Driveway Gate Buying Guide

Buying a driveway gate is an excellent investment in your property’s security, privacy, and aesthetics.

However, with so many options available, figuring out where to start can take time. Here is a buying guide to help you choose the right driveway gate for your property:

1. 1.

   Consider Your Needs: The first step in choosing a driveway gate is considering your specific needs. Do you need a gate for security, privacy, or both? What size and style will complement your property’s aesthetic? Are you looking for a manual or automatic gate? Answering these questions will help you narrow your options and choose a gate that meets your needs.
   
   
   

2. 2. Choose the Right Material: Driveway gates come in various materials, including wood,
   
   
   

   Driveway gates come in various materials, including wood, metal , and vinyl. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. Wood gates are beautiful and traditional but require regular maintenance to prevent rot and decay. Metal gates are durable and low-maintenance but can be prone to rust. Metal driveway gates can be built from either steel or aluminum . Vinyl gates are affordable and easy to maintain but may not be as durable as other materials. Consider your climate, budget, and desired aesthetic when choosing a gate material.

3. 3.

   Determine Your Budget: Driveway gates come in a wide range of prices, so it’s essential to determine your budget before shopping. A basic manual gate can cost as little as a thousand dollars, while an automatic gate with advanced security features can cost upwards of $10,000. Determine how much you are willing to spend and look for gates that fit within your budget.
   
   
   

4. 4.

   Consider Automation: Automatic gates can be a great convenience, especially if you have mobility issues or frequently have visitors coming and going. There are two types of automation: swing gate and slide gate. Swing gates swing open like traditional doors, while slide gates slide open along a track. Both types can be automated, but slide gates are usually more expensive. Consider whether automation is necessary for your needs and budget.
   
   

5. 5.

   Determine the Right Size: The size of your driveway gate will depend on the size of your driveway and the size of any vehicles entering or exiting. Measure the width of your driveway and any vehicles using the gate to determine the right size gate for your needs.
   
   
   

6. 6.

   Look for Security Features: If security is a top concern, look for gates with built-in security features, such as keypad entry, intercom systems, and surveillance cameras. These features can provide an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.
   
   
   

7. 7. Choose a Professional Installer: Finally, choose a professional installer to ensure your gate is installed correctly and functions properly. Look for

   Finally, choose a professional installer to ensure your gate is installed correctly and functions properly. Look for gate installers near me with experience installing driveway gates and who offer a warranty on their work.

In summary: consider your specific needs, choose the right material, determine your budget, consider automation, determine the right size, look for security features, and choose a professional installer to ensure your gate functions correctly. Following these steps will help you choose a driveway gate that meets your needs and enhances your property.

Would you be open to getting a free custom-tailored gate design?

Get It Started

An automatic driveway or estate gate is a fabulous addition to any property. It provides an extra layer of home security, enhances curb appeal, and increases overall property value.

When shopping for a new driveway gate, you typically start by choosing a material. Here’s what you should know about the various types of metal used for automatic gates to help you make the right choice for your property!

Metal Gate Materials

There are four types of materials are used to craft metal driveway gates:

• Steel. An alloy of iron and carbon, steel is stronger than pure iron and more resistant to impact. Steel is the most heavy-duty option.
• Aluminum. This metal is lightweight and malleable. It’s also entirely rust-proof. However, it’s less robust than steel.
• Wrought iron. Iron that’s been heated and worked with tools is known as wrought iron. It’s more malleable than cast iron and therefore can be shaped into more intricate designs. Moreover, its fibrous appearance lends the metal a great deal of character.
• Cast iron. Iron that’s been melted, poured into a mould, and left to solidify is known as cast iron. It’s a strong metal, but isn’t quite as heavy-duty as wrought iron, nor is it as ductile. In terms of appearance, it has a smoother finish than wrought iron.

Comparing the Different Metals

The four metals used for driveway gates each have their pros and cons. Here’s a look at how they stack up.

• Strength and durability
  Steel is the strongest metal of the bunch and aluminum the least heavy-duty. This means that, in theory, a steel gate is best able to withstand abuse as well as the leverage forces associated with gate operation. Iron gates are only slightly less robust than steel gates.
  
  Although aluminum gates are the least heavy-duty, they’re far from being flimsy and most will hold up to anything you or Mother Nature throws its way. However, it should be noted that, unlike steel and iron gates, aluminum gates are usually not a single welded piece. Instead, the pickets are screwed in. They may, as a result, loosen over time and require adjustments. Fully-welded constructions are always more robust.

• Maintenance
  All metal gates are low maintenance and require minimal upkeep by the user. Aluminum has the advantage of being a naturally rust-resistant material. However, iron and steel gates are finished with a powder coating to ensure that they don’t rust, peel, or fade.
  
• Weight
  Aluminum fences are about 2.5 times lighter than steel and iron gates. This makes them less heavy-duty but, by the same token, they don’t require as much support. They can therefore be automated with a less powerful gate operator. Moreover, aluminum can be a practical choice for very large gates so that they can be opened and closed with greater ease.
  
• Appearance
  Provided they’re well-made, metal gates are intrinsically elegant, whether they’re made of steel, iron, or aluminum. If you’re looking for a more ornate appearance, wrought iron is an ideal option. If simplicity is your thing, a flat-top steel, cast iron, or aluminum gate may be right for you.

Designs & Styles of Metal Gates

Metal gates generally have one of three designs:

• Flat-top. This is the simplest gate style. The upper rail of a flat-top gate is completely straight, giving the gate a perfectly rectangular shape.
  
  
• Arched-top. The upper rail of an arched-top gate forms a gradual, sweeping arch. This metal gate style has an elegant, traditional look and is ideal for double swing gates.
  
• Arched-top with finials. This style of gate differs from the arched-top design in that the tops of the pickets (the finials) extend past the upper rail, providing a more ornamental finish.

While these are the three basic styles, there are many ways to further customize a gate. For example, you can choose the spacing between the pickets, decide the height at which the gate sits off the ground, and choose between a variety of ornamental designs for the pickets and finials.

Gate Opening Action – Swing or Slide?

Swinging gates are the most popular choice. They have the advantage of requiring less space alongside the driveway than a sliding gate. Moreover, swing gates are the best match for a traditional arched-top gate design. Single and double swinging gates are available. Double swinging gates have a more traditional look and are ideal for larger openings, but they do require two gate operators. Single swinging gates are the better option for smaller openings.

A traditional slide gate glides along a track and stows alongside the fence. Trackless cantilever gates, which slide along post-mounted rollers, are also available. Another option is a telescopic, or stacker gate, which consists of two or more panels that stack on top of each other when the gate opens, allowing the gate to be compactly stowed.

Top-Quality Automatic Metal Gates in Western Canada

Creative Door Services™ provides custom residential gate systems throughout Western Canada. We source all types of metal driveway gates and provide reliable installation and maintenance services. To request a quote for a gate system, contact us at one of our locations in Vancouver, British Columbia; Kelowna, British Columbia; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Calgary, Alberta; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Regina, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.