When choosing a driveway gate, consider the fence material, whether you want an automatic gate or a manual one, and property limitations like the slope of your driveway. We recommend speaking with a professional driveway gate installer to see what types of gates will work on your property based on your fencing or home’s exterior. Keep in mind that driveway gates should range between 10 to 12 feet wide to ensure cars can easily maneuver through the gateway.

It might be possible to install your own manual driveway gate rather than an automatic one, but we don’t recommend it. Driveway gates are large, heavy, and bulky, and getting them to your house and maneuvering them for installation can be dangerous. It’s also challenging to install the gate and balance it perfectly so that it functions as expected, and wiring any automation mechanisms for your gate is also dangerous and requires help from an electrician. We recommend leaving the work to a professional driveway gate installer.

Driveway gates are expensive to install, but they are usually a worthwhile investment. Not only does this exterior feature improve your curb appeal and, by extension, your property value, but they also help keep your home secure. Driveway can keep out unwanted guests and provide additional privacy for you and your household. Plus, they can serve as a means of keeping children and pets in your yard, depending on the type of fence.

In most municipalities, you will need a permit to install a driveway gate unless you plan on removing an existing gate and installing a new one. You can either ask your driveway gate installer or your local building department to determine if a permit is required in your area and for your specific project. If you live on a corner property, additional restrictions may be attached to your permit that prevent you from installing a gate over a certain height or a privacy fence. Make sure you check with your installer about permitting before choosing a gate.

The average cost to install a driveway gate is around $3,500, and prices usually total between $1,900 and $6,000. However, security and driveway gates can cost as much as $12,000. Some cost factors include the size of the gate, the type of gate, the gate material, and the security level of the gate. A wrought iron gate will be more expensive than a PVC driveway gate, which will typically cost more than a wood gate. Automated gates are always more expensive than manual ones, as they require additional electrical installation.