Driveway gates add kerb appeal and improve your property’s security. As one of the first things people will notice when they walk up to your home, you want them to look great. So whether you’re replacing your driveway gates or installing them for the first time, let’s go through how much they cost.

How much do driveway gates cost?

How much driveway gates cost depends on the type of gates you’d like, whether they’re manual or automatic and the size of the opening you need to gate. Here’s a breakdown of the supply and installation costs of different types of driveway gates:

These prices are based on a typical 6ft x 5ft opening for a driveway gate, and a driveway specialist’s labour. The final cost of your driveway gates project will vary based on a number of factors:

• Size: As you’d expect, the bigger the driveway gate, the higher the cost.

• Material: Timber and metal gates are generally the cheapest, while wrought iron driveway gates cost more.

• Features: You'll pay more if you want a bi-fold, automatic or tracked sliding gate.

• Add-ons: If you decide to add an intercom to your driveway gates, you’ll often pay around £300 extra.

• Your location: If you live in London or the south east, you’ll pay more than those in the north or Scotland.

At HaMuch, we use tradespeople’s hourly rates to give you an estimate of how much your project may cost in your area. Take a look at our table further down the page for driveway gate costs in your nearest town or city, then post a job to get an accurate quote.

How to choose a driveway gate

To get the right driveway gate for your property, there are a few factors you should consider:

1. Decide on material

The most common driveway gate materials are timber, steel and wrought iron. Which one is best for you depends on your budget, how much maintenance time you’re willing to spend and where you live in the country.

Timber gates will require treating and staining to protect against rot, but are generally the cheapest option. Steel and wrought iron will be prone to rust, especially if you live in a coastal area where the air contains a higher level of salt. You’ll need to repaint it regularly to keep it in good condition.

So, whichever type of driveway gate you choose, you’ll need to be prepared to do, or pay someone to do, maintenance – but where you live can affect how much is required.

2. Choose automatic or manual

Everyone loves the idea of automatic driveway gates – but they come at a cost. Electric gates can add thousands of pounds to your project, so think carefully before you make a decision.

However, automatic gates are ideal if you have a long driveway and regularly have visitors, as you can use an intercom and remote settings to open up your gate. High electric gates can also protect you from crime such as burglary or vandalism as criminals will be deterred from entering your property if they can’t open your gate to get through.

If you don’t have much budget or your driveway is short, you may decide that having manual driveway gates is enough for your needs.

3. Assess how much space you have

Take a look around the area where your driveway gate will stand. What’s space like? If you’re short on space within your property, you may need to consider sliding driveway gates if you don’t have room for your gates to swing inwards. If you have more space within your property’s boundary, it may make sense for your gates to swing outwards.

4. Consider safety and security

If you have young children or pets, you may decide that a solid driveway gate with no openings is safest to prevent children from wandering out or pets escaping. While shorter gates are cheaper, taller ones add more security. Consider how many safety and security measures you need in place.

There is no ‘best’ type of driveway gate: every household will have different requirements. But if you consider these factors before you choose, you’ll find the right driveway gate for you.

How long does it take to install a driveway gate?

How long it takes to install a driveway gate will vary depending on the type of gate you choose, how big it is and whether it’s hinged or has a sliding mechanism. On average, most driveway gate installations will be complete in 2 days.

Can driveway gates open outwards?

Yes, driveway gates can open outwards – but only if they will swing outwards within your property boundary. If your gates will swing out onto the path or road, you’ll need permission from your local authority. Under Part 153 of the Highways Act 1980, a gate can’t open out onto a highway (the path or road) unless you have permission. If you add a gate that does open out onto the highway without permission, your council could force you to change it and potentially slap you with a fine.

So if you don’t have space for your driveway gates to open inwards, you will need to consider sliding driveway gates.

Can you put a gate on a sloped driveway?

Yes, you absolutely can put a gate on a sloped driveway! It’s best to have sliding gates if you have a sloped driveway. Since they move horizontally along a track, they won’t be affected by the incline like standard swinging gates would be.

Do driveway gates increase property value?

Yes – driveway gates could increase your property’s value. According to Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, properly installed driveway gates could increase your home’s value by up to 5%. Since they offer safety, security and kerb appeal, a prospective buyer is likely to pay more for a home with driveway gates than one on your street without gates.

Do I need planning permission to put a gate on my driveway?

Most of the time, you won’t need planning permission to put a gate on your driveway. However, there are some conditions you need to meet:

• If the gate will be next to a highway (a path or road), it can’t exceed more than 1 metre in height from ground level. Anywhere else, it must not exceed 2 metres

• Your property must not be listed or within the curtilage of a listed building

• The right to put up or alter a gate must not have been removed by an Article 4 Direction (where a council can remove permitted development rights to protect a local area or amenity) or a planning condition

If you’re unsure whether you need to apply for planning permission, it’s always best to contact your local authority building control before work starts.

Are driveway gates worth it?

Only you can decide whether driveway gates are worth it! There are many advantages to driveway gates, so make sure you weigh them all up to decide whether they’re worth it:

• Add kerb appeal

• Deter burglars

• Improve privacy

• May reduce insurance costs

• Keep children and pets safe

Ready to get a price for your driveway gates project? Post your job on HaMuch now and we’ll put you in touch with driveway specialists in your area.

Estimates for common driveway specialist jobs;

Rates for other trades