If you want to install a driveway gate on your property, it’s important to gather all the information you require to ensure it’s adapted to the needs of your household. When you team up with Creative Door Services™, we can help you navigate these seven questions you should ask yourself before installing a gate.

1. How wide should the gate be?

Most standard driveway gates are between 12 and 24 feet wide. That said, driveway gates for residential properties typically range between nine and 12 feet but can also be larger or smaller, depending on your property size. However, it’s important to consider the size of the vehicles that will be passing through. In addition, if your driveway is curved, you may require a larger gate to allow vehicles plenty of space to turn as they enter and avoid hitting it.

2. How tall should the gate be?

Driveway gates are generally between five and six feet tall but can be made higher or lower depending on your needs. Just be aware that most cities have zoning bylaws that put restrictions on the height of fences and gates. It’s important to check with your local municipality before selecting a gate for your property.

3. How much bottom clearance is required?

You should allow for a clearance of at least three inches and no more than six inches under your driveway gate. A gate that’s placed too high above the ground will look like it’s floating, and one that’s too close to the ground will look more like a fence than a gate.

4. Would a sliding or swinging gate be best?

Swinging gates are generally less expensive than sliding gates and are a good option if you live in an area with heavy snowfall or have a sloped driveway.

Sliding gates, on the other hand, are ideal for driveways with limited space as they tuck neatly away and don’t require clearance to swing open. However, they work best in areas with mild weather and on driveways that have a flat surface.

Learn more: The Difference Between Traditional Sliding Gates & Cantilever Gates

5. Should the gate be manual or automatic?

Manual gates are operated by hand and often have latches or padlocks to keep out unwanted traffic. Since they have fewer mechanisms and moving parts, manual gates tend to be cheaper and easier to maintain than automatic gates, making them a more budget-friendly option.

However, if you want the ultimate in convenience, an automatic gate is the way to go. Automatic gates are fitted with electric operators that can be controlled via access control systems, such as remote controls and keypads, so you don’t have to get out of your vehicle to access or leave your property. Many operators also come with a backup battery, so you don’t have to worry about being locked out in the event of a power outage.

6. Which type of material is best for a gate?

Wood, steel, wrought iron, and aluminum are the most common materials used for driveway gates. Choosing the best gate material for your property will largely depend on the climate you live in. For example, steel and wrought iron are susceptible to rust. Consequently, they may not be the best option if you live near the coast, as the salty air is likely to quickly eat away at the finish. Furthermore, wood gates are suitable for mild climates, but can rot and suffer pest damage if not properly maintained. Lastly, aluminum gates are rust-resistant and lightweight. However, they aren’t as durable as other metals and could become bent and damaged in harsh climates.

Learn more: Our Guide to Metal Driveway Gates

7. How much privacy should the gate provide?

When choosing the style of your gate, it’s important to determine if you want it to provide privacy or simply serve to restrict and monitor access to your home. For example, if you aren’t worried about prying eyes, you might want to opt for a decorative gate with thin slats or posts that allow a full view of your property. However, if you want to completely seal off your yard from strangers, a solid wood or metal gate will be more suitable.

If you’re considering installing a residential driveway gate on your property, the team at Creative Door Services™ would be happy to help you design a custom solution that meets your specific needs and reflects your unique style. Once you’ve chosen your gate, our team will take care of the installation and ensure it’s functional and meets all your security requirements.

Custom Residential Driveway Gates

If you’re ready to install a driveway gate on your property, look no further than Creative Door Services™. We carry residential gates from top brands, such as Wayne Dalton, and have all the parts, accessories, and access control solutions you need to automate and secure your driveway gate. Our team also provides expert installation, repair, and maintenance services.

To learn more about our products and services, or to get a free quote, contact us today. We have eight locations from which we’re happy to serve you. You can find us in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.