How do you fit two separate driveway gates into one narrow opening?

We build a center support post (a king-post) in the middle of the opening and split it into two independent sliding gates, one on each side. On this Los Angeles project the net opening was only about 26 feet, but each tenant still got their own gated entrance with its own lock and key.

Are these sliding gates manual or automatic?

These were built as manual V-track sliding gates with smooth rollers and keyed hook locks, so each tenant controls their own side. The same gate frame can be upgraded with an automatic slide-gate operator, keypad, or remote later if the owner wants powered access.

What are the gates made of?

The gates are galvanized steel, powder-coated for a durable finish, with spear-top pickets and a solid lower privacy panel. They were welded on site and the welds were touched up with matching paint.

How long does a project like this take to install?

This dual sliding gate was installed in a single day. Timing depends on opening size, ground conditions, the V-track footing, and whether an old gate or fence needs to be removed first.

Dual Sliding Gate Installation in Los Angeles: Two Tenant Entrances From One 26-Foot Opening

The project at a glance

Location: Los Angeles, CA (shared driveway / alley)
Challenge: Only ~26 ft of net opening, but two tenants each needed their own gate
Solution: A center king-post splitting the span into two independent sliding gates
Gates: Two 6-foot sliding gates, spear-top pickets with a solid lower privacy panel
Access: Separate keyed hook lock per gate — one key per tenant
Hardware: V-track and rollers for smooth daily sliding
Material: Galvanized steel, powder-coated, welded on site
Timeline: Installed in a single day

Two independent sliding driveway gates built from one 26-foot opening for two tenants in Los Angeles by Apexguard Fence

Local work: Two independent sliding gates from a single driveway opening — a center king-post lets each tenant come and go through their own keyed gate. Built by Apexguard Fence in Los Angeles.

The challenge: one opening, two tenants

This Los Angeles property had a single shared driveway entrance off the alley — only about 26 feet of net opening. The owner had two tenants on the lot, and each one needed their own secure, gated way in and out. A single shared gate would have meant shared keys and constant access conflicts.

The job was to make one tight opening serve two households independently, without sacrificing security or smooth daily use.

The solution: a center king-post and two sliding gates

Instead of one wide gate, we set a center support post (a king-post) in the middle of the opening and built two independent V-track sliding gates, one to each side. Each gate slides on its own track and locks separately, so the space is used to the maximum and each tenant gets a private entrance.

Each gate got its own keyed hook lock — different keys for different tenants — plus a fixed metal post on each side to make the gate lockable. The lower half of each gate is a solid privacy panel, with spear-top pickets above for a finished, secure look.

How it works: in a single 26-foot opening, the left gate slides right and the right gate slides left — a center king-post lets each tenant open their own side independently.

Separate keyed hook lock for each tenant on a sliding gate in Los Angeles — One keyed lock per gate — separate keys for each tenant.

Galvanized steel sliding gate with spear-top pickets, Los Angeles — Spear-top pickets over a solid privacy panel.

Sliding gate with solid steel privacy panel welded on site in Los Angeles — Solid lower privacy panel, welded and finished on site.

Two completed sliding security gates from one driveway opening in Los Angeles — Both gates finished — two private entrances, one opening.

What the job involved

Measuring the tight opening and laying out the center king-post so both gates would clear and lock.
Setting the V-track footing and posts plumb and square for smooth, reliable sliding.
Fabricating and welding two galvanized steel sliding gates on site — spear-top pickets with a solid lower privacy panel.
Installing rollers, V-track, and a keyed hook lock on each gate, with a separate key per tenant.
Powder-coated finish, with welds touched up in matching paint for a clean, rust-resistant result.

Note: on this project, demolition and haul-away of the previous setup were handled by others; our scope was the design, fabrication, and installation of the two sliding gates.

Why this approach works

A king-post split is one of the best ways to get two independent entrances out of a single narrow opening. Each tenant gets privacy, their own key, and a gate sized to actually slide and lock in a tight space — something a single oversized gate can't do. Galvanized steel with a powder-coated finish keeps it strong and low-maintenance in the Southern California climate, and the V-track system makes daily use smooth and quiet.

If you have a tight, shared, or awkward driveway opening — or a property with multiple tenants who each need their own access — we design the gate around your exact space.

★★★★★

“Great workmanship! And work was completed in a timely manner! I would not hesitate to use Apexguard in the future!”

— Hilary Fernando · Google review · this project

Thinking about a sliding or driveway gate?

Apexguard Fence designs and installs custom automatic driveway gates, manual gates, and commercial fencing across Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley, and nearby Southern California communities. Every project starts with a free on-site measurement, so the gate fits your opening and how you actually use it.

Call (626) 692-3568 or request a free estimate and tell us about your opening — tight spaces are our specialty.

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Apexguard Fence is a DBA of Apexguard Construction · Licensed, Bonded & Insured · CSLB #1148097.