How Much Does a Driveway Gate Cost on Average?
Did you know that a tall fence or gate is one of the top deterrents for burglars? Have you been thinking about installing a driveway gate as an extra security measure for your home?
You might be interested in a driveway gate, but you might also have some questions. For example, you might be wondering, “How much does a driveway gate cost on average?” or “How much should I budget to add a driveway gate to my property?”
If these questions resonate with you, keep reading. In this post, you’ll find answers to these and other important driveway gate installation questions.
Benefits of Installing a Driveway Gate
In addition to deterring burglars, there are plenty of other reasons why installing a driveway gate can be beneficial. If you’re on the fence (no pun intended) about investing in one, here are some of the other benefits you can enjoy when you do so:
Increased Property Value
Everyone wants to increase the value of their property, right? Adding a driveway gate is one of the many ways you can make your home a bit more valuable and more appealing to future buyers. Even if you don’t have plans to sell your house in the near future, a driveway gate is still a good investment that will pay off later on.
Enhanced Curb Appeal
A driveway gate boosts your curb appeal, too. It can make your house look more attractive and stately, which is always a nice touch.
Increased Privacy
If you value your privacy, a driveway gate is an excellent investment. It helps to guard your house against wandering eyes and nosy neighbors. It also makes it a little more difficult for people to pop by unannounced.
How Much Does a Driveway Gate Cost?
At this point, you might be more interested in getting a gate for your driveway. How much does a gate cost, though?
On average, the cost of installation, including parts and labor, can range from approximately $750 all the way up to $3,000. It’s not easy to tell how much a gate will cost you, specifically, without first looking at certain aspects of your home.
There are a lot of factors that influence the cost of a driveway gate, including the following:
Manual vs Automatic
When it comes to labor, the cost of a manual vs automatic gate is fairly equal. The materials for an automatic gate can be a lot more expensive than the materials for a manual one, though. Automatic gates also require additional hardware, and you have to factor in the extra cost of the opener and motor.
For some people, the convenience of an automatic gate makes it worth the extra cost. If you are looking to save money, though, you’ll likely be better off choosing a manual option.
Sliding vs Swing
Besides deciding whether you want a manual or automatic gate, you’ll also need to decide whether you want it to be a sliding or swinging gate. Sliding gates tend to be much more expensive than swinging gates. This is because extra labor is required during the installation process.
If you have a flat driveway, a sliding gate can be a good option. If your driveway is slanted, though, you’ll be better off choosing a swinging gate to avoid the risk of it getting stuck on the concrete when it’s opening and closing.
Materials
There are lots of different materials that can be used for constructing your driveway gate. From aluminum and steel to wood, vinyl, and wrought iron, you have plenty of options. Materials like aluminum and steel tend to be on the cheaper end, while wrought iron and vinyl and more expensive.
If you already have a fence around your property, you’ll likely want to choose a material that matches the material of the fence. A lack of harmony will detract from the appearance of your house and will make it less appealing.
City Approval
Depending on where you live, you may need to get approval from the city or local government before you can install a gate on your property. If you have to pay for certain permits before doing this, that can add an extra couple of hundred dollars onto your final cost.
Be sure to do your research before moving forward with the installation. Otherwise, you could end up getting hit with some expensive fines later.
How to Choose the Right Driveway Gate
Price definitely matters when you’re shopping for a driveway gate. There’s more to think about, including the design of the gate and how it works with the rest of your property.
If you’re going to spend money on a gate, you might as well make sure it’s a good fit, right? Here are some extra factors to consider for your gate:
- Choose the right material: Aluminum? Steel? Timber? Iron? There are tons of options you can consider based on your style preferences and budget
- Decide between sliding and swinging: Sliding gates work best for incline driveways, while swinging ones are a good fit for flat driveways
- Make it match: Ideally, your gate’s color and design will match the style of your home, as well as the other fencing on your property
It’s always a good idea to look at some different house front gate designs before you make your decision. This can help you to get a better sense of what you do and don’t like.
Install Your New Driveway Gate Today
Now that you have a clearer answer to the question “How much does a driveway gate cost?” are you interested in installing one on your property? Keep this information on the cost of a driveway gate in mind, as well as the tips on choosing the right one for your home, and you’ll have no trouble finding a great fit.
Do you want to learn more about improving the appearance of your home and/or making it more secure? If so, we have plenty of resources available on our site. Visit the House and Home section today for some additional insights.
