6 great driveway gates for Australian homes

There are many options to consider when it comes to driveway gates in Australia. From simple wooden gates to heavy-duty wrought iron gates, manually operated gates to automated electric gates - the choices are vast. But why are driveway gates so important and how do we differentiate between them all?

Installing a driveway gate is, in most cases, a significant investment. That might put some individuals off straight away but there are some good reasons to seriously consider them. Some are relatively obvious, like the safety and security of your home and family. Others might just surprise you.

For example, driveway gates are immediately thought of as a security apparatus but they are just as good for keeping people in as well. For a family with small children, driveway gates are essential for preventing little ones from wandering onto the road while chasing a ball or riding a bike. In the same way, it can help keep your pets safely confined to your property as well avoiding any unfortunate accidents on the road.

For those concerned with privacy, gates are a fantastic choice. It keeps unfamiliar cars out and prevents strangers from stumbling onto your patio. It also hides potentially valuable items from view, reducing the visibility of your home from the street.

Enhanced privacy also provides you with more freedom and additional landscaping options. It makes using your outdoor space more comfortable knowing that your entertaining area is not exposed to every passerby that strolls past.

Automatic gates, which are extremely popular in Australia, are often referred to as ‘driveway security gates’. They offer great convenience as they are able to be opened without leaving your car, but are also a strong visual deterrent. They also act as an active barrier between a potential intruder and your private property. They make it extremely difficult for thieves to secure large, expensive items, such as boats, trailers and various motor vehicles.

If you’re not familiar with the idea of ‘kerb appeal’ it’s a quality that marks how good your property looks to people judging it from the street. An automatic driveway gate can substantially improve the overall look of your property, increasing its kerb appeal and overall value.

Given all the tremendous benefits of having a driveway gate, the next question then becomes how do you choose a driveway gate? There are many different styles and materials available in the market for each type of driveway gate and fence. Within the different types of gates themselves, there can be variations that include additional rails, curves, scrolls, together with individual components that can be mixed and mingled to create something completely unique.

Driveway gates come in a variety of different styles and can be manufactured as single swing, double swing, single sliding, double sliding or pedestrian. Each of these types of gates can be fitted with electric gate motors and gate openers, to react at the touch of a button. For added convenience, you can usually get a remote control that operates both garage doors and your gate.

Aluminium gates are durable and versatile, with excellent rust-proof properties. Aluminium is also typically the most affordable choice of metal used for driveway gates. Colour and powder-coating options further increase its durability, making it an ideal choice for residential properties where aesthetics are as important as longevity.

Steel is much heavier and therefore, more durable than aluminium making it also more resistant to break-ins. They are generally high quality gates which make them also more expensive than aluminium. They do offer a higher level of security so if this is a top priority then steel is a pretty solid choice. However, steel is naturally prone to rust, so look for a gate that is galvanised and treated with rust proof coatings.

A wooden gate is a popular choice that can be operated manually or automatically. They are durable and affordable, environmentally friendly when sustainably sourced and can be repaired relatively easily when compared to other options. They do require a bit more regular maintenance by way of repainting or staining, otherwise, they become susceptible to deterioration.

There also exists a hybrid called ‘smartwood aluminium’. It is a premium and costly material that achieves an attractive timber-look while having the added benefits of aluminium. They do make an appealing, maintenance-free solution.

This type of gate is easy to use and provides long-term value. It makes an ideally suited if space is at a premium or the driveway behind the gates lies on a steep slope. Sliding gates and custom designed gates are also very popular in commercial environments.

How much does it cost to install a sliding gate?

Sliding gates costs can vary depending on the type and quality of the product. For an automatic sliding gate, you can expect to pay between $1,000 – $2,000. Installation costs are usually charged at around $50 per hour. It is always in your best interests to get a few quotes from trusted professionals before deciding.

Manual or automatic swinging gates come in a variety of different forms including single or double, made of aluminium, steel or smartwood aluminium. Styles and colours are plentiful as well.

Swinging gates swing on hinged posts, turning inwards, away from oncoming traffic. For homes with ascending driveways, it’s possible to have this reversed for convenience.

How much does it cost to install a swing gate?

The cost of a swing gate again is variable depending on size, material, type and the difficulty of its position to install.

For example, an Aluminium single gate may cost you around $3,000 whereas a double swinging gate of the same could cost around $4,000.

Automatic electric gates are a great product offering the convenience that technology and automation bring. They are designed to open and close with the simple push of a button, all from the comfort of your vehicle. This not only saves you energy but is also a good security measure, especially when returning home late in the evening when getting out of your car isn’t ideal.

The software that supports them is also becoming increasingly advanced with many offering smartphone apps that can connect to intercoms, allowing you to control your gate from your phone but also allowing you to converse with people who visit when you are not at home.

Some automatic electric gates are also solar powered making them excellent sustainable solutions.

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