Driveway gates are a desirable addition to residential properties for many reasons. Adding a driveway gate can increase the value of a property by strengthening its security and heightening its aesthetics.
But how much do different types of gates cost to purchase and install?
It depends on a variety of factors, such as gate design, size, material, and functionality. Most homeowners pay around $4,000 for a driveway gate, although $6,000 represents the top of the national average. However, custom-designed features like automatic opening mechanisms can increase the price as high as $12,000.
In this article, we’ll break down the costs of driveway gate design and installation.
Gate Cost & Operation Method
So, how much does a gate cost for your driveway? First, consider the operational method of the gate. While this factor doesn’t account for the largest percentage of the cost, it can directly influence nearly every other aspect of the gate.
For that reason, when estimating the cost of a gate, first consider the two available operating methods:
- Manual – Manual driveway gates are user-operated, meaning you’ll need to physically open and close the gate each time you pass through it. On average, a manually operated steel gate can cost between $700 and $3,000.
- Automatic – For many homeowners, automatic gates that are electronically operated are more convenient. And on average, an automatic gate is also more expensive, typically accounting for between $2,500 and $5,000 of the total cost of the gate.
How Gate Size & Materials Influence the Cost
Aside from choosing between a manual and automatic driveway gate, size also factors into your overall costs. The size of the gate and the materials used to build it have a greater impact on the total cost than any other factor. And though they hold individual influence, they are also inextricably linked.
The reason for this is simple: The size of your gate directly impacts the number of materials required to build it. Larger gates require more materials—and more money. On average, gate pricing based on these considerations can range from around $180 to $9,000.
Average Driveway Gate Cost According to Size
There are two measurements that determine the size of a gate: height and width. Generally, driveway gates feature a height of either six feet or eight feet, with a price fluctuation between them of roughly 20%.
On the other hand, driveway gates feature four standard widths, which influence the pricing considerably and vary depending on the operation type. The size and price ranges are:
- 10 feet – On the smaller end, the driveway gate cost is typically between $200 and $2,000 when operated manually and $600 and $7,000 when operated automatically.
- 12 feet – At this width, expect to pay between $300 and $3,400 for manual gates. Automatic driveway gates start around $700 and go up to around $8,400.
- 14 feet – Manual gates at this width average between $500 and $3,600, while automatic driveway gates average between $900 and $8,600.
- 16 feet – The cost of the largest standard gate width ranges from $700 to $4,000 for manually operated styles. If you opt for an automatic gate, you’ll pay around $1,100 on the low end and $9,000 on the high end.
Average Cost According to Materials
You have several options to choose from when deciding on the material of a driveway gate. Whether you’re opting for chain link fences, wood gates, vinyl gates, or even metal gates made from materials like iron and galvanized steel, you’ll want to consider the price range.
The breadth of those options is reflected in the wide range of price points, which can start as low as $180 and go as high as $9,000. Chain link gates are the least expensive option. Plus, you can even install a chain link fence yourself. Manual styles range from $180 to $1,000, depending on the size. Automatic styles start at $750 and can go up to $5,500. On the other hand, vinyl and wooden gates are slightly more expensive, with prices ranging from $200 to $5,600 and $300 to $8,500 respectively, depending on the operation method.
So, how much does a metal gate cost? That depends on the type of metal used. The most standard metals include the following:
- Aluminum – The average price range of aluminum gates is $1,800 to $4,100 for manual gates and $2,350 to $8,600 for automatic.
- Composite metals – Manual and automatic gates that use composite metals range from $800 to $5,000 respectively.
- Steel – Manual steel gates range from $600 and $4,000, while automatic gate styles cost between $1,150 and $8,600.
- Wrought iron – Expect to pay between $600 and $8,600 for a wrought iron gate depending on whether you opt for manual or automatic operating styles.
Three Types of Opening Mechanisms & Their Cost
Across gate types, there are three common types of gate openers, which may be operated automatically or manually. As you can expect gates with an electric opener will usually cost more.
- Overhead – There are two types of overhead opening mechanisms for gates. The first type opens by sliding along a top track, while the second type opens vertically. On average, manual options start at $500 and go up to $3,000 for just the materials, while automatic styles can range from $1,050 to $9,000.
- Slide – Sliding driveway gates are available in single and double-panel options. They open by sliding to the side, making them a top choice for driveways with limited space. For materials only, single sliding gates range in price from $500 to $1,200 for manual options and $1,050 to $3,350 for double sliders. Automatic sliding gate installation ranges from $1,600 to $3,000 for singles and $2,150 to $5,150 for doubles.
- Swing – Swinging gates are also available in single and double options. The material costs for single gates average between $500 and $5,300, depending on whether the mechanism opens manually or automatically.
Driveway Gate Installation Costs
Another aspect of pricing is the fees associated with your driveway gate installation. With very few exceptions, you’ll hire one of the following companies to install your gate:
- Gate manufacturers
- Fencing companies
- Independent handymen
So how much does it cost to install a fence gate? The answer depends in part on who you hire. Hourly labor rates vary from company to company and average between $50 and $150.
Additionally, automated gates require more complex mechanisms, and thus are more expensive to install and may require additional technicians. On the high end, driveway gate installation can cost up to $2,500.
Looking to pair your gate with a new fence in an affordable way? Read about types of metal fencing and how they can spruce up your space.
Other Factors Impacting the Cost of a Driveway Gate
Size, style, material, and your chosen opening mechanism are perhaps the biggest factors that affect driveway gate pricing, but minor features can affect the price as well, including:
- Cameras – Homeowners who desire extra security often choose to have security cameras installed along with their gate. Depending on the style and number of cameras, expect to add between $125 and $2,000 to your total cost.
- Communication systems – Systems that allow communications between residents and visitors can average between $1,000 and $7,000.
- Motion detectors – Also called exit probes, these use special sensors to anticipate when you’re about to exit. They can range from $250 to $350 on average.
- Paint – If you choose to have your gate painted upon installation, expect to pay an additional 10% to 25% to cover the cost of materials and labor.
Repairing or Replacing a Driveway Gate
One of the benefits of driveway gates is that they are generally fairly easy to maintain. Aside from regular cleaning to stave off wear and tear caused by use, weather, and other factors, you won’t spend much time or money on keeping your gate operable.
That said, if your gate sustains significant damage, it may become necessary to have it repaired. Repairs are likely more common on automatic gates as there’s always the possibility that the motor could wear out or become inoperable. When that happens, you’ll need a gate repair technician to address the issue, which can cost anywhere from $200 to $700.
Replacement tends to be more common than repair when it comes to driveway gates, as they’re likely to become either technologically or aesthetically outdated by the time they stop working. In such cases, many homeowners opt for skipping the repairs and opting to have a new gate installed.
The average cost to replace a driveway gate is $2,000 to $10,000 dollars and reflects factors that include the following:
- Gate removal
- New gate installation
- Labor
On the other hand, if you purchase a warranty with your gate, you may be able to avoid spending money on repairs and replacement.
ALEKO: Quality Gates From a Brand You Can Trust
If you’re considering installing a driveway gate, it’s natural to have a few questions about the types of gates available, the processes involved, and pricing. When you entrust ALEKO to do the job, you can rest easy knowing that you’re purchasing a driveway gate that’s made from quality materials and installed by qualified experts you can call on whenever questions arise.
From driveway gates, metal fencing, and a plethora of solutions for every aspect of outdoor living, turn to ALEKO. Connect with our experts today. If you’re looking for a DIY solution, shop our collection of driveway gate kits!
Sources:
Fixr. 2023 Driveway Gate Prices. https://www.fixr.com/costs/driveway-gate-install
Property Geek. 23 Different Design Types Of Gates for Your Beautiful Home. https://www.propertygeek.in/different-types-of-gates/
Yelp. Cost of Automatic Gate Opener Repair. https://www.yelp.com/costs/automatic_gate_opener_repair#
