Victoria Fabricating

Our Process: From First Contact to Final Install

We keep it simple, fast, and predictable—so you know exactly what will happen and when.

1) Quick Discovery (Same Day)

Call or text with your project details. If you can, send 2–3 photos of the opening and any inspiration images. We confirm rough width/height, slope, material preference (aluminum, steel, stainless), and desired finish (powder-coat colour, brushed stainless, etc.). If you’ve got a fence style to match, share a close-up.

2) Ballpark & Site Measure

Based on your photos, we provide a ballpark range and schedule a site measure anywhere from Victoria to Nanaimo. At the visit, we laser-measure the opening, check for hinge backing and post condition, review swing direction (inward/outward), grade and paving, latch height, and any municipal constraints (e.g., pool gate requirements).

3) Design & Options

We prepare a simple drawing or annotated photo with the proposed style and dimensions. Choose from:

• Frame styles: flat-bar, box-tube, or decorative profiles
• Infills: horizontal/vertical slats, solid plate, pickets, perforated or laser-cut panels, wood/metal combinations, or glass accents
• Tops: flat, arched, scalloped, privacy eyebrow
• Add-ons: side panels, arbour/trellis, house numbers, logo or pattern cut-outs

We’ll help you balance privacy, airflow, security, and aesthetics. For coastal exposure, we often suggest aluminum with powder-coat or 316 stainless hardware to resist corrosion.

4) Fixed Quote in 48 Hours

You receive a clear, fixed-price quote with scope, materials, finish, hardware, and installation included. If concrete footings or new posts are required, we’ll line-item them. Approve by email or simply reply “YES” to schedule fabrication.

5) Fabrication

Your gate is custom-built in our shop. If the man gate is detailed in design, we will employ CNC plasma cutting to get the best edges. Welds are dressed clean; frames are checked for square and pre-hung on a jig to set hinge spacing and latch alignment. Steel gates destined for the outdoors are typically hot-dip galvanized and powder-coated; aluminum gates are media-prepped and powder-coated for a durable, UV-stable finish. Stainless gates receive a brushed or bead-blasted finish as specified.

6) Hardware & Access Control

We supply hardware that suits your use case:

• Hinges: heavy-duty anti-sag, adjustable, or stainless ball-bearing
• Latches: gravity, magnetic, keyed deadbolt, or smart lock/keypad
• Closers: pool-compliant self-closers, soft-close options
• Security: strike plates, reinforced latch boxes, privacy shields

If electrical power is available, we can coordinate a licensed electrician for smart locks or low-voltage access. (Electrical permitting is handled by the electrician.)

7) Installation Day

We arrive with the gate, posts, and hardware, protect surrounding surfaces, and remove your old gate if required. Posts are set plumb and true, hinges are levelled, and the latch lines up at the correct height. On masonry, we use appropriate anchors and backing plates. We test swing, clearance, and self-close (where specified), then review operation and care with you before leaving.

8) After-Care & Warranty

You’ll receive a short care guide. Powder-coated finishes generally need only freshwater rinse and occasional mild soap. Hinges and locks may need light lubrication annually. Our workmanship is covered by warranty; finish warranties depend on system and environment—ask for details.

Materials & Finishes Built for the Coast

• Aluminum — Light, strong, and naturally corrosion-resistant. Ideal for coastal pedestrian gates, especially with marine-grade powder-coat.
• Steel — Excellent for high-security or decorative designs. For outdoor use, we strongly recommend galvanizing + powder-coat to combat rust.
• Stainless Steel (304/316) — Premium look and outstanding corrosion resistance. Great for modern minimal frames, handrails, and hardware.

Finishes: Powder-coat in popular RAL colours, textured blacks and bronzes, custom colour-matching, patina/clear-coat steel, and brushed/polished stainless accents.

Styles That Fit Your Property

• Modern privacy slats (horizontal or vertical)
• Decorative laser-cut panels with patterns or address numbers
• Classic picket with flat or arched tops
• Solid plate for complete privacy and wind screening
• Mixed materials (metal frame with wood infill)
• Pool-safe configurations with self-closing hardware and latch height compliance
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Share inspiration photos and we’ll translate them into a durable, buildable design that aligns with BC Building Code and local bylaws.

Service Area

We fabricate and install man gates across Victoria, Saanich Peninsula (Sidney, North Saanich, Central Saanich), Westshore (Langford, Colwood, View Royal), Cowichan Valley (Shawnigan Lake, Mill Bay, Duncan), Ladysmith, and Nanaimo. Not sure if you’re in range? Ask—we’re Island locals and plan routes efficiently.

Timelines & Pricing

• Quotes: typically within 48 hours of site measure.
• Lead time: 1–2 weeks for most gates; 2–3+ weeks for specialty finishes or complex decorative work.
• Pricing factors: opening size, frame profile, infill style, material, finish, hardware, posts/footings, and site access.

Text photos and rough sizes for a quick ballpark; we’ll confirm with a measure and send a fixed quote.

Permits & Compliance

Most residential pedestrian gates do not require a standalone permit, but pool gates and gates tied into electrical access must follow specific rules. We’ll flag anything that needs attention for Victoria, Saanich, Sidney/North Saanich, Langford/Westshore, Cowichan, Ladysmith, and Nanaimo, and coordinate with an electrician when power is involved. (For formal permitting questions, please confirm with your local authority or a qualified professional.)

Integration With Fences, Railings, and Driveway Gates

We often build man gates alongside metal fences, garden panels, or driveway gates so everything matches—frame profiles, picket spacing, and powder-coat colour. If you already have a fence, we’ll build to suit and colour-match for a seamless look.

Maintenance Tips

• Rinse powder-coated surfaces every few months, especially near salt spray.
• Keep hinges clear of debris; lubricate pivot points annually.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners; use mild soap and water.
• Check latch alignment seasonally if posts are set in soil that moves.

Ready to Get Started?

Upgrade your entry with a custom man gate that looks great and lasts. If you’re in Victoria, the Saanich Peninsula, Cowichan Valley, Ladysmith, or Nanaimo, we can measure this week and deliver a fixed quote in 48 hours.

Call or text Victoria Fabricating with your address and photos, and we’ll take it from there—design, fabricate, and install, start to finish.