Entering your property through a gate, whether on foot or in a vehicle, has a luxurious feeling. There are several types of gates for homes on the market, each with its own style and function. Whether you’re installing a gate for security at your driveway entrance or to add a bit of whimsy to your garden, read through the types of gates before contacting a pro.
Types of Gates
1. Sliding Gate
A sliding gate opens as the name implies—one gate slides to the side or two gates slide to their respective sides. These types of gates typically use wheels that slide in a track to move from side to side. These wheels may eventually need repairs, and you’ll need to keep the track clear of debris.
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Sliding gates are ideal for driveways or properties that don’t have enough space for a swinging or folding gate. The gate slides into a pocket or alongside the nearby fencing rather than swinging open. Sliding gates are typically lightweight and you can easily open and close them using a remote device.
Pros
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Takes up less space
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Lightweight and easy to operate
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Harder to break into due to size
Cons
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Requires track maintenance, like cleaning debris and lubrication
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Must have room on the side for the fence when it slides
2. Swing Gate
A swing gate opens similarly to a door with vertical hinges. One or two gates swing open to allow people or vehicles to enter a property. Swings gates offer a luxurious look and feel for homeowners who want to make a grand entrance to their homes.
This type of gate requires enough room for the gates to swing open without hitting anything. Before installing a swing gate, measure and mark your driveway to ensure there’s a surplus of space between your cars or driveway and where the gate opens. If the gate is located too close to a pedestrian walkway, a swing gate is likely not the best option for you.
Pros
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Unique and high-end look
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Very quiet operation
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Minimal maintenance required
Cons
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Requires a larger driveway space (for double doors)
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More expensive
3. Bi-Fold Gate
A bi-fold gate has two panels that fold together when opened, similar to a bi-folding door. The gate can feature one section with two panels or two sections with four panels. Like sliding gates, a bi-fold gate uses wheels that slide on a track to open up. The track can be enclosed, open on the ground, or overhead.
Bi-fold gates tend to be fairly compact as the panels fold up next to each other. This gate type also opens up rather quickly, making it easy to get in and out of your driveway. If you use your driveway often, consider installing a fast-opening bi-fold gate for swift access.
Pros
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Takes up less space than swinging gates
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Opens faster than other options
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Available without a track
Cons
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Not as attractive
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Harder to install
4. Vertical Gate
Vertical-style gates open vertically and come in two different types: vertical lift or vertical pivot. A vertical lift gate lifts straight up and is somewhat similar to a garage door opening. However, the gate doesn’t coil up, but instead lifts straight up in one piece. A vertical pivot gate is fixed at one bottom corner and it lifts from that corner at an angle, transitioning from a horizontal position to a vertical one.
Both types of vertical gates do not take up a lot of space, unlike a swinging gate. However, you’ll need to ensure you have enough vertical clearance and that there are no trees in the way. If you have to think twice about cutting down a tree that will block a potential vertical gate, it’s likely not your best option. Additionally, if you have tall vehicles, the gate will need to be positioned high enough to allow them to pass through.
Pros
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Space saving
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Fits into areas where a sliding or swing gate won’t
Cons
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Requires enough vertical clearance
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Cannot install near trees
5. Pedestrian Gate
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Keep in mind that gates for your home are not exclusively for vehicles. Pedestrian gates are essential if your home is accessible by foot traffic. This type of gate will also act as part of the fencing system around your home, and there are various opening mechanisms to choose from.
Pedestrian gates can be swinging, folding, or accordion-style, and they are typically between 36 and 40 inches wide, so if multiple people need to enter the property, plan on creating a single-file line. You can open pedestrian gates with a key or electronically with a keypad. Some smart home technology will allow you to open the gate with an app on your smartphone, like a smart garage door opener.
Pros
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Allows for easier sidewalk access
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Enhanced privacy without limiting accessibility
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Increased security against foot traffic
Cons
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More expensive
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Requires more installation space
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6. Automatic Gate
An automatic gate welcomes you home with ease, operating the gates through a motion sensor or electronic device or smartphone activation. Rather than manually opening your gate, an automatic gate is powered by a motor that will open it with a remote or keypad. You can customize your gate with various styles, including sliding, cantilever, and arm gates.
Most automatic gates have the option to be opened manually, in case of a power outage. Keep in mind, while these gates can be more convenient, automatic gates will be more expensive than manually-operated gates and likely require hiring a local electrician and a gate installer to install correctly.
Pros
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Added convenience
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Better security
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Improved curb appeal
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Increased property value
Cons
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Usually requires an electrician for installation
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Most expensive option
7. Double Gate
Two is always better than one, right? Depending on the size of your driveway, installing two gates that open side-by-side might be a good option. With a double gate, you can choose whether to open both sides or one side at a time.
Typically, opening one side is enough for a standard-sized vehicle to fit through, and opening both sides is exclusively used for oversized vehicles, like trucks and trailers. Double gates can be swinging, sliding, or folding types.
Pros
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Better for wider vehicles
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Better for wider driveways
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More traditional look and feel
Cons
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Requires more hardware and maintenance
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Requires two motors
8. Retractable Gate
Don’t want or need a permanent gate type? Consider a retractable one. Retractable gates are useful when you need a simple way to keep kids or pets in an area without installing a permanent solution.
While they’re not the most user-friendly for vehicles—as they require getting in and out of your car to use them—and they certainly don’t look the best compared to other options, they are more affordable and straightforward to use. Like other gates, these come in many materials, including plastic, aluminum, and wood.
Pros
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Easy to use
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Portable
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Low cost
Cons
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Not a great permanent solution
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No automatic option
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Not the most attractive
9. Yard or Garden Gate
Add an extra level of charm to your yard or garden with a gate. Whether or not you have a fence, this type of gate can be a great way to create a grand entrance to your outdoor space. These can connect to existing fences, landscaping, or a new pergola area as a self-containing gate.
If you’re looking for security or usability, these gates aren’t necessarily the best option. But if you’re looking for some unique landscaping ideas, then a garden gate could fit the bill.
Pros
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Adds extra charm to your outdoor space
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Very versatile
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Relatively affordable
Cons
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Not suitable for adding security
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Sometimes an unnecessary purchase
Types of Home Gates by Material
Gates come in a variety of materials that can completely change the look and usability of your setup. Not to mention, the material you choose will greatly impact the overall cost of your gate project. Here are some of the most common materials on the market.
Wooden Gates
Wooden gates are known for their traditional look, although the ability to lay them horizontally or vertically can add some interest. They can be stained or painted in many colors to match your home’s design.
From an installation standpoint, they’re often one of the most affordable options. However, they’re prone to weather-related issues, like wind or rain, that can make maintenance or repairs more expensive over time.
Vinyl Gates
You can reinforce vinyl gates to add an extra layer of security and support. They aren’t susceptible to weather issues, and you can clean them with a power washer. You can choose vinyl for nearly any type of gate, but it can be more expensive than wood.
Composite Gates
Composite gates are made of real wood and plastic, offering better weather resistance and longevity. You can buy them to look like real wood, plastic, or anything.
They’re low maintenance and easy to install but come with a price tag similar to vinyl.
Metal Gates
Metal gates are usually more cost-effective than other materials but offer the least privacy. Most metal gates leave gaps between rails or links, which means people passing by can see into your space.
But metal is one of the most durable materials on the market, so these gates are extremely long-lasting. The following gate types are different metal gate options.
Chain-Link Gate
If price is your top concern, a chain-link gate is the best option. But there are a lot of drawbacks, like lack of privacy and how easy it is to break or climb into, making this gate less popular for those needing security and privacy.
Wrought-Iron Gate
Wrought iron is strong, durable, and practical as a gate material. And out of the metal options, it’s usually considered the most elegant. This is a good choice for a more traditional home and landscaping solution.
Aluminum Gate
Today, many types of aluminum gates on the market are unique and modern. Unlike chain-link gates, which aren’t the most attractive, or wrought-iron, which are more traditional, aluminum gates can be more tailored to the look of your house.
Other Considerations for a Custom Home Gate
There’s more to consider than just the material and type of gate. Here are some other considerations to keep in mind during this process.
Driveway Setup
Your driveway setup may be the biggest determining factor in choosing your type of gate.
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If your driveway is narrow: Opt for a single-door gate or bi-fold gate
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If your driveway is extra-wide: Opt for a double-door swing gate
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If your driveway is sloped upward: Choose an outward swinging gate or sliding gate
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If your driveway is sloped downward: Choose an inward swinging gate or sliding gate
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If your driveway opens to a street: Choose an outward swinging gate or sliding gate
Home Access
A big determinant is if you want a manual or automatic gate. Not only will this impact how you use your gate, but it’ll also significantly impact your options and price. Automatic gates are more expensive but offer more flexibility in how you can use them.
For example, remote access to your gate can be a big benefit if you have a vacation or guest house. Plus, not having to get out of your car to open your gate is usually preferred by most people. Meanwhile, manual gates, while they can’t open with the push of a button, are more affordable.
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Your Homeowners Association
You may be limited on what you can do based on your homeowners association. Before you start the process, look at what options you have regarding a gate. For example, you may have to use a certain type of material or there may be limitations on the size of your gate.
Installation
Some gate types are DIYable, like a chain-link or yard gate. But more complicated gates, especially automatic ones that need an electrical hookup, are best left to a local gate installer. And in some states, you will have to hire a licensed electrician for the job.
If security is your number one priority, then expect to budget between $880 and $3,775 for the cost of installing a security gate, whether you need a driveway gate or a privacy fence gate.
Brionna Farney contributed to this piece.
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