Arched or Straight Gate Top

I love an arched top on a gate.  There are so many different arch designs, each creating a different look.  Having an arched top in your design will add a little extra cost to the project.  The labor involved in bending the arch does add to the bottom line but it may be minimal, so don't be afraid to ask before eliminating that idea all together.

The most important aspect of an arched design is the size steel that you use for your frame.  The larger the steel, the more difficult it is to bend.  Likewise, if you choose a steel size that isn't square, maybe use flat bar instead of square tube steel, then that can cost more because bending the arch from this type material may have to be bent off site.  Arching a large rectangular piece of steel requires heavy duty equipment and your average iron shop may not be able to accommodate that.

A standard size to use for a gate frame is 2" square or less.  Take a look through your neighborhood, check out the iron gates, notice the size of the tube steel used.  I think you'll see that the size is between 1" square to 2" square.  Any of these sizes make for a sturdy, lovely looking gate.

Most contemporary styles use a straight top rather than arched.  The clean lines of a straight top usually complement the lines of a contemporary style home.  If you've chosen a straight top design, then you have a few more options when it comes to steel size.  Keep in mind, that you don't want to make your gate too heavy, that creates another set of problems. 

If your sold on using a larger size steel frame, let's say tube steel 3" x 2", a straight top is the time to implement it.  It's important to use a thicker wall for the tube steel in order to bend this larger size without it wanting to twist or tweak during the process.  If you use a thicker wall for the top of the frame, then  you can compromise by using the same size steel but a thinner wall on the sides and bottom to reduce the weight of the project.

An arched or straight top gate is a matter of taste and understanding the design elements of your houses architecture.  Either choice can make for a unique and wonderful gate.