Custom Gates & Entry Systems
01
Custom Steel Gates Designed, Fabricated, and Installed for Residential Properties
A gate does more than open and close.
It controls access, adds privacy, protects the property, and often becomes one of the first things people notice when they arrive.
At Texas Outlaw Welding, we design, fabricate, and install custom steel gates and entry systems for residential properties throughout the Houston area and select projects across Texas.
Our work includes:
- Automatic gates
- Sliding gates
- Swing gates
- Estate gates
- Telescoping gates
- Pedestrian gates
- Custom driveway gates
- Complete steel entry systems
Some clients come to us with completed plans.
Others have a photo, sketch, or general idea of what they want.
We can help move the project from concept through fabrication and installation.
02
Custom Gates Built Around the Property
A gate should fit the property.
- The driveway width matters.
- Available clearance matters.
- The slope of the ground matters.
- The fence and columns matter.
- The architecture of the home matters.
- The way vehicles enter and leave the property matters.
That is why we do not approach custom gates as one-size-fits-all products.
We look at the complete entry and build around the conditions of the property.
A custom gate project may need to account for:
- Driveway width
- Property lines
- Available side clearance
- Gate travel
- Vehicle size
- Grade changes
- Existing fencing
- Masonry columns
- Entry walls
- Landscaping
- Access control equipment
- Desired privacy
- Architectural style
The goal is to create an entry system that works every day and looks like it belongs there.
03
Gate types
Automatic Driveway Gates
Automatic gates provide convenient access while allowing homeowners to control who enters the property.
We fabricate custom steel gates that can be incorporated into automatic entry systems for residential driveways.
Depending on the property, the gate may use:
- Sliding operation
- Swing operation
- Telescoping operation
- Single-gate configurations
- Dual-gate configurations
The correct system depends on the driveway, available space, slope, gate size, weight, and how the property is used.
Sliding Gates
Sliding gates move horizontally along the property instead of swinging into or away from the driveway.
They can be a good solution when there is enough room beside the opening for the gate to travel.
Sliding gates may work well for:
- Wide driveways
- Properties with limited swing clearance
- Sloped driveways
- Larger custom gates
- Modern entry designs
- Residential estates
The gate has to be designed around the available travel space and the operating system being used.
We fabricate custom sliding gates based on the dimensions, style, and requirements of the property.
Swing Gates
Swing gates create a classic residential entrance.
They can be designed as:
- Single swing gates
- Double swing gates
- Decorative gates
- Modern steel gates
- Privacy gates
- Estate entrances
Swing gates need enough room to open safely without interfering with vehicles, landscaping, roads, or other parts of the property.
Driveway slope also matters.
A gate that swings across a steep grade may require a different approach than one installed on level ground.
We evaluate those conditions before fabrication.
Estate Gates
The entrance to a larger residential property often needs more than a basic driveway gate.
Estate gate projects may include:
- Oversized custom gates
- Masonry or steel columns
- Decorative metalwork
- Automatic operation
- Pedestrian entrances
- Privacy features
- Access control
- Matching fencing
- Custom entry structures
These gates often serve as an important architectural feature of the property.
They should feel substantial without looking out of proportion with the home and surrounding landscape.
We can build the gate around the architecture and overall entry design rather than treating it as an isolated product.
Telescoping Gates
Some properties need a wide gate opening but do not have enough room for a traditional sliding gate to move completely to one side.
A telescoping gate can help solve that problem.
Instead of one long panel moving across the entire opening, multiple gate sections move together and stack into a smaller area.
This can make telescoping systems useful for properties with:
- Wide driveway openings
- Limited side clearance
- Tight urban lots
- Walls or landscaping near the entrance
- Other space restrictions
The system needs to be designed carefully because the panels, tracks, hardware, and operating system all have to work together.
04
Styles and materials
Custom Pedestrian Gates
Not every entrance is for a vehicle.
We also fabricate custom pedestrian gates that can complement the main driveway gate, fencing, or architecture of the property.
Pedestrian gates may be used for:
- Walkways
- Courtyards
- Side yards
- Pool areas
- Garden entrances
- Front entries
- Private access points
These gates can be built in the same style as the larger entry system to create a consistent look across the property.
Privacy Gates
Some homeowners want the gate to provide more than access control.
They also want privacy.
Custom steel gates can be designed with different levels of visibility depending on the property.
Options may include:
- Solid steel panels
- Closely spaced vertical elements
- Horizontal steel designs
- Decorative panels
- Perforated or patterned metal
- Mixed steel and wood designs
The best solution depends on how much privacy is wanted and the overall appearance of the property.
Modern Steel Gates
Modern homes often call for simple lines and clean geometry.
A custom steel gate can reflect that architecture with designs such as:
- Horizontal steel
- Large solid panels
- Simple vertical pickets
- Minimal framing
The gate should feel like part of the home rather than a separate feature placed at the edge of the property.
We can fabricate the steel around the style of the residence and surrounding entry.
Decorative Steel Gates
Not every gate needs to be minimal.
Some properties call for more decorative metalwork.
That may include:
- Custom patterns
- Curved elements
- Decorative panels
- Initials or monograms
- Ornamental steel components
The design can range from subtle to highly customized depending on what fits the property.
Our architectural steel capabilities allow us to incorporate custom metalwork into the gate when the project calls for something more distinctive.
Gates With Steel, Wood, and Other Materials
Custom entry gates do not have to be made from exposed steel alone.
Steel can provide the structural frame while other materials create the finished appearance.
- Wood
- Decorative metal panels
- Perforated steel
- Mesh
Mixed-material gates can provide a warmer or more private look while keeping the strength of a fabricated steel frame.
05
Design considerations
Designing the Gate Around Vehicle Access
A gate can look great and still be frustrating if it does not work with the way vehicles use the property.
We consider practical issues such as:
- Turning radius
- Driveway width
- Vehicle length
- Gate opening speed
- Clear space before and after the gate
This is especially important on estate properties, narrow streets, curved driveways, and entrances shared by multiple vehicles.
The gate should make access easier, not create another problem.
What is a telescoping gate?
A telescoping gate uses multiple sliding panels that move together and stack into less side space than one full-width sliding gate. It can be useful on properties with limited room beside the driveway.
Do you install gate operators and access control?
Our primary scope is custom steel design, fabrication, and installation. Access control, electrical, and automation components may involve additional qualified providers depending on the system and project.
Can you replace an existing gate?
Yes. We can evaluate a replacement project and determine whether the existing posts, columns, layout, and other components can work with the new gate or need to be changed.
Do you build gates outside Houston?
Yes. We serve the greater Houston area and consider larger projects elsewhere in Texas, including Dallas and Austin.
Can a gate be designed for privacy?
Yes. Custom gates can be designed with solid panels, closely spaced steel, horizontal elements, decorative metal, wood, or other materials to provide different levels of privacy.
Working Around Sloped Driveways
Sloped driveways can make gate design more complicated.
A swing gate may have trouble opening across a rising grade.
The right solution depends on the direction and amount of slope, available space, and desired gate style.
We evaluate the property conditions before deciding how the gate should be configured.
Gate Size and Weight Matter
Larger gates require more structural support.
As the gate gets wider or taller, the weight increases.
- Hinges
- Posts
- Rollers
- Tracks
- Operators
- Foundations
- Connection points
A gate should be designed as a complete system.
Our fabrication approach considers the steel structure and the way the gate needs to operate together.
Gate Automation and Access Control
Custom gates can be designed to work with automatic operators and access control systems.
Depending on the project, that may include systems used for:
- Remote entry
- Keypads
- Intercoms
- Telephone entry
- Vehicle access
- Controlled guest access
Automation equipment and electrical work may involve other qualified trades or system providers depending on the project.
Our role is to make sure the fabricated gate is properly designed to work with the intended entry system.
Complete Entry Systems
Some properties need more than a gate.
The full entrance may include:
- Driveway gates
- Pedestrian gates
- Steel fencing
- Entry columns
- Architectural steel
- Automatic gate equipment
When those elements are designed together, the entrance can look much more intentional.
Instead of installing unrelated components one at a time, we can look at how the complete entry should function and appear.
06
How a project runs
Starting With an Idea
You do not need detailed gate plans before contacting us.
You may have:
- A photo you like
- A sketch
- An architectural style in mind
- An old gate you want to replace
- A driveway that needs better access control
That is enough to start.
We can discuss the property, what you want the gate to do, and what style you are trying to achieve.
From there, we can determine the design and fabrication steps needed to move forward.
Starting With Completed Plans
Builders, architects, designers, and homeowners may already have gate drawings or entry plans completed.
In that case, we can review the project and fabricate the steel based on those requirements.
Plans may include:
- Overall dimensions
- Gate style
- Structural framing
- Column locations
- Hardware
- Operator requirements
- Finish details
- Connection points
Once the design is ready, we can move into fabrication and installation.
Shop Fabrication
Custom gates are fabricated around the dimensions and design of the individual project.
Depending on the gate, fabrication may include:
- Structural gate frames
- Steel infill
- Decorative components
- Mounting plates
- Hinges
- Operator brackets
- Hardware supports
- Pedestrian gates
- Related entry components
The goal is to build a gate that is strong enough for the application while maintaining the look the property requires.
Field Installation
Once fabrication is complete, our team can install the gate at the property.
Installation may include:
- Setting the gate
- Mounting hinges
- Installing tracks or rollers
- Installing structural posts
- Coordinating with access control or electrical work
Proper alignment is critical.
A gate that is out of level or poorly supported can become difficult to operate and put additional strain on the hardware.
07
Who we work with
Working With Homeowners
We work directly with homeowners on custom gate and entry projects.
You do not need to know whether you need a sliding gate, swing gate, or telescoping system before calling.
We can help determine which type of system makes the most sense.
Working With Custom Home Builders
New custom homes are a good opportunity to plan the gate and entry system before the rest of the property is finished.
- Driveways
- Fencing
- Masonry
- Electrical work
- Landscaping
- Entry columns
- Access control
Planning earlier can help prevent expensive changes later.
Working With Architects and Designers
Some entry systems are an important part of the home’s architecture.
We can work from drawings and design concepts prepared by architects and designers and turn the steel portion into a fabricated gate system.
The final design needs to look right, but it also has to open and close reliably every day.
08
Custom Gates Across Greater Houston
Texas Outlaw Welding designs, fabricates, and installs custom residential gates and entry systems throughout the greater Houston area, including:
- Houston
- Katy
- The Woodlands
- Sugar Land
- Richmond
- League City
- Surrounding communities
We also consider larger custom gate and estate entry projects in Dallas and Austin as we continue expanding our crews and field presence in those markets.
09
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Gates
Do you build automatic driveway gates?
Yes. We fabricate custom gates that can be used with automatic entry systems, including sliding, swing, estate, and telescoping gate configurations.
Which is better, a sliding gate or swing gate?
It depends on the property. Driveway slope, side clearance, opening width, vehicle movement, and available space all affect which system is the better fit.
Can you build a custom estate gate?
Yes. We fabricate large custom estate gates and can design them as part of a broader entry system.
Can you match my gate to my home’s architecture?
Yes. Because we fabricate custom gates, the design can be developed around the style and proportions of the home and entry.
Do you install the gates you fabricate?
Yes. We provide fabrication and field installation for custom gate projects.
Start a gate project
Whether you already have detailed plans or simply know you want a better entrance, Texas Outlaw Welding can help take the project from concept through fabrication and installation.
Tell us about the property and what you want the entry to do.
What should people see when they first arrive at your property?