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Top-Rated Driveway gate pros in Ames - Updated Nov 2026

Driveway Gates FAQs, answered by experts

The best direction for a gate to swing depends on its location and purpose, but swinging inward is the general rule. An inward swing is often considered safer, prevents the gate from opening into public spaces like a sidewalk, and may be required by local building codes.

There are exceptions and specific considerations. If your property is on a slope, an inward swing might not be possible. For a deck gate, it's safest to have it swing away from any steps. In a backyard, the direction can be a matter of preference, though an inward swing can be helpful when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.

Regardless of direction, ensure the gate can open fully without hitting any objects or blocking spaces. While an inward swing is standard, a gate that can swing both in and out offers the most flexibility if your setup allows for it.

If you only use your gate as a pedestrian, walking through without a vehicle, you’re fine to stick with a single fence gate. If your fence opening needs to accommodate vehicles of any kind, from cars to trucks to 4-wheelers, then a double fence gate will suit the space much better and give you more freedom. 

Generally, the standard 10- to 12-inch-long and 1- to 1.5-inch-diameter gate springs will work. However, if you have an especially wide, thick, or heavy garden gate, you may need to opt for a longer, broader—and pricier—model to ensure secure closure and good longevity. These typically range between 12 and 16 inches long and are over 1.5 inches in diameter.

Your wooden gate post hole should be a third to a half of the height of the post. Also, note that the diameter of the post hole should be three times the diameter of the post. You should set the post in concrete to ensure a long-lasting and durable post that will withstand the test of time.

Assuming the site is prepped and you have all the tools and materials ready, you should budget the better part of a day to build a driveway gate. This can depend on your DIY experience and which materials you’ve chosen, such as building from scratch or using a prefabricated option. The gate size and finishing touches, like painting or staining, can also add to the overall time budget.

The Ames, IA homeowners’ guide to driveway gate services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.