Home gates serve the dual purposes of being both functional and decorative. On one hand, your entry or driveway gate is a crucial aspect of your property’s security system that helps prevent unwanted visitors from accessing your house by vehicle or foot.
On the other hand, your gate can greatly impact your home’s aesthetic and value. Selecting a nice driveway gate design can potentially emphasize your home’s architectural style and elevate its curb appeal.
The combination of function and style makes choosing between different types of gates so important. When you choose the right gate type for your home, you can enhance its safety and make a bold statement about your personal taste. But for many homeowners, making the right choice requires a bit of know-how.
Choosing a Gate: Where to Start
Before asking yourself, how much does a gate cost?, you’ll want to learn about the different options on the market. Although fence gates on residential properties are available in a wide variety of styles, there’s generally only one place to start when choosing between them: determining the primary function you want your fence gate to serve.
As a homeowner, you may choose to have a fence gate installed on your property for several reasons and be motivated by multiple factors. Knowing what those factors are can go a long way when simplifying the process of choosing from the wide-ranging options available.
First, you must ask yourself whether you’re looking for a driveway gate for your home that manages the vehicular traffic coming and going from your property or a fence line gate that pedestrians can and will use. The distinction between foot and automobile traffic can significantly impact your decision, as gates that allow vehicles in and out will be larger than those that admit people.
Then, you need to decide which other functions are most important to you. Do you want a swing gate that adds a touch of sophistication to your home, or do you prefer a sturdy gate design that will deter intruders from entering your property? Some of the most common functions that homeowners want from a wrought-iron style gate include:
- Privacy – Many homeowners are interested in property gates that obscure their home and yard from prying eyes, whether those eyes belong to their neighbors or people passing by in their cars. In the case of an exposed backyard, you can always add privacy screen material to your existing fence or gate to add an extra layer of privacy to your home.
- Security – Some gates serve as one of your property’s first lines of defense against intruders. If security is your primary concern, the most effective types of gates are those that limit entry by locking securely and preventing people from scaling them to access your grounds.
- Safety – If safety is your priority, the type of gate you choose should address that, whether you’re aiming is to keep young children from wandering away from your yard with a sturdy locking mechanism or treasured pets from fleeing the perimeter with a tall height.
- Aesthetics – Your gate is closer to the curb than any other aspect of your property, so it’s going to have a big influence on curb appeal. For that reason, you should choose a gate that complements your home’s exterior, blends in with your neighborhood, and reflects your style.
Types of Gates That Enhance Safety & Security
If you’re looking for a gate that helps keep your home safe from outsiders, look for gates designed with durable iron and galvanized steel. The first five gates on this list are generally more effective at controlling who accesses your property.
#1 Bi-Folding Gates
Bi-folding gates feature panels that fold into each other when they’re in the open position. When closed, they form an uninterrupted barrier between your property and the outside world.
These bi-folding gates are great for securing your property because they open and close more quickly than most other types of gates, limiting the time that’s available for someone to slip onto your property without your knowledge.
The panels on a bi-folding gate follow a track that ensures they move in the correct direction. Generally, the tracks are involved in three different styles, which are:
- Ground tracks
- Enclosed tracks
- Overhead tracks
The type of track on a bi-folding gate won’t necessarily impact the level of security the gate provides. However, they can make a difference when it comes to how your gate is maintained and how quickly signs of wear and tear may start to appear. Ground and overhead tracks are more susceptible to rain, snow, and other weather conditions, whereas enclosed tracks are more protected from these issues.
#2 Garden and Pedestrian Gates
Garden/pedestrian gates are designed to control foot traffic on your property. Gates designed and intended for vehicles can be used by people on foot as well, but many homeowners opt for a separate gate that visitors can access without having to walk where cars will be passing through. That said, driveway gates with pedestrian entrances are available as well.
Garden and pedestrian gates are available in four different styles:
- Accordion
- Folding
- Portal
- Swing
Garden and Pedestrian gates can be automatic gates with opening and closing functions. They can also be operated manually.
#3 Sliding Gates
When it comes to sliding gates, the name says it all: these single-panel slide gates open and close by sliding from side to side. Like other gate types, you can install an automated gate opener, but modern, lightweight materials make opening and closing the slide gate by hand fairly simple.
If you go with a sliding gate, you’ll need to choose between rolling, cantilever, or overhead styles.
#4 Swing Gate
One of the most secure types of gates for allowing vehicles to pass through is the swing gate. Swinging gates are not difficult to operate manually but generally feature automated designs that control the swing of the gate on its hinges.
#5 Vertical Gates
As their name suggests, vertical gates open upward by following a vertical track. A vertical lift gate can be an efficient choice if you have limited space. Its fast-moving opening and closing mechanisms can also help maximize security.
Vertical gates are available in two distinct styles:
- Pivot gates that open by rotating 90°
- Liftgates that follow straight vertical tracks inlaid into columns on both sides
Types of Gates That Ensure Privacy
When it comes to privacy, the materials your gate is made of is just as important as the style. Look for gates that use materials that fully conceal views of your property, such as:
- Wood panels
- Vinyl
From vinyl gates to wood gates, several types can effectively obscure sightlines into your yard. Some types double as excellent security gates, like bi-folding gates, swing and sliding gates, and vertical styles. But there’s one other gate style you should also consider.
#6 Cantilever Gates
Cantilever gates move along a system of rails that enable them to slide open and close. They operate automatically, which means they may be effective for security and privacy.
Cantilevers require a bit more wiggle room compared to other types of gates with similar functionality, making them ideal for larger residential properties.
Gate Types That Improve Aesthetics
The right gate can greatly enhance your home’s visual appeal and boost its property value. But if aesthetics are your primary concern, you should consider other factors in addition to gate type. Those factors include:
- Your home’s architectural style
- The color scheme of your home’s exterior
- The style of neighboring homes
Additionally, materials can have a significant impact on the aesthetics of a gate. Metals like steel or aluminum are streamlined and contemporary, while wrought iron gates are classic and luxurious. For a modern minimalist gate, look for materials like wood or vinyl. Then, choose from among the following types of gates.
#7 Decorative Gates
Decorative gates are among the fanciest on the market. They’re generally made with metals like wrought iron or steel and are designed to stand out thanks to ornamental features that are unique and eye-catching.
Decorative metal gates come in various designs, so it’s doubly important to find one that matches the style of your home. You can also go for custom design and gate installation, so your steel gate is designed specifically for your property and aesthetic point of view.
#8 Double Gates
Double gates may be manual or automatic. They feature a latch at the bottom of one of the doors that’s attached to the ground, which allows you to open the doors individually or together. For additional security, many homeowners opt for styles that latch at the top and bottom of the gate.
Additionally, double gates are available in a variety of widths. This allows you to choose a design based on the type of access you want it to accommodate but can also affect the gate’s aesthetics.
The benefits of a double security gate include:
- Varied design options that match a variety of home styles
- Vehicle and pedestrian-friendly access
For a Gate You’ll Love, Choose ALEKO
When choosing a manual or automatic gate that suits your property, matches your home, and provides the features you most desire, turn to ALEKO.
At ALEKO, you’ll find quality materials, affordable prices, and a staff of skilled experts to guide you through the entire process, from picking the right steel gate to ensuring the gate installation process goes smoothly. If you’re looking for a DIY solution, shop our selection of complete ALEKO driveway gate kits!
If you’re looking into other additions to spruce up your property, learn about the different types of metal fencing or types of awnings. At ALEKO, we’ve got it all.
Sources:
ButterflyMX. Types of Security Gates: How to Choose the Right Gate. https://butterflymx.com/blog/types-of-security-gates/
Property Geek. 23 Different Types of Gates For Your Beautiful Home. https://www.propertygeek.in/different-types-of-gates/
Angi. 7 Best Automatic Gates For Home Security & Curb Appeal. https://www.angi.com/articles/automatic-front-gate-options.htm
