DIY iron gates
The content of the article
Any person wants to protect his life from prying eyes. This can usually be done by erecting a fence around the perimeter of your property. However, not every owner has the opportunity and financial means to hire a team of professionals specializing in the construction of fencing. Therefore, the idea of installing iron gates with your own hands is becoming more and more common.
Types of gates
When talking about iron gates, we most often mean two steel sheets, around the perimeter of which a metal profile is mounted, attached with hinges to supporting posts. Metal profiles are the simplest, and at the same time extremely durable building material. Gates of any complexity and design can be made from iron, depending on the experience of the person involved in the construction. So, iron gates are divided into:
- Swing gates.
- Sliding gates.
- Sectional doors.
- Forged gates.
- Sliding gates.
As a rule, owners of suburban areas rarely have at least some construction experience, so the optimal solution would be to install swing gates made of steel sheets with a thickness of at least 3 mm. They have undeniable advantages when working independently:
- Creating an iron gate does not require much time or effort.
- The building material required for the work is available and attractively priced.
- Swing gates, despite their simplicity, are one of the durable options compared to sectional, sliding or sliding gates.
- Such gates can be made even by a person who has never done such work before.
Swing gates
Swing gates are a structure with two iron leaves, which are hung on hinges and secured with a lock.
The door leaf can be either solid (profiled sheet, flat sheet of iron) or decorative (forged gates of any complexity). Having chosen the appropriate option, you can proceed to the stage of preparing the independent installation of iron gates.
Design
At the design stage, it is important to determine the exact location of the gate, the option of opening it outward or inward, as well as its length and width. The more carefully the measurements are taken, the easier it will be to erect the gate.
To get started you will need:
- Tape measure, rope, shovel, hand or electric drill, grinder, drill, screwdriver, building level.
- Garage hinges – 4 (6) pieces with a diameter of no more than 100-120 cm, reinforcing plates, “ears” for the lock, self-tapping screws, welding machine.
- Metal profiles 6x4 and 2x2.
Installation steps
Based on calculations, building materials are purchased. A 6x4 metal profile, which will act as load-bearing posts, can be purchased in 1 piece, which will then be cut into 2 identical sections. If you plan to install solid iron gates, you need to purchase two steel sheets of the required size.
It is advisable to hang such gate leaves with at least 3 hinges each.
The length of each supporting post must consist of the height of the steel sheets - the gate leaves, the gap between the leaf and the ground, as well as the depth of the hole in the ground. For greater stability, the metal profile is installed in holes prepared in advance in the right places, the depth of which exceeds the freezing level. A sand and gravel cushion is placed at the bottom of the prepared hole, a stand is placed and it is securely fixed with concrete mortar.
After pouring the concrete solution, give the posts a few days so as not to disturb the concrete base of the gate.
Garage hinges are welded in suitable places. Reinforcing plates are attached to them by welding.
Metal profiles are welded around the perimeter onto steel sheets—the future doors. They will give the gate rigidity. On the inside, “ears” are attached through which the padlock shackle will pass.
The gate leaves are welded to the garage hinges with reinforcing plates at a pre-marked location.
To give strength to the gate, one 6x4 cm metal profile is added to the top and bottom of the structure, the length of which is equal to the distance from one supporting post to the other. One profile needs to be welded to the upper ends of the supporting posts, the other to the lower ends.
The gate leaves must fit entirely onto the lower profile. This will ensure a longer service life of the iron gates being erected and will eliminate premature sagging.
In some cases, special stops are made into the ground on the lower inner edges of the doors, which prevent the inevitable sagging of the gate. However, this measure is not a good solution. Experts recommend using a concrete column sunk into the ground at the junction of the shutters as a measure to prevent sagging of iron gates. Its height should be equal to the distance from the ground to the bottom of the doors.
This video shows the process of welding gates from a profile. You may find this information useful.
Cost and features of choosing wrought iron gates for your home
Pricing depends on the material used, the complexity of the pattern and the amount of metal used. A square meter of simple design can cost only 2,000 rubles. At the same time, the price for a gate with an original design and relief reaches 20,000-50,000 rubles.
The price of the structure per square meter varies from 2,000 to 50,000 rubles.
The height of this type of gate varies from 1.5 to 3 m. If necessary, you can place an individual order, which will indicate non-standard dimensions. However, the original design will cost more than standard versions produced in factories.
It is worth noting that products that have a small height are ideally suited for decorating with artistic forging. In turn, large gates are purchased to ensure the highest degree of security. Photos and prices of forged gates can be easily found on the Internet. Each type of this design has its own characteristics, so when choosing the required variety, you need to take into account all the pros and cons.
When choosing a gate, you need to consider opening options, leaf sizes and the type of locking mechanism.
Combined options provide protection from prying eyes. However, when choosing them, it is necessary to take into account the combination of materials. Corrugated sheeting is best suited for shielding such structures. Photos of forged gates with such a continuous coating clearly demonstrate the advantages of this combination.
An important factor when choosing a gate is its functionality. In this case, the dimensions of the valves, opening options, types of locking mechanisms, as well as the presence of a gate are taken into account. Forged sliding gates with a beautiful pattern require careful calculations and the organization of an accurate sketch. The same applies to other options equipped with a roller sliding mechanism. Simple types of designs are less functional, and accordingly, they are easier to choose.
The height of standard wrought iron gates varies from 1.5 to 3 meters.
How to make metal gates with your own hands?
How to make metal gates for your dacha with your own hands? What do you need to have for this job? What requirements must they satisfy? Typically, for dachas and cottages, most people prefer making gates from iron, although they can also be made from other metals. The cost of the material and the possibility of using welding when creating the structure play a role.
Scheme of metal swing gates.
What gates exist?
There is a large selection of similar products on the market. But most people are put off by their relatively high price. Although you can use industrial designs to create drawings of your design. Gates are divided into the following types:
- Hinged modification - has 2 doors that can be opened in both directions.
- Sliding or sliding structures are made when you need to save space. The passage opens by sliding one or two doors along the fence. Such doors are mounted on rollers or use a movable frame.
- Sectional structures are used on garage doors. They can descend from top to bottom and consist of a certain number of interconnected sections. When using them, a lot of space is saved, but such gates are characterized by jamming of the mechanism.
Metal sliding gate diagram.
Of the above types, people usually choose the first option for dachas and cottages - a swing structure.
The length of their doors can reach up to 4-6 meters, and they themselves rotate on hinges that are mounted on poles made of metal pipes or a wall frame. They have a relatively low cost, and they do not have complex mechanisms.
Gate installation algorithm and tips for installing them
It is recommended to pay attention to the photo of forged gates. The pictures explain in detail all stages of installation and allow you to cope with this task, avoiding mistakes. After the foundation for the support has hardened, you can begin organizing the brickwork. In this case, the cement mortar must be made thicker. For laying bricks, a special device is used - a trowel.
On a note! If you plan to install forged gates with corrugated sheets, then you need to calculate the facing material in advance. Experts recommend adding 15-20% of reserve to the final figure, which will cover possible defects that arise during the work process.
In order to place the gate evenly, it is necessary to properly install the opening for it.
It is important to remember that at the points where the gate is fixed on the brickwork, a metal busbar must be stretched. This is a mandatory event that cannot be ignored. After this, you can begin the actual installation of the gate. First, the fixing elements are installed. Next, the sashes are installed on them. For a deeper understanding of this process, it is recommended to search the Internet and watch a training video.
Forged elements for gates can be welded to the structure in advance or this process can be performed after it is mounted on the supports. It all depends on the number of components and their dimensions. Installation work in this case is complicated. The possibility of an inexperienced specialist making a mistake is very high, so it is necessary to soberly assess your own capabilities.
If you nevertheless decide to install the forged structure yourself, then for the work you will need to purchase the following tools:
Decorative parts can be welded in advance or during installation.
- grinder;
- welding equipment;
- drill;
- fixing elements;
- trowel;
- building level;
- measuring tape.
Before starting installation, be sure to study the photo of the wrought iron gate. The installation price depends on many factors, such as the type of gate, its size, soil characteristics, etc.
To avoid mistakes when installing gates, it is recommended to carefully study the process algorithm.
Before you buy a wrought iron gate, you need to choose a suitable (for specific conditions) design. Self-installation requires compliance with the procedure and care. We should also not forget that the finished structure requires preventive checks, which include processing the hinges and applying protective compounds. Proper care allows you to extend the service life of the installed fence.
Metal gate: DIY production and photos
Many owners of country houses prefer to make a gate separately from the gate. Moreover, you can build it yourself from different materials, but most often they use wood or metal. Such a product will decorate any area, but before you begin its construction, you need to select the installation location. You also need to take measurements and draw up a diagram.
Finding the installation location
The gate should be installed so that there is a clear passage to the house. In addition, there should not be any holes near it, otherwise dirt and water will accumulate in the recesses all the time.
You can make several gates with your own hands, for example, one will be the entrance gate and the other will be the rear gate to reduce the distances to be overcome. Moreover, additional doors can be built from wood.
Design features of the gate
To make metal gates with your own hands you will need the following elements:
- The frame that serves as the base of the door in the fence,
- Sheathing,
- Canopies for fixing the product,
- Latches.
Particular attention should be paid to the sheathing, since a variety of materials can be used to construct a metal gate: profiled sheets, galvanized sheets, chain-link mesh or reinforcement. When choosing a covering, it is better to first look at a photo of how the product will look with it, since there are many of them on the Internet today.
Installation of side posts
The metal gate is mounted on posts that are driven one meter into the ground to prevent the product from sagging under its own weight. Then markings are made and the installation location is marked.
Using a grinder, you need to cut the length of the post from the workpiece, adding one meter to it. Then the surface is treated: traces of rust are removed with anti-corrosion liquid and a grinder. When everything dries, a white coating will appear, which should also be removed with a rag.
Next, using a hand drill, holes are made in the ground at the marking sites, with a diameter 10 cm larger than that of the pipe. If there is no such tool, then you can dig them.
To fill the holes you will need a liquid solution. To prepare it, you need to mix cement with sand in a ratio of approximately 1:3 . You should get a homogeneous mixture. Add a little water to it and bring the mass to a liquid state.
The next step is to install the pillars. You need to fill the drilled holes with crushed stone or any stones and compact everything. Then the supports are poured, but be careful about their alignment. The perpendicularity of the installation should be checked with a plumb line.
Making a gate frame with your own hands
To make the frame, as a rule, a metal corner is used. It gives the product durability and strength. Before proceeding with the construction of a door in the fence, you need to decide in advance on its dimensions. By the way, the bottom of the gate should be slightly higher than its pillars , you can see the photo to see what it looks like.
The frame will be based on several metal profiles, one of which will be additional. The length of the last product should be similar to the width of the metal. This profile will create additional rigidity, as it will be placed in the center. This frame will last for many years.
Sheathing of the product
Any suitable material is suitable for such purposes. In addition, the door in the fence can be made open with a pattern of bent reinforcement. But, if they make a blind gate, then use:
- Edged board . It will go perfectly with the corner base. The boards are fixed to the additional profile and frame with screws.
- Chain-link fence . Most often, country gates are built from it. It is secured with wire ends or screws with a wide head.
- Solid sheet of metal . It is cut to the size of the frame, applied and secured by welding. It is also advisable to use it for fixing rivets. There is no need to use too thick sheets - 2-3 mm will be enough.
Main features of forged gates: photos and characteristics
Forged structures harmoniously combine qualities such as functionality and aesthetics. They can be assembled from various materials. However, regardless of what components are included in such a fence, all structures are highly durable and perform an excellent job of protective functions.
Forged gates are divided into different types according to their purpose.
Buying or independently assembling forged gates is, first of all, a chance to show your taste. The variety of patterns contributes to the great popularity of these designs. Each person can choose a design they like and order a product or try to make it themselves. Photos of beautiful forged gates make it possible to visually evaluate their advantages.
On a note! Before you buy a forged structure, you need to remember that it will require the construction of reliable supporting elements. This is due to the fact that such gates are made of metal and are heavy.
Forged structures are distinguished by a wide variety of patterns.
The mass of such structures is, perhaps, their main disadvantage. This also complicates their independent production. Mistakes made when drawing up a project for inexpensive wrought-iron gates are fraught with serious consequences, so to prevent them you need to know how a sketch is drawn up.
The drawing of the future metal structure must contain the following elements:
- frame;
- fixation products;
- decorative details;
- awnings;
- locking devices.
One of the main disadvantages of wrought iron gates is their heavy weight.
In addition to the mandatory image of all elements, it is also required to indicate their dimensions in the diagram. The choice of the geometric shape of the valves depends on the financial capabilities of the owners and their personal preferences. For example, you can choose ordinary rectangular sashes, the organization of which is not difficult. Figured elements are reflected in the final cost of the gate.
Do-it-yourself metal gates - what could be simpler!
Recent years in the real estate market have shown that a fairly large percentage of people prefer to exchange city apartments for private houses and cottages.
It goes without saying that for private homes, the presence of good metal gates that are both durable and comfortable plays an important role.
Metal gates with forging elements
Of course, you can call installation specialists to your home, hand over the money and wait patiently for the result, but more and more owners prefer to take on the production of metal gates themselves.
The work of making metal products at first glance seems unattainable, but it is quite accessible to almost everyone.
When planning installation, it is advisable to study the proposals of construction companies to determine the most optimal choice - how you want to see the design of your fence or garage.
Existing gate types
Builders offer a choice of several types of structures with fundamental differences in installation, scope of application and appearance.
- Swing - consisting of two doors that swing open on both sides.
- Sliding (sliding) - allowing you to save a large amount of free space. Metal sheets are moved from the side of the yard along the fence, opening a passage. Basically, such doors are mounted either on rollers or on a movable frame.
- Sectional - mostly garage, interesting because they go down from top to bottom and consist of a large number of metal sections fastened together. Convenient and saves space. Among the shortcomings, one can note the periodic jamming of the rotating mechanism.
For do-it-yourself installation, swing gates remain the most popular type of construction, as they combine a low price with undoubtedly high performance advantages.
Metal gates
Swing gates
Proven for centuries, a simple and reliable option remains popular in our time, as a permanent guardian of the territory of both private homes and businesses. A huge number of various design options makes such gates not only reliable, but also beautiful.
The design of swing gates is very simple - one or two doors, hinged on poles or a wall frame. The doors, sometimes up to 5 meters wide, depending on the location of the hinges, can open both inward and outward.
Advantages of swing gates
- Low cost, which is greatly facilitated by the minimal cost of materials and the absence of complex mechanisms.
- Easy to operate, since the doors can open in different directions and do not limit the height of vehicles passing between them.
- Easy to maintain - due to their simple design, they do not require serious maintenance.
- Functionality - whether in industrial or private properties, they are equally convenient.
Unlike forged, sliding and sectional gates, the installation of which can only be done by a specialist, swing gates can be installed by anyone familiar with welding.
Types of swing gates
When choosing materials, site owners must first of all decide what specific tasks the structures they build will perform; fortunately, modern construction has developed many options.
- Chain-link mesh is the cheapest and lightest option. They are valued by summer residents and gardeners for their low financial costs, ability to transmit light, and reliability.
- Made from welded mesh - having the advantages of being assembled from chain-link, they are much more durable.
- Welded from gratings - they are a canvas assembled from metal pipes welded together with a decoration made of forged rods. Such doors are preferred by owners of small cottages.
- Welded blinds - made of sheet steel, reliably covering the area from prying eyes and unauthorized entry. Famous for their high resistance to mechanical damage.
- Corrugated sheeting is one of the most popular metal options for a summer residence. They are good for their properties, as they protect the territory from prying eyes, are reliable in operation and durable.
What types of gates are there depending on the opening method?
According to this indicator, such products are divided into 4 main types.
Swing structures. The most common are the first two types of forged gates, the production of which requires the least effort. The same goes for their installation. Swing structures have a simple structure and do not require special maintenance.
According to the type of opening, gates can be swing, lifting, sliding and sliding.
On a note! Swing gates do not have a movement mechanism. Therefore, they have a more affordable cost when compared with other varieties.
Sliding gates. They differ from the previous type in that they include in their design special guide elements equipped with a roller mechanism. Due to the need to purchase this fittings, their cost is higher than that of their hinged counterparts. When opened, wrought iron sliding gates slide to the side (along the fence). One of the main advantages of such products is that they save a lot of space. Therefore, they are most often purchased for installation in limited space.
Doors in sliding structures move in different directions when opened.
Sliding gates. These gates have the same operating principle as sliding gates. The difference in this case is that they have a different device. Sliding products consist of two doors that move in different directions when opened.
Preventative care for them consists of lubricating the hinges and checking individual structural elements for rust. The gate opens very simply: two doors simply move apart in different directions, clearing the way. Such products also have some disadvantages that are worth paying attention to. First of all, the price is high. However, over time, the costs pay off, since the service life of these gates is longer than that of their analogues. The second disadvantage of such structures is the complexity of assembly and installation.
Swing structures are the most economical and easy to use type of door.
Lifting gates. The most original option. A special mechanism is installed on such products. When opening, such gates rise and enter the building, clearing the passage. This design has several disadvantages. Its installation requires special conditions. The disadvantage in this case is the high price of forged gates. Sliding options are the most acceptable if you need to organize travel in limited space.
The cost of forged gates is influenced not only by their type, but also by the size of the figured elements, as well as their quantity. Large patterns are easier to produce than small ones. Sliding gates with forging can also be made from a conventional structure. Thanks to special fittings, creating such a device is not difficult. The automatic system, which is responsible for the movement of individual sashes, is a very convenient solution. With it you can remotely change the position of the gate.
Sliding doors are equipped with a roller mechanism, thanks to which the structure moves to the side when opened.
Design Features
When choosing materials for making gates, it is important to take into account their operating conditions and how resistant they are to the negative effects of external factors.
Designs with artistic forging or various combinations with wooden elements are widely used. Such models have practical properties and look impressive.
Regardless of the type, any gate will consist of a number of elements:
- frame (main part);
- pillars;
- loops;
- sheathing;
- locking mechanism.
For convenience, many homeowners choose metal gates with a wicket; overhead hinges are also used to install the wicket.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Video instructions for assembling simple gates from metal profiles:
Making a gate yourself is a responsible task, but the result and the minimum amount of investment will fully justify the time spent. When performing work, you should approach each step carefully and as responsibly as possible, which will minimize the likelihood of errors.
And then gates made from metal profiles, made independently, will not only cost much less than purchased ones, but will also be ideal for your site and meet your requirements.
Have you already assembled a metal gate or are you just considering this option? If yes, then in the comments block you can share your personal experience with our other readers. Here you can also ask advice from our experts or ask questions to visitors who have experience making gates at home.