At PWS, the move from site measurements to workshop parts needs clear allowances and written checks. The new layout tool makes that geometry easier to review.
The drawing starts before the first cut
A gate can look simple in a photograph while hiding several decisions: opening clearance, frame joints, infill spacing, finished height and stock usage. A clear layout helps turn those decisions into parts the workshop can identify and check.
Define the construction method
The PWS layout tool uses square butt-jointed SHS frames. Stiles run the full height; the top and bottom rails fit between them. Vertical infill fits between the rails. This specific method matters because a mitered frame or a different infill arrangement needs different cutting dimensions.
Check the finished leaf width
Consider a 1,100 mm clear opening with 15 mm clearance at each side. The leaf is 1,070 mm wide. With a 40 mm frame face, the rails between the stiles are 990 mm long. For a double gate, the tool also deducts the center gap before splitting the remaining width into two leaves.
Make the infill spacing consistent
With a 990 mm interior width, eight 20 mm verticals leave nine equal clear gaps of approximately 92.22 mm. At a finished leaf height of 1,800 mm, the interior height is 1,720 mm. A total fit clearance of 1 mm produces a 1,719 mm vertical cut length. That clearance is the total deduction for the piece, not a deduction at both ends.
Plan the bars as well as the parts
The PWS Gate & Railing Layout + Cut List tool groups frame and infill stock separately. Enter stock length, saw kerf and trim allowance at each bar end to generate a practical cutting plan. The packing method is a useful workshop heuristic; it does not guarantee the fewest possible stock bars.
Send clear information to the workshop
Use numbered part marks, a CSV cut list and the printable layout report. Save the project JSON if dimensions might change. The tool supports pedestrian gates, double swing gates and straight railing panels, with millimeters or decimal inches. Verify the first frame and trial-fit the first infill piece before cutting a batch.
Keep the design checks separate
Geometry is only part of a gate or railing design. Wall thickness, wind loads, supports, weld details, hinges, anchors, bracing and applicable guardrail or automation requirements need their own project-specific review. Posts and hardware are excluded from the generated list. A calculated gap is not a statement of code compliance.
Explore the download
PWS Gate & Railing Layout + Cut List is listed at US$39 as a one-time digital download. Read the product page for the files, compatibility and scope included. Extract the ZIP, open START-HERE.html and keep backups of your work.
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