Automatic driveway gates provide a measure of security for home and ranch driveways, keeping unwanted cars from entering the property and opening via remote control or keypad.
Typical costs:
A driveway gate costs $1,400-$3,200; powering it to open by remote control costs an additional $550-$4,500 -- bringing total costs to $1,950-$7,700.
Single-panel iron, steel and wood gates cost $1,400-$2,100. Cost depends on the size of the gate and its style. For example, a 12-foot wrought-iron gate[1] from Amazing Gates costs about $1,600; a 12-foot steel panel gate[2] at Lowe's costs about $1,800. Single-panel gates can be automated either to swing open or to slide open.
Dual-panel iron, steel and wood gates cost $1,800-$3,200. Dual-panel gates can be automated either to swing open from the middle, or for both panels to slide open. Cost varies by size and style of the gate: a simple 12-foot dual-panel gate[3] at Home Depot about $2,100, and a custom-sized wooden gate[4] costs $2,900-$3,200.
A driveway gate should include one or two gate panels (sometimes called leaves), posts, mounting hardware, hinges and DIY installation instructions.
A lifetime warranty is typically included.
Additional costs:
Automatic gate opener kits are typically not included with driveway gates. Automation kits are sold at the same stores that sell driveway gates. The least expensive automation kits usually do not include access controls and can handle only smaller, lighter weight gates. More expensive kits include access controls and other accessories, and have larger motors to swing bigger gates.
Automation kits that swing single-panel gates[5] open cost $850-$2,300.
Gate automation kits that swing double-panel gates[6] open cost $900-$4,500. Kits that use AC power, have smaller motors and do not include access controls cost the least. Kits that use solar power, have heavier motors to open bigger gates and include access controls are the most expensive.
Gate automation kits that slide gates open[7] cost $550-$2,150.
Access control units such as keypads, remote controls and intercoms cost $20-$2,000. The least expensive access controls are remote controls[8] , which cost $20-$60. Keypads[9] can cost $50-$250. Intercom and combination units[10] cost the most, at $350-$2,000. Exit devices--sensors that open the gate automatically when a car approaches from inside the gate--cost $140-$200.
Reversing mechanisms[11] for safety upon exit can add an additional $150-$200. Lowe's, Home Depot and specialty retailers sell exit controls and reverse mechanisms.
Discounts:
Most driveway gates and automation kits have been created to make it reasonably simple for homeowners with some DIY experience to install their gates and automate them without professional assistance. Lowe's[12] has installation instructions online.
Shopping for a driveway gate:
Automatic driveway gates are sold at home improvement stores such as Home Depot[13] and Lowe's[14] . Specialty gate retailers like Amazing Gates[15] and local stores often offer a wider variety of styles and brands; some offer custom gates, which may cost more than standard styles.
Before starting to shop for an automatic driveway gate, measure the driveway opening that will be gated. The width of the driveway may determine the style of gate necessary. Most single-panel gates come in standard sizes--10 feet and 12 feet; standard dual-panel gates usually span 14 feet, 16 feet, or 18 feet. If the driveway is especially narrow or wide, a local specialty gate and fence retailer may be able to create a custom gate.
Many gate styles are built to either slide or swing, but cannot do both. The placement of the gate may dictate what direction it is able to open.
Amazing Gates provides an overview [16] of different automation options.
Call 811 before starting to dig post-holes for gates to be sure that no buried power lines or pipes will be affected.
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single swing gate, operator, exit loop, 2 safety loops, intercom, camera. Cost is materials only, no labor, includes $800 shipping charges. Running power to the gate adds another $1000.00+ for wiring & conduit(350 feet). Labor estimates were $10,000+ so I did some of the work myself, to bring down the labor costs.
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