8 Types of Automatic Gates Perfect for Privacy and Style

An automatic gate is the ultimate luxury. It gives your home privacy and security; all you have to do to get in or out is press a button from the comfort of your car. But there are several types of automatic gates to choose from, not all of which may fit your exact needs. Let’s explore every type of automatic gate, so you can decide which is best for guarding your home base.

1. Sliding Gate

Sliding gates simply slide to the left or right using rollers. If you choose a sliding gate, ensure the wheels don't roll across your grass, soil, or concrete because they can cause damage.

Best for: Homes with limited space for swinging doors or driveways on a slope or with uneven terrain or sloped.

2. Cantilever Gate

Cantilever gates are almost identical to sliding gates in that they open to the left or right. But there is one caveat: rather than using rollers and wheels, this system utilizes rails instead, like how garage doors work. 

Because these automatic gates are suspended in the air when the gate is closed, they require extra width to balance out the weight. This doesn’t make them practical if you’re working with limited space—you often only find cantilever gates on large properties or commercial properties.

Best for: Commercial or large properties where high security is required.

3. Bi-Folding Gate

Bi-folding gates bring accordion-style doors to the gate world. The system opens the gate from the middle and causes the two sides to fold in like an accordion. It’s perfect for homeowners who have limited space for a gate and who aren’t that concerned with appearance.

But if aesthetics is a consideration, you should skip over bi-folding gates, which aren't often available in wood or vinyl. But you can always customize the metal options to fit the gate aesthetic you're going for or check out ideas for privacy fences.

Best for: Homes where space or uneven terrain is a concern.

4. Swing Gate

Swing gates are a popular choice for residential properties—if you have the space to accommodate them. Like a door, this type of gate opens via hinges. They also come in many different styles, so if you want a nice wooden gate that compliments your fence, you’re more than covered. You’ve also got plenty of gate latch types to choose from to fit your aesthetic. 

Most swing gates won’t fully open to a full 180 degrees. Instead, they open to about 110 to 140 degrees from the closed position. This is to ensure it doesn’t hit the other side of the gate.

If you install a swing gate close to your fence, you might encounter spacing issues. So, ensure you have enough clearance for it to function without damaging the fence.

Best for: The average homeowner looking for a cost-effective, visually appealing gate.

5. Vertical Lift Gate

Vertical lift gates are exactly what they sound like—they open vertically. You can either have two vertical rails on either side of the gate that lift it straight up or have an arm that opens the gate by swinging it up. Either way, you’re going to need vertical support to ensure the gate doesn’t come crashing down.

These types of gates are great for areas that don’t have room for swing or cantilever gates. But because vertical lift gates often require an increase in vertical length, not all residential areas allow them. These types of gates are still mostly considered industrial, so you’ll only find them in commercial areas or in parking garages.

Best for: Commercial properties or parking garages.

6. Vertical Pivot Gate

A vertical pivot gate almost makes your automatic gate do a somersault by pivoting upward on a bottom corner. This offers the space-saving features of the vertical lift gate without looking unsightly.

These types of gates are often the most difficult to open manually. Because they only utilize one pivot point, they also become easier to break.

Best for: Commercial properties looking for a modern aesthetic.

7. Arm Gate

Arm gates are the simplest options and don’t necessarily work as gates, but more as stopping points. They’re often found in front of businesses, entrances to gated suburbs, or apartment/condo complexes.

Best for: Commercial properties where security isn't a huge concern.

8. Curving Sliding Gate

Curving sliding gates are a great option for homes with limited space. The design allows the gate to fold in on itself, thus the curve, as it opens. Basically, they make use of every inch of available space, providing an elegant solution to properties with limited street frontage. By their very nature, curving sliding gates are custom-built to fit the unique needs of the property better. This puts them on the expensive side, so they may not be for everyone. 

Best for: Homeowners looking for a luxury gate design.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Gate?

The average gate installation cost ranges between $880 and $3,830 but varies depending on the gate's material and design. Chain link and vinyl gates tend to be on the lower end, averaging between $200 and $1,000, while wood or metal gates can cost up to $8,500. Fence gate sizes also factor into the cost, particularly due to the increase in materials required. Hiring a local gate installer is highly recommended to ensure appropriate installation and a design that fits your property needs.