Custom estate gates and CGAT-certified gate automation — residential through industrial — installed by Thomas Fence since 1993.
Thomas Fence installs and automates gates for every type of property in Northwest Arkansas — from a custom residential estate gate to full industrial access control systems. As one of the few NWA fence contractors with the CGAT (Certified Gate Automation Technician) designation, we handle the complete gate system in a single project.
That means your gate, your operator, your safety devices, and your access control are all installed by the same licensed, certified crew. No coordination between separate contractors. No liability gaps.
Cantilever, swing, farm, and ornamental gates across Northwest Arkansas.
CGAT-certified automated gate installation and repair for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Every movement style available.
Custom entrance gates in your choice of material and movement style — designed to make an impression and built to last.
The CGAT (Certified Gate Automation Technician) designation is issued by the American Fence Association and requires demonstrated knowledge of gate operator mechanics, UL 325 safety standards, access control systems, and installation best practices.
It's the recognized industry credential for gate automation — and it matters because automated gates are heavy, fast-moving machines. An improperly installed gate operator without correct safety devices can cause serious injury. CGAT-certified installers know the required entrapment protection, force limits, and safety device placement for every gate type.
Thomas Fence is one of the few fence contractors in Northwest Arkansas that holds this certification. Learn more about our automated gates →
Certified Gate Automation Technician — American Fence Association
Thomas Fence makes getting a new gate straightforward — from your first call to the finished installation.
Step 1
Call (479) 636-4732. One of our gate specialists will visit your property, assess the opening, terrain, and automation needs, and provide a detailed written estimate — free.
Step 2
Accept by phone, email, or through your sales representative. We send over a contract for your signature. No deposit required for standard gate installations.
Step 3
Once signed, your project is in line — typically 1 to 3 weeks out. We call 811 to mark underground utilities before any digging begins.
Step 4
Our crew installs the gate, sets posts in concrete, installs the operator and safety devices, and commissions access control. We walk you through operation before we leave.
Thomas Fence installs swing gates, cantilever slide gates, V-track slide gates, vertical pivot gates, and vertical lift gates — in ornamental steel, aluminum, vinyl, chain link, and wood. Every movement style is available for both residential and commercial properties.
Most swing and slide gates can be automated if properly sized and if post framing is adequate. Thomas Fence evaluates automation-readiness during the estimate visit. When we build a new gate, we design it with automation in mind from the start so there are no surprises later.
A complete automated gate system includes the operator (motor), UL 325-required safety devices (photo eyes, safety edges, or loop detectors depending on gate type), access control (keypad, remote, or phone entry), and all wiring. Thomas Fence handles the complete installation — no subcontracting.
The Certified Gate Automation Technician (CGAT) designation is issued by the American Fence Association. It requires demonstrated knowledge of gate operator mechanics, UL 325 safety standards, and access control systems. Automated gates are heavy, fast-moving machines — an improperly installed operator without correct safety devices can cause serious injury. Thomas Fence holds this certification. Most NWA fence contractors do not.
A standard residential gate installation typically takes 1–3 business days. Automated gate systems may take slightly longer depending on access control requirements and concrete curing time for posts. Thomas Fence will give you a timeline estimate before work begins.
No deposit is required for standard gate installations. Special order materials or custom metal fabrication may require a deposit before work begins. Thomas Fence will communicate any deposit requirement upfront in your contract.
Permit requirements vary by city. Most cities in NWA require a permit for any new fence or gate installation. Thomas Fence is happy to advise on the permit process — pulling the permit is the property owner's responsibility. See our Fence Permits page for links to local permit offices.
Thomas Fence installs PIN keypads, remote transmitters, intercom systems, and app-controlled entry (LiftMaster MyQ and similar). We help you choose the right system for your property type, security level, and number of users.
Estate gates, automated driveways, access control — free estimates across all of Northwest Arkansas.