How Much Does An Automatic Driveway Gate Cost?
Electric or automatic driveway gates are growing in popularity for many residences in the U.S. Not only are they visually appealing and improve the curb appeal of the property, they also increase convenience and enhance home security. Opposed to gates that are operated manually, automatic driveway gates offer more control over who comes on your property while also eliminating the need to leave your car or home to open the gate for yourself or a guest.
The average cost of automatic driveway gates is $7,500, and that includes labor and materials. Homeowners spend an average of $2,650 on the driveway gate motor and $1,725 on a driveway gate opener. It costs an average of $1,2750 in labor costs to install an automatic driveway gate.
The final price you can expect to pay for an automatic driveway gate depends on type, materials, size, labor prices in your area, and any additional features. Continue reading for our comprehensive guide on the cost of automatic driveway gates, so you can determine if installing one is the best fit for your property and know-how to appropriately budget for the project.
Overview of Automatic Driveway Gate Cost
Not everyone knows how to build a driveway gate on their own. Installing an automatic gate at the entrance to your driveway is a wonderful addition for those looking for some extra peace of mind regarding the security of your family and home. Though the cost of automatic driveway gates can be relatively expensive, you’ll enjoy more privacy, security, and convenience – making it well worth the investment.
Ultimately, the final price you’ll pay on an automatic driveway gate will depend on the gate type, size, materials, additional features, and local labor costs. The following table displays a brief overview of the cost to install an automatic driveway gate, which can vary considerably.
| Average Cost | $7,000 |
| Average Range | $3,000 to $12,000 |
| Low End Cost | $3,000 |
| High End Cost | $12,000 |
Automatic Driveway Gate Cost by Material
Similar to manual driveway gates, automatic gates can be built out of a variety of different materials, each with its own unique pros and cons. Generally speaking, automatic driveway gate material costs range in cost from $200 to $4,000, with vinyl being the most affordable and aluminum being the most expensive.
| Material | Average Cost Range |
| Aluminum | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Steel | $600 to $4,000 |
| Wrought Iron | $600 to $4,000 |
| Wood | $300 to $4,000 |
| Vinyl | $200 to $1,000 |
The material that you choose for your gate will impact the overall cost of the project. Choose your ideal material based on price and the aesthetic you’re going for. Here’s a brief breakdown of what you can expect out of each type of material:
- Aluminum is a durable, low-maintenance, and lightweight material. Though it is the most expensive material, can dent, offers limited options.
- Steel is versatile, durable, and low-maintenance. However, it is also expensive, doesn’t come in many options, and is very heavy.
- Wrought iron has many options to choose from, is versatile, decorative, and very durable. Like steel, though, it is expensive and heavy. It can also be challenging to install.
- Wood is a classic, beautiful and strong material that can greatly enhance your home’s curb appeal. However, it is very high maintenance, requires frequent staining or painting, and is susceptible to rot, pests, and warping.
- Vinyl is affordable, low-maintenance, and will not rust or rot. However, it’s more susceptible to damage – may crack in cold weather and warp in hot temperatures.
Automatic Driveway Gate Cost by Type
Automatic driveway gates also come in a range of styles and can be operated in many different ways. The type that you choose may be influenced by the grade or slope of your driveway entry. For instance, swing gates are very popular but won’t function well if you have a steep hill just beyond your gate. In this case, you’d be better off opting for some form of sliding automatic gate.
Depending on the type of automatic gate, you could pay as little as $100 or as much as $9,000. Gates can typically be broken down into five main categories: swing gates, slide gates, vertical pivot gates, underground systems, and ram gates. You can also break slide gates and swing gates down even further. However, the table below outlines the most common options, as well as their average costs:
| Type of Automatic Gate | Average Cost Range |
| Barrier Gate | $100 to $500 |
| Card-Based Entry Gate | $100 to $900 |
| Keypad Entry Gate | $120 to $600 |
| Slide V Track Gate | $500 to $3,000 |
| Slide Rear Pipe Gate | $500 to $3,000 |
| Single Swing Gate | $500 to $3,000 |
| Vertical Pivot Gate | $500 to $4,000 |
| Slide Cantilever Gate | $1,000 to $4,000 |
| Double Swing Gate | $1,000 to $4,000 |
| RV Gate | $1,000 to $9,000 |
| Uphill Swing Gate | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Lift and Sing Gate | $2,000 to $6,000 |
| Underground System | $2,000 to $6,000 |
- Barrier gates may be inexpensive and very easy to install, but they are usually unattractive and do not offer any security. These are more often seen on commercial properties than as residential driveway gates.
- Card-based entry gates are usually difficult to install, somewhat pricey, and require that you have to maintain all the cards and access. However, they allow you to activate and deactivate cards as needed.
- Keypad entry gates do not require a physical key or card to operate and they can also be integrated into your larger home security system. However, these gates can make it difficult to remember the code, require power or a battery backup to function, and need protection from inclement weather.
- Slide V track gates are a very common, reliable choice with many options available to homeowners. They do, however, require additional space on either side to function properly and may not be ideal for snow or ice conditions.
- Slide rear pipe gates are a relatively inexpensive option that is very easy to convert from manual to automatic. Like slide v track gates, these require extra space on either side. They also may not be the most attractive choice for your home’s entryway.
- Single swing is a very common, easy-to-use gate. However, as previously mentioned, the driveway has to be perfectly level and the size is restricted.
- Vertical pivot gates are incredibly secure, move straight up to open, and are a great choice when space is limited. In terms of design, they do offer fewer options and they can also be relatively difficult to install.
- Slide cantilever gates are ideal for areas with snow and ice. While they are very easy to use, these gates require much more space than most other options.
- RV gates, as the name suggests, are wide enough to fit an RV through. They offer optimal privacy, but can be expensive and may not be allowed by some HOAs.
- Uphill swing gates are a form of swing gate that can be used on sloped driveways. However, it’s important to note that these gates are challenging to install, difficult to operate, and offer little in terms of slope options.
- Lift and swing gates can also be used on sloped driveways, but have more slope options. Though, they are still difficult to install and are one of the most expensive options.
- Underground systems are an unobtrusive option for an operating method. They may be expensive, and difficult to both repair and install, but these systems are incredibly convenient and work with most styles and materials of automatic gates.
Automatic Driveway Gate Labor Costs
The specific installation of an automatic driveway gate varies considerably based on the style and type of gate, as well as the material and system. With that said, the most expensive part about installation cost is the posts that hold up the gate on each side. From that point, the rest of the installation depends on the type, style, and material of the gate you chose.
For instance, sliding gates require tracks and specialized wheels, while swing gates need hinges. Your professional will set up the mechanism and, in most cases, set up and calibrate the sensor or the remote in order for the gate to function. Depending on the style and size of the gate, the installation process could take anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days.
The labor component of installing an automatic driveway gate is usually two-fold, meaning you first have the installation of the gate itself and then the installation of the automated system. Depending on the size and material of the gate, the first part of the installation costs between $750 and $1,800. Whereas, the additional cost for the installation of an automated system is often an additional $1,500 to $3,000 – depending on the method used. For instance, a steel, vertical pivot gate with a sensor is going to cost more to install than a vinyl gate that is operated by remote control.
Automatic Gate Opener Cost
The mechanism that operates your automatic driveway gate will vary from model to model. Some are battery-operated, but the physical mechanism of the opener is usually either hydraulic or electromechanical. Electromechanical openers are the most common and they may be battery, solar, or electric operated and might rely on a bush button, sensors, or a remote control to function. These types of openers are usually found on sliding and swing-style gates, costing between $250 and $600 on average.
Hydraulic gate openers, on the other hand, are less common. They are often found on uphill and lift-and-swing type gates. Like electromagnetic gates, these may operate by remote control or a sensor. The cost of hydraulic gate openers is between $450 and $3,000 on average.
Gate Motor Cost
Another consideration when it comes to automatic driveway gates is the motor. Residential electronic gates require both motors and a power supply to function. The price of the gate motor varies significantly based on a number of factors, including the gate operating system, size, and style.
For instance, gates open at varying speeds and the specific motor must be able to handle the various speeds required to open and close properly. Gate motors cost an average of $800 to $4,500. To put things into perspective, complicated models, like the cantilever style gate, require expensive, large motors to operate.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional to Install Automatic Driveway Gate
Although professional gate installers may charge you up to $80 an hour, in most cases, it is well-worth the expense. When you have an expert taking on the project, it’s guaranteed that your automatic driveway gate will be installed correctly and will function as expected.
While you may notice a savings of up to 50% by DIYing the install, your lack of experience could leave you with a gate that doesn’t open or drags on the ground. With that said, it’s always best to hire a professional gate installation company, which will greatly minimize stress and give you a sturdy, secure, and convenient driveway gate. There are 30 driveway gate ideas that can steer you in the right direction.
Related Questions
Can a driveway gate increase property value?
Yes, an automatic driveway gate can increase your property value by $50,000. This steep rise in value comes from the gate’s ability to enhance your curb appeal and add more security to your home. So, even if the upfront costs may seem severe, you will certainly reap the benefits when it comes time to sell your home.
Do driveway gates reduce insurance premiums?
Yes, most insurance companies will lower your rates after you install a security gate. This added security reduces the risk of theft and vandalism, which is the main reason you’ll get to enjoy a lower monthly premium.
How much does it cost to automate a driveway gate?
If you have a manual driveway gate already and are just looking to automate it, you can expect to spend between $1,500 and $3,000. However, if your existing gate cannot be easily converted, you’ll have to purchase and install a new one that is compatible – which costs around $7,000 on average.
Can automatic driveway gates be opened manually?
Most gates are outfitted with manual overrides in case of failures or power outages. Depending on your particular gate, it will either have a release, key, or you may be able to simply open or close the gate by hand.
Do I need a permit to install an automatic driveway gate?
In some areas, you may be required to get planning permission in the form of a permit – which costs between $150 and $200 on average. However, your professional installer will be able to educate you on the specific requirements for your project and your location.
Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. She grew up surrounded by constant home improvement projects and owes most of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home. Being a Los Angeles resident, Jessica spends a lot of her time looking for her next DIY project and sharing her love for home design.
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