If you need a gate that saves space and still feels solid, a sliding gate is a strong pick, especially around Burnaby where driveways, lanes, and parking pads can be tight. ICE BLUE STEEL LTD. is based in Port Coquitlam and works across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, building and installing metal gates, railings, stairs, steel frames, and more. You can see the company on the Home page, and a bit of the story on the About page.

This post is all about sliding gates in Burnaby, what they are used for, what pricing depends on, and what the install steps usually look like.

Why sliding gates work well in Burnaby

A sliding gate moves sideways along a track or glides with a cantilever system, so it does not swing into your driveway or sidewalk. That makes it a good match for a lot of Burnaby lots and lane access.

Common reasons people choose a sliding gate:

• More room for parking because the gate does not need a swing arc

• Better control of driveway access, even on shorter pads

• A cleaner look from the street, with fewer moving parts in the open

• A safer feel for kids and pets when paired with the right latch and spacing

If you want to see the service page that focuses on this type of work, check Sliding Gates Vancouver and the Gates overview.

Real world use cases in Burnaby

Sliding gates are not only for big estates. They show up in all kinds of places.

Homes and duplexes

In Burnaby, a lot of homes have lanes and shared access. A sliding gate can:

• Keep one clear entry path for cars

• Cut down random foot traffic through a driveway

• Give you a clean edge line along a fence

Many homeowners pair a gate with matching fencing, like the setups shown on Fence Vancouver, so everything looks like one set.

Townhomes and small strata lots

Strata sites often need simple access control without blocking sidewalks or garage doors. A sliding gate can work at:

• Underground garage entries

• Side lane entries with tight turning space

• Shared waste and loading areas

For multi unit sites, people also think about railings and stairs at the same time. If you are planning a few upgrades together, the Services page is a good place to see the full range.

Shops, storefronts, and light industrial

Sliding gates are common at:

• Back lane service entries

• Small warehouses and yards

• Contractor storage areas

• Loading zones that need a clear opening

If your site also needs overhead coverage near a door or bay, it can pair nicely with metal work like Canopy Vancouver.

Gate styles and materials that people pick

Sliding gates can be simple or more design focused. The right choice depends on what you want first, privacy, airflow, or a certain look.

Common style options

• Picket style: bars with spacing, keeps visibility

• Solid or semi solid panels: more privacy, more wind load

• Horizontal slats: modern look, can be steel or aluminum

• Mixed materials: metal frame with wood infill, or metal with frosted panels

If your property already has glass railings, a gate style with clean lines can match well with Glass Railings or Stainless Steel Railings.

Steel, aluminum, and stainless steel

• Steel is a common choice for strength and long spans. It usually gets a protective finish like paint or powder coating.

• Aluminum is lighter, and many people like it for slat designs. If you want that direction, see Aluminum Railings Vancouver or Aluminum Railings Langley for the general material vibe.

• Stainless steel shows up more in hardware parts or specific design looks, and it pairs nicely with railings, like Stainless Steel Railings.

Safety and function details that matter

A sliding gate looks simple, but the small details decide how it feels day to day.

Key points to think about:

• Clear opening width for your vehicles, including larger pickups and service vans

• Latch and lock style, and where the lock sits for easy use

• Bottom gap so the gate does not scrape with minor driveway slope

• Stop points so it closes the same way each time

• Spacing between bars or slats, especially if kids or pets are around

• Automation or manual operation, depending on budget and power access

For some properties, it is also smart to plan the gate together with handrails on nearby steps, like Custom Handrails Vancouver, so the entry area feels consistent.

What affects pricing for a sliding gate in Burnaby

Gate pricing can swing a lot because every driveway is a bit different. Here are the main factors that change the number.

Size and layout

• Overall gate width and height

• Space on the side where the gate slides open

• Driveway slope, grade, and surface condition

Gate type and hardware

• Track style vs cantilever style

• Roller quality, posts, end catches, and guides

• Lock type and any access control gear

Materials and finish

• Steel vs aluminum vs mixed materials

• Paint or powder coat choice, and color

• If the design is solid, slatted, or picket

Site conditions

• Concrete condition for posts and track base

• Drainage and debris issues in the slide path

• Any extra steel work needed for stability

Permits and strata rules

• Some sites need strata approval or city permits, depending on the job

• Property line checks and lane rules can affect placement

If you want to talk through your site and get a quote, the quickest route is the Contacts page.

What the install process looks like

Here is what the process often looks like, in plain steps. Exact steps can change based on the site.

1. Site visit and measurements
   The team checks opening width, slide space, slope, and post locations.

2. Design and basic planning
   You pick the look, height, spacing, and finish, plus manual or automated.

3. Fabrication in the shop
   The gate frame and posts are built, then prepped for finish.

4. Finish work
   Paint or powder coat is done, and hardware is pre fit as needed.

5. On site post setting and base prep
   Posts are set plumb, and track base or supports are set up.

6. Gate hang and alignment
   Rollers, guides, and stops are adjusted so the gate slides clean.

7. Lock and final checks
   Latch, lock, and closing points are tested. You get a quick walk through of the daily use.

If the job also includes fencing, railings, or stair parts, it can be coordinated with other work listed on the main Services page.

Common questions

1) Do I need a track on the ground?

Not always. Track gates are common, but cantilever gates can work without a ground track if the layout fits.

2) Can a sliding gate work on a sloped driveway?

Yes, but the design must match the slope so it does not bind or scrape. Sometimes a stepped base or a slightly higher bottom gap is used.

3) How wide should the opening be?

Many people aim for enough room for a larger vehicle plus a bit of comfort. The best width depends on your driveway angle and turning space.

4) What finish holds up best in our weather?

A proper coating system matters. Powder coat is popular for looks, and a good paint system can also do well when prep is done right.

5) Can I match the gate to my fence or railings?

Yes. A gate can match the same style cues as your fence or railings. If you like a clean glass look on decks, Glass Railings can pair nicely with a simple metal gate design.

6) How long does installation take?

Many installs are done over a few days, but it depends on concrete work, curing time, and site access.

7) Do sliding gates need maintenance?

A little, yes. Keeping the slide path clear and checking rollers and guides once in a while helps. If you have a ground track, clearing gravel and leaves is a big one.

8) Can I add automation later?

Often yes, as long as the gate and hardware are set up with that in mind. Power access and space for the operator also matter.

A few quick tips before you book a gate

• Think about where snow, leaves, and gravel pile up in winter

• Leave room for the gate to slide fully open

• Plan for delivery access on install day

• If you share a lane, check neighbor clearance and turning needs

• If this is a strata site, get the basic approval early

If you want more reading, you can look through the Blog for other metal, glass, and aluminum topics.

Ready to talk about a sliding gate in Burnaby?

If you want a sliding gate that fits your driveway and matches the look of your place, reach out to ICE BLUE STEEL LTD. through the Contacts page. Share a couple photos, your rough opening width, and what style you like, and you will get clear next steps.