A rolling gate runs on a track across the driveway. A cantilever gate is suspended above the surface on a counterbalance system, so it has no track to clog. Cantilever gates are often the better choice when snow, ice, gravel, or uneven pavement could interfere with a ground track, and they typically need less maintenance. High-performance rollers and precise balancing keep the gate gliding smoothly.
A cantilever gate needs room beside the opening to slide fully open. In most cases, that means space equal to about half the width of the opening, so a 12 ft opening needs roughly 6 ft beside it. Hedges, fences, and utility pads in that space need to move. If the room is not there, a swing gate or another gate type may suit the property better.
A windrow is the pile of snow a plough leaves at the bottom of your driveway. Thornhill is served by two municipal windrow programs, and neither clears the whole driveway entrance.
One program’s windrow-clearing service clears only a portion of the entrance, enough for a car to drive through, and residual snow may remain. It does not clear hardened snow, ice, or windrows left by sidewalk plows. The other program’s windrow removal service clears one car width and is limited to registered residents who are 60 or older or have a disability.
Either way, snow can be left in your entrance. A cantilever gate has no ground track for that snow to interfere with.
We build cantilever gates in steel, aluminum, or wrought iron, using reinforced steel frames, thick-walled posts, and anti-corrosion finishes. Choose open flat bars or pickets, solid sheet metal or privacy panels, decorative patterns, or a wood-and-metal hybrid. Finishes are powder-coated or galvanized.
Gate automation for cantilever gates includes heavy-duty sliding motors, remotes and key fobs, smartphone access, keypads, intercoms with video, safety sensors, and auto-close. We install LiftMaster sliding operators, such as the SL1000ULC, rated for gates up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). If you plan to automate, say so early so the layout allows for it.
Sliding cantilever gate prices vary with these factors:
Send photos of the driveway from the street and from inside the property line, along with the opening width and any interest in automation, for a free estimate. If we need more detail, we’ll arrange a site visit.
Cantilever gates glide above the ground using a counterbalanced frame, eliminating the need for tracks and reducing maintenance.
Yes — the cantilever design allows gates to function smoothly on narrow, sloped, or irregularly shaped entrances.
Frames, panels, slats, pickets, and decorative designs can all be tailored to match your property’s style and privacy preferences.
Yes — fully automated systems with electric motors, remote controls, keypads, and safety sensors are available.
Yes — our team manages precise measurements, fabrication, and professional installation to ensure reliable, long-lasting operation.
A swing gate needs a clear arc in front of it. A cantilever gate slides sideways, so it suits driveways where snow, landscaping, or a slope would block a swing, provided there is room beside the opening.
It needs room beside the opening, in most cases about half the width of the opening, and a strong support post system. Without that space, another gate type may fit better.
Yes. A cantilever gate can be fitted with an operator and controlled by remotes, keypads, intercom systems, card readers, or smartphone controls.
Yes. We build wood-and-metal cantilever gates, a hybrid with a warm look and strong privacy.
Send us photos of the driveway from the street and from inside the property line, the opening width, and any interest in automation, and we will take it from there.
