps, offset panels, or stepped transitions providing visual balance when adjacent fencing is lower or constructed from different materials. Plan any pedestrian gates, side access, or return panels so the overall frontage looks intentional and balanced—if the property requires small pedestrian access alongside the main vehicular gate, position and style it to complement the primary gate rather than appearing as an afterthought.
Whether you’re aiming to boost curb appeal, secure your perimeter, or create a stylish outdoor space, our aluminum-based solutions offer unmatched versatility and lasting quality. We provide a range of finishes, styles, and customizable options to suit residential and commercial projects of any scale. Our team is ready to guide you through product selection, layout planning, and installation support to ensure your vision becomes a reality.
Explore our full range of aluminum fencing systems, profiles, hardware, and accessories to find the perfect fit for your project.
Begin with meticulous layout by snapping chalk or string lines for fence alignment and gate placement serving as visual guides for the entire team, ensuring the eventual gate opening aligns precisely with the driveway approach. Mark the gate opening and post centerlines using string lines as references, positioning opening markers to correspond with exact edges where gate posts will be located, ensuring this opening width accounts for the gate leaf size plus clearance for rolling hardware. Verify diagonal measurements for squareness using the 3-4-5 triangle method (measuring sides and diagonal and confirming correct proportions for a square rectangle) or other geometric verification techniques, correcting any out-of-square conditions before excavation prevents compounding alignment errors.
Drill or dig for gate posts extending well below the frost line (often 3 to 4 feet in temperate climates, further north) to prevent heaving and settling that misaligns track or damages connections—deep footings are essential for proper support of track hardware and rolling mechanisms. Place gravel bases beneath concrete pads to promote drainage and provide even bearing surfaces preventing settling into clay or compressible soils, using clean gravel free of clay or organic material. Set posts or anchors in concrete while checking for level and plumb at every stage—use a quality level to verify posts stand exactly vertical and concrete pad tops are level, checking periodically as concrete cures to catch settlement or shifting before concrete fully hardens.
Install track or cantilever hardware after proper concrete cure time (typically 28 days for full strength, though many installations proceed after 7 days with settling-risk awareness) by mounting track sections or support brackets at precise heights and alignments specified in kit documentation. Hanging the Alu20 SLAT gate leaf requires careful lifting and positioning (often a two-person operation) to prevent frame or slat damage and ensure smooth guidance onto rollers or suspension hardware without jarring or forcing. Adjust rollers and guides for smooth, centered travel by fine-tuning hardware to ensure the gate rolls without excessive friction while remaining centered in its track, using shims or adjustment screws and testing repeatedly until smooth motion occurs through the full range.
Under-sizing or setting gate post foundations at insufficient depth causes settling, misalignment, and eventual operational failure as supporting structures subside into soil over months or years—committing to proper footing depth and adequate concrete volume at installation prevents this entirely and costs far less than corrective repairs. Ignoring driveway slope during layout often causes binding because the installation wasn’t designed to account for grade change—verifying slope early and selecting hardware rated for the slope or adjusting design to compensate prevents this common problem. Failing to keep posts plumb while concrete cures allows settlement to create misaligned track and rolling hardware, so checking verticality repeatedly during cure and using temporary bracing to maintain position is essential.
Misaligning track sections so wheels bump at joints or experience binding at connection points creates noise, resistance, and premature wear—measuring and verifying alignment meticulously before securing track sections permanently prevents expensive future complications. Over-torquing bolts into aluminum members crushes or strips material, damaging the connection and often requiring component replacement—using appropriate bolt sizes, washers, and torque specifications prevents this; many experienced installers use a brief snug-and-stop approach rather than maximum force. Skipping stop blocks that prevent the gate from rolling off track leaves the system vulnerable to catastrophic failure if operators forget the gate’s limit or children attempt pushing it further—these stops are cheap insurance against damage and injury.
Not planning for future automation clearances around operators and rack or chain hardware means that later motorization might require substantial rework to accommodate motors, drive mechanisms, or safety equipment that don’t fit the existing configuration—considering automation potential during initial installation costs little but saves thousands if automation is added later. Verify that your selected track or cantilever system is explicitly listed as compatible with the Alu20 kit by consulting manufacturer recommendations and installation diagrams, ensuring post sizing, footing depths, and hardware attachment points align with manufacturer engineering specifications.
A 12′ x 6′ horizontal sliding gate kit typically represents thirty to fifty percent of total entrance installation budget, with remaining funds allocated to posts, footings, track or support hardware, landscaping integration, and finishing details. Gate size influences cost roughly linearly (larger gates cost more), but post and footing requirements represent significant fixed costs regardless of gate width, meaning the cost difference between a 12′ and 14′ gate might be modest compared to savings from consolidating a project with one large gate rather than two smaller ones. Hardware and automation options substantially influence total cost—basic manual latching and mechanical stops represent minimal add-ons, while motorization (adding gate operators, control systems, and access devices) can double or triple hardware costs.
Investing in modern aluminum like the Alu20 SLAT Contractor Line delivers long-term savings when compared across materials: wood gates require repainting or re-staining every three to five years ($1,000 to $3,000 per cycle), steel gates develop rust and require periodic grinding and repainting, and both eventually need component replacement as wood rots or steel corrodes. An aluminum sliding gate with proper maintenance (periodic rinsing and cleaning) requires virtually no refinishing or material replacement over twenty to thirty years, making the initial investment differential recover itself within the first decade of ownership. Typical projects where sliding configurations offer better daily value and curb appeal include upscale residential communities prioritizing minimalist aesthetics, multifamily properties where tenants appreciate smooth operation and low-maintenance materials, and coastal properties where aluminum’s corrosion resistance justifies material premium over alternatives requiring constant maintenance.
Periodic rinsing and gentle cleaning of the powder-coated finish using soft brushes and mild soap solution maintains the protective coating and appearance without degrading finish or forcing water into mechanical components—avoid abrasive scrubbers or high-pressure washers that damage coatings. Occasional inspection of rollers, fasteners, and latches every few months identifies corrosion, loosening, or damage before compromising operation—a few minutes of quarterly inspection often prevents expensive repairs. Check that track or guides remain clean and unobstructed by periodically removing debris using soft brushes or compressed air, essential for maintaining smooth rolling and preventing binding that accelerates wear.
The Alu20 SLAT Contractor Line 12′ x 6′ Horizontal Sliding Gate Kit represents a significant investment in your property’s entrance, security, and curb appeal—but the decision to choose this system should feel confident and well-informed. If your property has a tight driveway, sloped terrain, or space constraints that make swing gates impractical, this sliding gate kit eliminates those barriers and opens up design possibilities previously unavailable. For properties in coastal zones, high-sun locations, or regions with demanding weather, aluminum’s durability and maintenance-free nature justify the material premium over wood or steel alternatives that require constant attention.
The modern aesthetic of horizontal slat design appeals to contemporary residential architecture and professional commercial properties alike, creating a unified visual statement at your entrance that enhances perceived value and security. Contractor-grade quality means you’re purchasing reliability and engineering depth rather than budget alternatives that might function initially but deteriorate rapidly under real-world cycling and weather exposure. By following the planning, installation, and maintenance guidance outlined in this comprehensive resource, you position yourself for decades of smooth operation and aesthetic satisfaction from your gate investment.
This gate kit is designed for DIY installation if you have experience with basic construction tasks, tools, and concrete work—the manufacturer provides step-by-step instructions, and the mechanical assembly is straightforward. However, the critical foundation work (digging post holes, ensuring proper depth, setting posts plumb, and pouring substantial concrete) represents the most skill-intensive phase and is where most DIY mistakes occur, potentially compromising the entire installation. If you’re confident with levels, concrete, and precision work, DIY is feasible; if you lack experience with foundations or heavy lifting, hiring a professional installer ensures proper execution and warranty validity, often representing better value than troubleshooting problems after the fact.
The Alu20 SLAT kit is engineered to integrate with standard aluminum fence components when you ensure that rail heights, slat profiles, and spacing match your existing or planned fence panels—compatibility requires coordination at the planning stage. The gate and fence should share the same powder-coat color (ideally the same batch or batch number for perfect color match), similar or complementary profile designs, and aligned top and bottom rails so the horizontal lines flow continuously from fence through gate opening. If your fence is a different brand or profile, check with your fence supplier or the gate manufacturer for compatibility confirmation before purchasing, avoiding expensive incompatibilities or visual misalignment.
Aluminum sliding gates require minimal maintenance compared to wood or steel alternatives—periodic gentle rinsing with fresh water and mild soap keeps the powder-coated finish clean and protective, typically just a few times annually. Occasional inspection of track or rollers (every few months) to remove debris like leaves or gravel prevents binding and ensures smooth operation, accomplished easily with a soft brush or compressed air without disassembly. Fasteners should be checked occasionally for loosening, and any minor scuffs or cuts in the finish should receive touch-up paint per manufacturer specifications—following these simple routines keeps the gate functioning smoothly and looking pristine for decades with almost no ongoing cost or effort.
Yes, the Alu20 SLAT 12′ x 6′ kit is designed to work with most motorized sliding gate operators when proper hardware and clearances are planned from the initial installation—the kit includes (or accommodates) motor bracket attachment points for typical gate automation systems. If you anticipate adding motorization later, plan for adequate clearance around the anticipated operator location during initial installation, avoiding landscaping, utilities, or structures that might block access or obstruct the mechanical system. Contact customer support with your site details and automation intentions before purchasing if you’re unsure about compatibility with a specific motor brand or system, ensuring the kit aligns with your automation goals before beginning work.
Gentle cross-slopes (one to two percent grade change across the width) are typically accommodated by properly engineered track or cantilever systems and do not significantly complicate installation—these minor variations are normal on residential properties. Significant cross-slopes (greater than five to ten percent) require careful structural engineering and selection of track or cantilever hardware rated for the slope, often increasing complexity and cost but remaining feasible with proper design. Along-slope grade changes (uphill or downhill direction of gate travel) are manageable but require that stops, latches, and support hardware account for gravitational forces so the gate doesn’t roll unexpectedly on slopes—discuss your specific slope conditions with the manufacturer or a professional installer if grade changes are substantial, ensuring appropriate hardware selection prevents operational or safety issues.
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