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Best Driveway Gates

 

 

Best Driveway Gates:

A Complete Guide into Every Aspect of Driveway Gates

What are the best driveway gates?

When it comes to driveway gates, there are several types to choose from, each with its own set of pros and cons. But which one is the best? Well, that depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Let’s take a closer look at the most common types of driveway gates and their advantages and disadvantages.

Swing Gates:

The most common type of driveway gate are swing gates. They swing open like a door as they are hinged on one side. One of the advantages of swing gates is that they can be made in various styles and sizes to match the aesthetic of your home. However, they require more space to open and close, so they may not be the best option for homes with limited driveway space

Sliding Gates:

Sliding gates are another popular option for driveway gates. They slide open and closed on a track, which requires less space than a swing gate. Sliding gates are also a good option if you have a sloped driveway, as they can be installed to accommodate the slope. However, sliding gates may be more expensive than swing gates due to the added track and installation costs.

Barrier Arm Gates:

Barrier arm gates are commonly used in commercial settings, such as parking garages. They are a simple and cost-effective option for controlling access to your property. However, they may not be the best option for homeowners who want a more secure gate.

Vertical Pivot Gates:

Vertical pivot gates are a newer type of gate that operates similar to a garage door. They are a good option for homes with limited driveway space, as they take up less room than swing or sliding gates. However, they may be more expensive than other types of gates due to the added technology.

So, what is the best type of driveway gate?

Ultimately, it depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you have limited driveway space, a sliding or vertical pivot gate may be the best option. If you want a gate that matches the aesthetic of your home, a swing gate may be the way to go. And if you are looking for a cost-effective solution, a barrier arm gate may be the best fit. Whatever type of gate you choose, be sure to invest in a high-quality gate that provides the security and convenience you need.

Driveway gates have always been popular for the wealthy and those with something to hide. But due to security and privacy concerns wooden and metal driveway gates are becoming increasingly popular for everybody else.

So to find out which are the best driveway gates, read on.

In this article we take a look at the most stunningly spectacular gate to the sturdiest fortress like gate – and of course everything in between.

If you would like inspiration – have a look at our Driveway Gate Ideas article as well.

Do you need Planning Permission to install a driveway gate?

First and foremost, do you need planning permission to install a driveway gate?

In short, most people will NOT – However, it will be worth knowing that you will need to apply for planning permission in the following circumstances:

 

planning permission driveway gate

Things to Consider when Looking for a New Driveway Gate:

When considering a driveway gate, there are several factors that you should take into account to ensure that you choose the right gate for your needs.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a driveway gate

Purpose:

What is the main purpose of your driveway gate? Are you looking for added security, privacy, or simply an aesthetic addition to your property? Knowing your primary purpose will help you choose the right gate style and materials

Type:

How do you want your driveway gate to open? Consider swing gates, sliding gates or vertical pivot gates and might depend on other factors, like style and automation.

Style:

Consider the overall style of your property and choose a driveway gate that complements it. You may want to consider a gate that matches the style of your home or one that adds contrast and visual interest.

Modern driveway gates are popular, as well as wrought iron driveway gates and metal drivewaygates.

Materials:

There are many materials to choose from when it comes to driveway gates, including wood, steel, aluminum, and wrought iron. Each material has its own pros and cons in terms of cost, durability, maintenance, and style.

 

Size:

The size of your driveway gate will depend on the width of your driveway and the height you desire. It’s important to measure your driveway accurately to ensure that the gate fits properly.

If you have existing driveway posts then this pre-decides the width of your new gate.

Automation:

Do you want your gate to be manually operated or automated? Automated driveway gates are convenient and add an extra level of security, but they are also more expensive and require regular maintenance.

Budget:

Determine your budget for your driveway gate project, including the cost of the gate itself, installation, and any additional features like automation or landscaping

Local regulations:

Check the list above to see if you need planning permission for your intended driveway gate.

In summary, when considering a driveway gate, it’s important to consider the purpose of the gate, the style and materials that best match your property, the size of the gate, whether it should be manually operated or automated, your budget, and any local regulations that apply. By taking these factors into account, you can choose a driveway gate that meets your needs, enhances the look of your property, and provides added security and privacy.

 

You have exisiting gate posts, walls or structure to attach your gate to:

    Should you have posts which are strong and durable, which are capable of holding your next gate for years to come, then you obviously need to measure the gap carefully to find your next gate.

    You simply do this by measuring from the inside of one post to the inside or the opposite post. Same goes for a wall or other structure that the gate will be attached to.
    Important not to measure from the existing hinge pins as this will keep you short.

    Unless you are ordering the exact same copy of your last gate, it’s likely these pins will need to be removed, in order to hang your new driveway gate correctly.

    best driveway gates

    Best Driveway Gates: WOODEN DRIVEWAY GATES

    Sliding wooden driveway gates provide extra strength and durability 

    Wooden driveway gates are strong and durable. They range from farm style country gates for keeping cattle in, to close boarded gates which provide extra privacy.

    Wooden driveway gates are usually made from hardwoods such as Teak, Oak and Iroko (also known as African teak). Sometimes softwoods are also used in wooden gate construction such as Scandinavian Redwood or Cedar. These offer a lower cost alternative to hardwood gates.

    Closed Boarded Wooden Gates Provide Extra Privacy

    A single hinge wooden farm style gate

    Wooden driveway gates provide a natural look which can add character and style. Many provide a timeless look (think of a typical farm style gate) and close boarded driveway gates stop prying eyes from looking in (and put people off climbing over).

    As with many things hand construction is far superior to machine, and this is especially true for sliding wooden gates. These provide super strong strength and durability.

    Charming but this farm style driveway gate could do with a lick of paint!

    Regular maintenance will ensure that a wooden gate is kept in good condition and will help prevent cracking due to the effects of weathering. Wood being wood may warp and over time this may be unavoidable.

    Best Driveway Gates: METAL DRIVEWAY GATES

    Many people refer to wrought iron when they are actually talking about mild steel.

    This isn’t the place to get technical about it, but wrought iron is the stuff swords are made of and other time weathered artifacts from bygone tymes.

    Steel has a low carbon content compared to standard iron, which means it can be rolled into shapes. Does that sound as strong to you?

    Mild steel (as well as other metals such as Aluminium) is used in the manufacture of most metal gates.
    They are durable and strong but do not have the tensile strength of wrought iron.
    Good enough? Put your sword away now Conan!

    If a salesperson refers to mild steel as wrought iron they are just deliberately misleading or don’t know what they’re selling.

    Design styles are limitless for metal driveway gates.

    These range from the very secure (almost industrial complex looking) long sliding gates to intricately styled curved metal gates that look as though they have taken an age to roll and form.

    Increasingly modern minimalist designs are becoming popular which can be both eye catching and futuristic looking. These stand out with their thin bars and sleek cuts.

    This style of minimalist driveway gate is for those that can’t stand clutter

    A long sliding electric gate

    A low cost and surprisingly effective wrought iron driveway gate disguised as a bush

    Metal Driveway Gates create the modern finish many aspire to

    Driveway gates - Automation

    Adding automation to a gate is convenient and is guaranteed to offer a stylish entry and exit every time. For added style play some music from Moonraker or Goldfinger.

     Above ground or below ground?

    Electrical control boxes are available for both wooden and metal driveway gates. These can either stand alone at the sides of gates, or if space is tight, or a flush look is preferred then opting for a below ground installation is best.

    More on sliding gate automation

    Sometimes space or gradients will not allow enough clearance for gates to open. A solution to this is sliding gate automation. This type of system uses a flat gear that attaches to the side of the gate and then a pinion gear on the motor winds the gate open and closed. The gate runs back and forth on grooved or circular wheels along a level horizontal beam fitted with a channel.

    This type of driveway gate system can either be a single gate or twin gates and is accepted as the most secure type of automation.

    Driveway gates - Cost

    The cost of drive gates is going to be determined by the material chosen and the size of gates needed. A bespoke design metal gate order in Aluminium is going to cost a lot more than a simple minimalist steel design, for example. Likewise, a large solid oak gate is going to cost more than a softwood such as Cedar.

    Expect to pay anywhere between £1,000 and £10,000

    Driveway gate automation

    Adding automation increases costs in the region of £500 to £2,500 depending on which system is chosen.
    Some manufacturers have migrated from industrial size gate automation to cater for the growing demand from the residential sector.

    These established automation manufacturers should be chosen over cheaper made products. The cost of an automated system malfunctioning can be embarrassment and that’s just not nice!

    We’ve selected some of the best driveway gate companies (to save you the task!)

    Find professional gate companies on our directory.

    best driveway gates

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