The Best Types of Security Gates for Protecting Your Property

If you’ve set up 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. 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.

4 Types of Security Gates

There are four 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. 

1. Swing Gates

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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, or upgrade if the model you like doesn’t already have it built in.

Swing Gate Cost 

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. 

Pros and Cons

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.

2. Sliding Gate

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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. 

Sliding Gate Cost

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. 

Pros and Cons 

This option is a great pick if you don't have enough space for a wide, double-door swing gate but still need a system that offers plenty of security. Keep in mind that sliding gates often require more maintenance because of their additional parts, and may need to be replaced more frequently.

3. Bi-Folding Gates

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Bi-folding gates function like an accordion door in that the sides fold in as it opens 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. 

Bi-Folding Gate Cost

The cost of both automatic and manual bi-folding gates range 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. 

Pros and Cons

The fact 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.

4. Vertical Gate

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. But they also require more overhead space than other options on this list, which may require reconfiguring existing fencing or overhauling it entirely. 

Vertical Gate Cost

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.

Pros and Cons

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.