How Much Concrete Do You Need for Your Gate Posts?

Learn the right amount of concrete to keep your driveway gate upright and secure. From small aluminum gates to heavy privacy gates, Busanti Gate Company explains footing sizes, bag counts, and tips for lasting strength in Florida’s sandy soil.

When you’re installing a driveway gate, the concrete footing is what keeps everything standing straight. If the posts aren’t set in the right amount of concrete, the gate will lean, sag, or even fail after a strong storm.

Why Concrete Matters

Your gate posts act like levers. When the wind pushes on the gate, or when the opener pulls it open, all that force transfers down into the ground. A deep, solid concrete footing spreads that load and keeps the post from shifting.

General Rule of Thumb

• Gate size up to 10–12 feet wide, picket style (lots of air flow):
  12″ round hole × 36–42″ deep → about 4–5 bags of 80-lb concrete per post.

• Heavier or semi-solid panels (wood, composite, slats):
  14″ round hole × 42–48″ deep → about 6–7 bags of 80-lb concrete per post.

• Solid privacy gates (solid aluminum, wood, etc.):
  16″ round hole × 48″ deep → about 9–10 bags of 80-lb concrete per post.

(South Florida soils are sandy—err on the larger side to stay secure during high winds.)

Quick Tips

• Dig holes straight-sided, not wider at the top. A “bell” shape at the bottom helps lock it in.

• Always brace posts plumb (perfectly vertical) before you pour.

• Crown the top of the concrete so water runs away.

• Don’t hang the gate or run the opener until the concrete cures (at least 2–3 days).

Bottom Line

A strong gate starts with strong footings. If you skimp on concrete, the gate will remind you every time it leans or drags. Invest in the right size footing up front, and your gate will stay upright for years.

Is Your Gate Safe? The Truth About Safety Devices and Gate Automation.

Gate automation offers incredible convenience, security, and peace of mind. But just like a garage door or automatic sliding door, your gate should be equipped with proper safety devices to protect your family, visitors, and property.

At Busanti Gate Company, we believe your gate should not only function — it should operate safely.

What Are Gate Safety Devices?

Safety devices are designed to prevent accidents, property damage, or injury caused by an automated gate. These devices may include:

✅ Photoelectric Sensors (Photo Eyes) — These detect movement across the gate’s path and stop the gate if something or someone crosses it.
✅ Edge Sensors — Pressure-sensitive strips that stop the gate if they make contact with an object.
✅ Audible Alarms & Lights — Warn nearby pedestrians or vehicles when the gate is in motion.
✅ Automatic Reversing Features — Ensures the gate reverses direction if an obstruction is detected.

These are standard features we recommend on most automated gate systems to comply with UL 325 and ASTM F2200safety standards.

But What About Solar Gate Systems Like Ghost Controls?

Solar-powered gate openers, like Ghost Controls, are popular across South Florida, especially in rural areas like Loxahatchee, Wellington, and Jupiter Farms, where electrical connections may be difficult to access.

While these systems offer affordable and convenient automation, it's important to understand their limitations:

⚠️ Ghost Controls Solar Gate Openers are not designed to support additional safety devices such as photo eyes or edge sensors.
⚠️ This means, aside from the built-in obstruction sensing, there are no external safeguards to enhance safety beyond the standard factory settings.
⚠️ For properties with children, pets, or high foot traffic, this limitation is important to consider.

Our Recommendation

We love solar gate solutions for the right property — but safety should always come first. We recommend:

✔ Discussing your property's needs with a gate professional
✔ Choosing a system that supports safety devices if your property sees regular pedestrian or vehicle traffic
✔ Considering electrical upgrades if safety features are a priority
✔ Understanding that in some rural setups, Ghost Controls Solar systems are best suited for low-traffic, vehicle-onlyaccess points

Your Gate, Your Choice — But Always Safe

When you work with Busanti Gate Company, we explain your options, the safety features available, and the limitations of different gate systems — so you can make an informed, confident decision.

Whether it's a simple solar gate or a fully automated, UL-rated system with advanced safety, we design, build, automate, and service gates with your safety in mind.

Need a Gate Evaluation?

Schedule a free safety consultation today:
www.busantigatecompany.com/schedule

Or call 561-444-8473 for expert advice.

Busanti Gate Company — Design • Build • Automate • Service
Proudly serving Loxahatchee, Wellington, Jupiter Farms, and surrounding communities.