Best Gate Options for Wide Side Access- over 1.5m
If you’ve got a wide opening down the side of your house, carport, or driveway, choosing the right gate setup makes a big difference to how usable that space actually is.
For most Perth homes with side access openings, there are a few options-but in the majority of cases, aluminium slat double gates are the most practical and reliable solution.
This guide breaks down what actually works, and when each option makes sense.
The Best Overall Option: Aluminium Slat Double Gates
For wide side access for Perth homes, the most balanced and commonly used setup is a double gate system made from aluminium slats.
This works best because:
Each gate leaf is lighter and easier to operate than one wide single one
The opening is split, reducing strain on hinges and posts
It handles wider spans more effectively than a single gate
It suits modern homes and new builds
It provides a clean, consistent look with fencing
For most residential properties, once you’re beyond a standard pedestrian opening, this becomes the most practical long-term option.
When Double Gates Make the Most Sense
Double gates are typically the right choice when:
The opening is wider than 1.5m
You need access for bins, trailers, or occasional vehicle entry
You want a secure but usable side passage
The gate is part of a carport or driveway side access
They’re commonly used for:
Side access to backyards
Carport-to-rear-yard entry points
Driveway side enclosures
Storage access for trailers, bikes, or equipment
All of our aluminium slat double gates are custom made to suit your opening, with a range of slat sizes, gap options, and hardware setups available depending on the access requirements.
Alternative Option: Single Gate (Limited Use)
A single gate can still work in some situations, but only for narrower openings.
Best used when:
The opening is around 1.0m – 1.5m max
You only need pedestrian access
There’s no requirement for moving larger items through
Once you go beyond that width, a single gate becomes:
Heavy and harder to use
More likely to drop over time
Less practical for everyday access
That’s why most wider side access setups move away from single gates entirely.
Fixed Panels + Gates (Practical Layout Option)
In some side access layouts, you don’t always need the full opening to be usable.
A common solution is:
Double gate section + fixed aluminium slat panel
This works well when:
You only need full width access occasionally
You want to reduce the daily use span
There are walls, meters, or tight boundary conditions
You want a cleaner visual balance along the fence line
It’s a flexible setup that still keeps the space secure and functional.
Wide Carport Side Access Solution with Double Gates and Fixed Panels
This installation was completed at the end of a carport in Iluka, creating a practical side access solution using aluminium slat double gates with fixed privacy panels on either side.
The homeowners had a wide opening, but didn’t require the entire width to be functional as a gate. Instead, we designed a layout that keeps the central section as double gates, allowing full-width access when needed, while the fixed panels on either side help define and clean up the overall boundary line.
For everyday use, a single gate leaf can be opened for quick access, while the full double gate setup is available for larger items such as bins, equipment, or occasional wider access needs.
Why Aluminium Slats Are the Preferred Material
Aluminium slat gates are widely used for side access because they are:
Low maintenance (no rust, painting, or warping)
Strong but lightweight
Suitable for wide spans
Our aluminium slat double gates are available in a range of Colorbond® matched colours, making it easy to match your existing fencing, roof, or exterior finishes.
Modern in appearance
Customisable slat size and gap size
Ideal for Perth’s coastal conditions
They also allow for adjustable privacy through slat spacing, making them suitable for both functional and aesthetic use.
What Most People Get Wrong About Side Access Gates
The biggest mistake homeowners make is focusing only on width.
But the real factors that matter are:
How often you actually need full access
What you’re moving through the space
Whether the gate will be used daily or occasionally
How the gates will perform over time
A slightly smaller, well-designed double gate setup is often far more practical than trying to maximise width at all costs.
Working with experienced double gate installers makes a big difference, especially with wider openings where alignment and structure matter.
Want a Proper Side Access Setup?
Every property is slightly different, especially with slopes, boundary walls, and existing structures. A properly designed aluminium slat double gate setup ensures your side access actually works in real life. Read more about our aluminium slat double gates or reach out for a quote today.