These options truly make an entrance
If you’ve installed a security system and secured your front door, installing security gates is the next best way to keep trespassers at bay and your mind at ease—not to mention, driveway gates can add value to your home. There’s just one problem: There are quite a few models to choose from, and a cursory look isn’t always enough to tell you which one will offer the most benefits to your home.
The guide below breaks down all the options so you don’t have to wonder which type of security gate is right for you. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of security gates–from costs to pros and cons of different styles.
| Type of Security Gate | Average Material Cost |
|---|---|
| Swing gate | $50–$8,500 |
| Sliding gate | $60–$5,200 |
| Bi-folding gate | $160–$300 |
| Vertical gate | $500–$4,000 |
| Pivot gate | $500–$4,000 |
Driveway gates add value and security to your home. To maximize your ROI, consider contacting a pro for this project.
There are five main types of security gates to consider and each comes with advantages and disadvantages. Keep in mind that almost all are available in an assortment of different styles and materials—from steel to vinyl—so it’s easy to find one that matches your residence and boosts curb appeal.
Swing gates open on a hinge just like a regular door and are considered to be the best choice for residential properties because of their simplicity. They’re available in both single-door pedestrian and double-door driveway formats but will vary in cost from one to the other. You can purchase a model with a setting to have it open automatically, install an automatic gate opener, or upgrade if the model you like doesn’t already have it built in.
The cost of installing a security system like this depends on the format and whether or not it’s automatically programmed. For example, individual, pedestrian swing gates range in price from just $50 to $300 for materials. On the flipside, automatic, driveway swing gates can cost anywhere from $500 to $8,500 for materials, plus $80 per hour for labor fees.
While this type of security gate is easier to set up and maintain, there are a couple of downsides to consider. For starters, a swing gate requires ample space for the doors to open without bumping into surrounding fencing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fewer moving parts equals easier maintenance | Opens more slowly than other options |
| Simple design is relatively easy to install | Requires extra space to open properly |
Best For: Those looking for a low-maintenance security gate
This model functions by sliding open along a system of rollers rather than opening outwards at an angle like a swing gate. A sliding gate is also available in several different styles: For example, cantilever sliding gates include rollers in the gate posts rather than on a ground track. This is beneficial if there’s grass or soil under your gate because it won’t damage or destroy the terrain the way a ground track might.
The cost of materials for manual sliding gates ranges from $60 to $350 on average and $80 per hour for installation labor by a professional. By contrast, you can expect to spend between $1,000 and $5,200 for the materials of an automatic sliding gate alone and up to 50% of those costs on additional labor fees.
This option is a great pick if you need more space for a wide, double-door swing gate but still need a system that offers plenty of security. Keep in mind that these gates often require more maintenance because sliding gate parts can be complex, and the parts may need to be replaced more frequently.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Requires less space than alternatives | Tricky maintenance and regular wheel replacements |
| Less vulnerable to windy conditions | Ground tracks may damage grass or soil |
Best For: Those in windy climates or who have limited space
Bi-folding gates function like an accordion door in that the sides fold in as they open from the middle. As far as security gating goes, this option opens faster than any other and doesn’t need additional space to do so like a swing gate would. It also isn’t installed with rollers or a ground track so it won’t cause damage to the terrain below.
The cost of both automatic and manual bi-folding gates ranges from $160 to $300 on average. You can expect to pay roughly $80 per hour to hire a professional to install it for you. You may be able to halve the overall cost by doing it yourself. That may be worth it if you know how to install a security gate and have the right tools to do it, If not, it’s better to call in a pro to ensure a secure setup.
The facts that it opens faster than other models and doesn’t require as many parts or maintenance are the biggest advantages of this type of security gate. However, this option is not as widely available as the alternatives. Bi-folding gates are also less stylistically diverse, so the design options can be limited.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Few parts equals easy maintenance | Not as widely available as alternatives |
| Opens quickly | Smaller range of style and material options |
Best For: Homeowners looking for the fastest way in and out of their properties
Vertical gates take up little space because they open from the bottom up, making them a great choice if you have limited real estate. Like sliding gates, this style uses a system of rollers and rails to push up or pull down the gate as necessary. However, they also require more overhead space than other options on this list, which may require reconfiguring existing fencing or overhauling it entirely.
The cost of materials for both automatic and manually controlled vertical gates ranges from $500 to $4,000 but can be as much as $12,000 for a customized setup. Again, the hourly cost to hire a pro to install such a feature is $80 on average.
This space-saving security gate might seem like the perfect fit, but consider the fact that you’ll need additional overhead space for vehicles to pass through safely without interfering with the gate’s vertical rolling system.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Takes up little extra space | Trickier maintenance because of extra parts |
| Won’t get blocked by built-up snow | Requires overhead area for installation |
Best For: Homes in climates with heavy snow and plenty of overhead space
Pivot gates are also vertical, but unlike vertical lift gates, these gates pivot on one of the bottom corners as they lift into the air with the corner that is diagonal to the pivot—think of a railroad crossing gate. This simple mechanism offers more security than sliding vertical gates and doesn’t require as much know-how to install. You're more likely to see vertical pivot gates in industrial locations like commercial buildings, parking lots, and areas in need of high security.
As with vertical sliding doors, residential pivot gates cost anywhere from $500 to $4,000 on average depending on the size, materials, and style. This doesn’t include any labor costs for installing the gate.
There are many benefits to choosing pivot gates, with safety and lower associated costs being the biggest perks. Unlike horizontal and swinging sliding doors, which have a higher chance of crushing or hitting people, pets, and objects, vertical pivot gates have fewer dangerous points. They also cost less to maintain than sliding gates thanks to their simple mechanism. This makes pivot gates a good choice for those looking to lower labor and maintenance costs.
However, pivot gates aren’t exactly the most attractive option for homeowners. Since they’re mainly used in commercial settings and resemble railroad crossings, you might not like the impact this gate has on your curb appeal. It also requires more space like vertical sliding gates.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Safer than vertical sliding gates | May not be aesthetically appealing |
| Lower installation and long-term maintenance costs | Requires more overhead space than horizontal security gates |
Best For: Anyone looking for a safer automatic security gate
Now that you know all of the options available for your home, it’s time to figure out which security gate is best for you. Here are some home security tips on how to pick the right security gate.
Consider your budget. Manual swing gates are the most budget-friendly type of security gate if you're looking for a low-cost option.
Factor in your lifestyle. If you’re frequently on the go, you might benefit most from an automatic bi-folding gate that doesn’t require you to frequently exit and enter your car just to operate it.
Know your property’s limits. Yards with lots of trees might prohibit vertical sliding or pivoting gates, as there might not be room for these types of gates.
Remember your aesthetics. Curb appeal isn’t a big deal to some, but others might not want a gate that detracts from their landscape. A vertical gate or bi-folding gate can look commercial and might not be a good option for someone who wants a modern, contemporary, or Mediterranean look.
Installing a security gate is not a DIY-friendly project. Due to the unique mechanisms involved, the weight, and the potential for accidents if incorrectly installed, it's important to choose a reputable gate installation company near you to do the job. Keep these questions on hand to ask prospective gate installers before you choose a pro to install your new security gate:
How many years of experience do you have installing security gates?
Can you show me pictures and testimonials from past projects?
Do you have a workmanship warranty? If so, what does it cover, and for how long?
Which type of security gate do you think is best for my property?
