These days, more and more homeowners are seriously focusing on their home safety measures. As this demand increases, the safety and security industry has been working hard to upgrade their systems and features to improve their effectiveness, putting minds at ease. 

One of the most important safety and security features that most homeowners should consider is a driveway gate. 

What is a Driveway Gate?

Your driveway gate matters. Not only is it at the forefront of the house, it also protects your property from harmful elements like wandering wild animals and unwanted company. Therefore, you must be mindful of both the aesthetics and functionality of your house gate. 

Before you jump the gun, take the time to browse inspiration designs for driveway gate ideas and create a shortlist according to the following tips.

1. Consider the Size

Before you can even think about the materials and aesthetic design, you must first decide how wide your driveway gate will be. On average, driveway gate size ranges from 10 to 18 ft long, depending on the available space. Ideally, it should be wide enough to fit sedans, SUVs, and trucks. 

The height of your driveway gate is largely a subjective choice. It should be tall enough to hide your vehicle from people passing by, but there isn’t a hard rule on it. You may have seen shorter gates, almost like a hip-level white picket fence; ultimately, it’s up to you!

1. Determine What Type of Driveway

Generally, there are two different types of driveway gates in terms of function: swinging and sliding gates. The former is ideal for bigger, flatter properties, whereas the latter works better on a smaller, more inclined area. 

Sliding doors offer a wider passage and more efficient use of space, but if cost is a factor, swinging doors can be a better fit for your budget. Assess your location and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each type of driveway gate.

Decide what style to install. A beautifully designed driveway gate must complement the look of your house. While there are plenty of models to choose from, you can categorize gate styles into three distinct varieties: picket, slat, and tubular.

• Picket: Looks similar to a white picket fence and often comes in a swing type.
• Slat: Consists of horizontal slats that can either be metal or wood. 
• Tubular: Perhaps the most common, consisting of an array of long, vertical tubes that sometimes have sharp tips. 

If you struggle deciding, think about consulting an interior designer or architect to help you make the best choice.

1. Decide on the Material and Color

The color of your gate will depend solely on your preference. It should be easy to maintain, complement the house design, and safe for the drivers. 

That last one might sound odd, but it’s an important thing to consider. A black gate may look elegant, but when there is inadequate lighting in the area, it could camouflage at night and cause an accident. The same thought applies to overly bright colors that reflect light in the day. 

Common gate materials are wood, metal (e.g., steel and iron), and vinyl (i.e., plastic made from chlorine and ethylene). Wood looks beautifully rustic but requires diligent pest maintenance and waterproofing. Steel and iron are sturdy but rather heavy, and while vinyl is economical, it has limited reparability and relatively low strength.

1. Assess the Security Level

When designing your gate, security should be a topmost consideration. Do you have children and pets at home? Consider designing your driveway gate to be child-proof and pet-proof. Your driveway gate remains closed most of the time, but accidents can happen. Your curious seven-year-old or adventurous dog could easily wander outside, so make sure to think about that when weighing your options.

Most importantly, take into account the safety of your neighborhood. Houses in the city are better suited for security gates—large, steel gates with pointed tips that can be controlled remotely.

1. Check Accessibility and Maintenance

Types of driveway gates can vary according to accessibility, either mechanical or manual. A heavy-duty iron gate might be burdensome if you live alone or in a two-person household, which is why many homeowners decide to install automatic gates. 

You can open your automatic driveway gate via a pin pad or a keypad, which can be stand-alone or built on either of the gate columns at a level accessible from the driver’s seat. They are best paired with a security camera and an intercom, allowing homeowners to check incoming guests and open the gates remotely.

Thanks to advances in technology, smart devices and applications are now available to maneuver your gate 200 ft (61 m) away from your house. You can even open them while you are still on the road using your smartphone. This modern feature also allows the use of solar power—a sustainable, cost-saving measure. 

1. Expert Help

Driveway gate installation is challenging for non-experts, demanding careful thought as style, security, and functionality should all be considered. On top of these, you might have several other questions. Is your area prone to severe weather? What does your budget look like? How soon do you need it? Be a wise homeowner; don’t be afraid to ask an expert to help determine your best option. 

Partnering with Nortex Fence for Your Driveway Gate

If you are looking for a company with the right experience and skills to custom-design and build your driveway gate, there’s nowhere better to look. With over 20 years of industry experience, Nortex Fence is the right choice for you. Our company strives to maintain outstanding quality service for our clients that keep you and your family safe.

For expert advice on all of your driveway gate needs, contact us today for a quote.