- Profiled metal sheet
- Metal picket fence panels (Euro picket fence)
- Wood
- Artistic forging
- Sandwich panels
- What other materials are available
- What to consider when choosing a material
When choosing sliding gates for a private property or an industrial site, it's important to consider not only the strength of the hardware and the reliability of the automatic system. The type of infill used for the gate panel — the space inside the metal frame — also plays a crucial role. It determines the overall appearance of the gate, how lightweight or durable it is, how quietly it operates, and how well it protects the area from prying eyes.
According to statistics, more than half of all sliding gates in Ukraine are filled with profiled metal sheet, but interest in alternative materials has been steadily growing each year. In this article, we’ll explore the most popular infill materials — their advantages, disadvantages, and key features.
1. Profiled metal sheet
Profiled metal sheet is one of the most common infill materials for sliding gates, especially in the budget and mid-range segments. It is a steel sheet shaped into waves or trapezoids to increase its rigidity, and then coated with a protective polymer layer to prevent corrosion. The sheet thickness typically ranges from 0.4 to 0.8 millimeters, allowing you to choose the optimal option depending on the gate size and expected loads.
Advantages:
Affordable price
Profiled metal sheet are budget-friendly materials, which makes them popular among owners of private houses and summer house.
Light weight
The light weight of the material does not create excessive stress on the structure, which allows the use of more affordable sliding gate hardware, reducing the overall cost of the gate.
Easy installation
The material is lightweight, which simplifies its installation. If necessary, the gate leaf can be easily dismantled or individual sheets can be replaced.
Wide range of colors
Thanks to the wide color palette, it is easy to match the facade of the house, roof or fence. RAL 6005 (green), 8017 (brown) and 7024 (graphite) are particularly popular.
Corrosion resistance
The polymer protective coating ensures a longer service life of the material and its resistance to weather.
Low maintenance
The material is easy to clean and does not require regular painting.
Complete privacy
The profiled metal sheet has no holes and provides maximum protection from prying eyes.
Profiled metal sheet is perfect for sliding gates of private homes and industrial enterprises. It ensures complete privacy of the territory, requires minimal maintenance and can serve for more than 25 years.
Disadvantages:
Simple appearance
For some, profiled metal sheet may look too simple or even too «economical», especially if you want the gate to harmoniously complement a stylish and expressive exterior.
Low impact resistance
Profiled metal sheet can easily be crumpled by an impact, leaving dents or deformations. This is worth keeping in mind if the gate is going to be placed where it can be accidentally hit.
Color fading
Over time, cheap options with a thin polymer layer can fade in the sun and lose their appearance.
Vibrations and rumbling in the wind
In strong winds, large sheets without additional stiffeners and with poor quality hardware can vibrate and create an unpleasant rumble.
In general, profiled metal sheet is a great solution for those looking for a budget-friendly, easy-to-install and low-maintenance option that performs well and fits any type of fence.
For simple sliding gates made of profiled metal sheet, hardware is suitable::
- Kit of hardware for sliding gates Optima SP Premier
- Kit of hardware for sliding gates Standart SP Premier
- Kit of hardware for sliding gates Standart Smart SP Premier
- Kit of hardware for sliding gates Standart Trend SP Premier
- Kit of hardware for sliding gates Standart Pro SP Premier
2. Metal picket fence panels (Euro picket fence)
Another popular option is a metal picket fence, which is a separate metal strip that is attached to the gate frame at a certain interval. It is made of galvanized steel with a thickness of 0.4-0.5 millimeters with a polymer coating. It imitates a classic wooden picket fence, but is significantly superior in terms of durability and ease of maintenance. The picket fence is used for both continuous and partial filling of the gate leaf.
Advantages:
Attractive appearance
The metal picket gate has an aesthetic appearance that blends seamlessly into any landscape. Its modern design makes the gate look neat and attractive. The picket fence can imitate wood or have a stylish powder coating.
Privacy and ventilation
It is possible to create different levels of privacy. The slats can be installed with different gaps — from completely blind filling to decorative with gaps. This allows you to adjust the ventilation and lighting of the area while maintaining an aesthetic appearance.
Durability
The galvanized coating together with a polymer layer protects the fence from rust. This allows it to retain its strength and attractive appearance for a long time without additional maintenance.
Wide range of colors and shapes
Metal fencing is available in a wide variety of colors, shapes and textures. The slats can have different profiles — from rectangular to curly, as well as a glossy, matte or wood-like finish. This allows you to choose the material to match any style of house or site.
The wide range of colors includes not only standard colors but also coatings imitating natural materials. Euro picket fence is easily combined with various styles of architecture and landscape design.
Disadvantages:
Installation requires more time and effort
Each picket fence must be installed separately, maintaining equal distances and verticality, which complicates the process. Compared to corrugated board, installation of sliding gates made of metal picket fence takes more time and requires more attention to detail.
Higher cost
Metal picket fence usually costs more than profiled metal sheet, especially when choosing decorative shapes and coatings. This is due to more complex production and longer installation. Such gates are an aesthetic but less cost-effective alternative.
A metal picket fence is a successful combination of aesthetics, durability and practicality that fits perfectly with both classic and modern fences and styles of house architecture.
For sliding gates made of metal picket fence, hardware is suitable:
- Kit of hardware for sliding gates Optima SP Premier
- Kit of hardware for sliding gates Standart SP Premier
- Kit of hardware for sliding gates Standart Smart SP Premier
- Kit of hardware for sliding gates Standart Trend SP Premier
- Kit of hardware for sliding gates Standart Pro SP Premier
3. Wood
Wood is a classic material that is always associated with aesthetics, naturalness and comfort. For sliding gates, hardwoods such as oak, ash, larch or pine are used, treated with special protective agents. It can be either a solid wooden panel or individual boards.
Advantages:
Natural appearance
Creates a cozy atmosphere and blends harmoniously into the exterior of a private house, especially if there is a wooden fence, terrace or landscape design elements.
Environmental friendliness
Wood is a natural material that does not contain toxic substances and is safe for people and the environment, especially when using certified, environmentally friendly wood impregnations.
Good noise insulation properties
Due to its natural density, wood is more effective at absorbing outside sounds than metal structures. This is especially useful for fences in private homes, where protection from noise from the street or neighboring areas is important.
Possibility of creating a unique design
Each wooden slat has a unique texture and grain pattern, which makes each fence special. Moreover, wood is easy to process — it can be painted, tinted, cut out decorative elements or combined with other materials to create an exclusive gate design.
Wood is one of the few materials that simultaneously adds warmth, status and natural harmony to a structure. Sliding gates with wood can look more expensive than they actually are.
Disadvantages:
Needs regular maintenance
Wood is sensitive to moisture, UV light, fungi and pests. To preserve its appearance and strength, it must be periodically treated with special protective agents (varnish, antiseptic, oil).
Heavy weight
When using massive boards or hardwoods such as oak or larch, the weight of the canvas can be quite heavy. This increases the load on the guides, rollers, and automatic system, which may require the installation of reinforced hardware and a more powerful drive.
Higher cost
High-quality wood, especially hardwood, has a significantly higher price compared to metal or plastic alternatives. In addition, costs are increased due to the need for protective treatment, regular maintenance and the use of stronger sliding gate hardware for a heavy gate leaf.
If you like the natural look of wood and are considering it as a gate infill option, you should consider all the important points in advance. Sliding gates require a more reliable base and more powerful hardware, for example:
- Kit of hardware for sliding gates Standart Pro SP Premier
- Kit of hardware for sliding gates Strong SP Premier
4. Artistic forging
Artistic forging is a choice for those who seek exclusivity and sophistication. The gate leaf can be made entirely of forged elements or combined with other materials, such as wood.
Advantages:
Unique and exclusive design
Forged gates are always distinguished by exquisite design and handmade details, which makes each design unique and a real decoration of the entrance.
High strength and durability
Metal processed by forging is highly resistant to mechanical damage. After forging, the elements are usually coated with anti-corrosion agents and paint, which prevents rust formation and extends the service life of the structure.
Prestige
Forged gates are a status symbol that emphasize the exquisite taste, prestige and individuality of the owner, adding a special charm and elegance to the house or territory.
Unlike serialized options, artistic forging allows you to realize any idea — from classic to modern, taking into account the architecture of the house.
Disadvantages:
Very high cost
The process of creating a wrought iron gate is quite expensive, especially when it comes to complex patterns, unique designs, or handmade work that combines high craftsmanship, quality materials, and significant labor costs. This is one of the most expensive filling options.
Lack of privacy
Classic wrought iron gates usually have an open, openwork structure with decorative openings that do not hide the yard from prying eyes. Such a design serves more as an aesthetic function than privacy. Therefore, forging can be combined with opaque materials — metal sheets, wood or other materials.
Long production time
Forged gates are made by hand, which makes the process long — from several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the design. An individual approach to each element, careful processing and precision in execution require considerable time, so this option is not suitable for urgent installation.
Heavy weight
Forged gates, especially those with dense or solid infill, are heavy, requiring a solid foundation, a reinforced kit of sliding gate hardware, and powerful automatic system for smooth operation. An insufficiently strong base or a weak drive can lead to rapid wear of the hardware or malfunctions of the gate.
For massive forged gates, we recommend using hardware kits specially designed for heavy-duty structures, which ensure smooth operation, reliability and durability:
- Kit of hardware for sliding gates Standart Pro SP Premier
- Kit of hardware for sliding gates Strong SP Premier
5. Sandwich panels
Sandwich panels are a multilayer material consisting of two metal sheets with a filler between them (usually polyurethane foam). This option is often used for gates of industrial and commercial facilities.
Advantages:
High thermal and sound insulation
Sandwich panels effectively retain heat inside the building and reduce external noise. This is especially important for gates installed in warehouses, production facilities, workshops or in regions with cold climates.
Attractive appearance
Sandwich panels are available in various textures — smooth, paneled, corrugated — and in a wide range of colors, including popular wood grain options. This allows you to choose a design that will harmoniously fit into the architecture of your home or industrial facility.
Privacy
The solid construction of sandwich panels has no openings, so it reliably closes the area from prying eyes. This is a great option for those who value privacy — both in the private sector and in commercial facilities.
This type of infill goes well with minimalist facades, fences made of smooth panels or modern architecture without unnecessary details.
Disadvantages:
Higher cost compared to corrugated board
Sandwich panels have a complex multilayer structure with insulation, which ensures their insulating properties but also increases production costs. As a result, such gates are more expensive than profiled metal sheet options.
Weight of the structure
Compared to profiled metal sheet, sandwich panels have a higher weight due to their multilayer structure with insulation and rigid cladding, especially with a long leaf length.
Difficulty of repair
If one panel is damaged, replacing it often requires dismantling of the entire gate leaf and the involvement of specialists.
SP Premier hardware kits are suitable for sandwich panel sliding gates:
- Kit of hardware for sliding gates Optima SP Premier
- Kit of hardware for sliding gates Standart SP Premier
- Kit of hardware for sliding gates Standart Smart SP Premier
- Kit of hardware for sliding gates Standart Trend SP Premier
- Kit of hardware for sliding gates Standart Pro SP Premier
6. What other materials are available for gates
Polycarbonate inserts
A popular solution that can have different degrees of privacy: transparent inserts let in more light and visibility, while colored and matte (bronze, gray, milky) inserts provide better protection from prying eyes. Inserts can have different shapes — solid stripes, horizontal or vertical sections, windows or decorative fragments.
3D mesh (Gitter mesh)
Often called 3D mesh due to the presence of stiffeners or Gitter mesh, it is a practical and inexpensive option for those looking for a lightweight and transparent solution. It consists of metal rods welded together and coated with a polymer layer.
Shutters (metal lamellas)
A modern and elegant solution consisting of horizontally arranged metal lamellas that are mounted at an angle. This allows you to combine privacy with air and light circulation, as well as reduce side wind load.
Wood-polymer composite (WPC)
An alternative to wood that combines the properties of wood and polymers. The material is resistant to moisture, decay, insects and temperature extremes, does not require painting or special care, has an attractive appearance and is available in various shades and textures that mimic natural wood.
Metal sheets with laser perforation
An original and modern option for filling gates. Precise laser cutting allows you to create patterns of any complexity — from geometric shapes to individual images. This design looks aesthetically pleasing, unique and up-to-date, striking a balance between privacy, ventilation and decorativeness.
Combined options
The combined infill for sliding cantilever gates combines two or more materials — for example, wood and metal, polycarbonate and forged elements. This solution combines structural reliability with a unique gate design.
What to consider when choosing a material
- Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on a sliding gate.
- Design and style: The material should be in harmony with the overall architectural style of the house and fence.
- Level of privacy: Do you need to completely hide the area from prying eyes, or is transparency important?
- Construction weight: Lightweight materials put less strain on the hardware and automation of sliding gates, which can extend their service life.
- Reliability and durability: What is an acceptable material life for you?
- Climatic conditions: Consider the effects of wind, rain, snow, and sunlight.
Filling the sliding gate leaf is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also of practicality. Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses, so the choice depends on your needs, budget, and preferences. If in doubt, contact our specialists who will help you choose the best solution for your facility.
Ask about hardware kits for sliding gates
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E-mail: info@sppremier.com
