A driveway gate is one of the biggest pieces of steel on your property, and choosing the right type up front saves money and frustration later. The two main options are swing gates, which open like a door, and sliding gates, which roll sideways along the fence line.
Swing gates are classic and work well when you have a fairly level driveway and enough room for the gate to open without hitting cars, landscaping, or the slope. Double swing gates split the weight between two leaves and look great with arched or decorative tops.
Sliding gates are the better choice for sloped driveways, short setbacks, or openings where a swing gate would block the drive. They need clear space along the fence for the gate to roll into, and they can be built with curved tops, like the curved sliding gates in our catalog, for an elegant look.
If you plan to automate the gate, now or later, say so before it's built. An automated gate needs the right posts, hinges or rollers, and a power source, and the operator must be sized to the gate's real weight. Building the gate and the automation as one system is the best way to make sure it opens reliably every time.
Finally, think about the walk gate. A matching pedestrian gate lets family and visitors come and go without opening the whole driveway, and a steel-framed wood walk gate is a great way to tie a steel driveway gate into a wood fence.
Not sure which is right for your lot? We'll measure the opening, check the grade, and recommend the best option in your free quote, with $500 off a custom gate.