Gates are a traditional way to secure your home while also adding to its overall look. Depending on the type, they can also add to the value of your property. There are so many options to choose from and there are styles and designs to complement any style or house. 

If you’re thinking of installing a pedestrian access or driveway gate, we’ve collected some information that might help you. Including:

• Popular types of gates
• How much does gate installation cost?
• How do I find a gate installer?
• Getting quotes for gate installation

Types of gates

In general, you will find that gates can be grouped into three main categories. The location, method of opening and the material. 

Location

The three common places to have a gate are the driveway, pedestrian access points and side gates. Pedestrian access and side gates are usually a little simpler than driveway gates due to the size difference. 

Many Australian homes have both a driveway gate and at least one pedestrian access gate. In these instances, it’s a good idea to make sure the designs match so that you don’t have a gate that looks out of place. 

Method of opening

Gates will be either manual or electronic, depending on your budget and where they are. Pedestrian access and side gates are usually manual and open with a latch but they can be ordered as electric gates that can open automatically if you want a little extra style and automation.

Most Australians are transitioning to automatic driveway gates. It usually makes more practical sense to have an automatic gate for your driveway to save unnecessary time. The one downside of automatic gates is that they usually carry a more expensive price tag, so they may not be budget-friendly. 

There are plenty of specialist automatic electric gate installers who can hook up your gate to whatever specifications you need, including connecting the gate to your smart home.  

Gate material

The gate material is usually the biggest decision for your gate and will change the look and feel drastically depending on your choices. There are four main materials that people use for their gates, though you can mix and match or get specialty materials if you want as well. 

Common gate materials include: 

Timber

Great for a natural look, timber often comes in treated pine or hardwood and can be stained to your ideal colour. Treated pine is a great budget-friendly option while hardwoods can add value and stunning aesthetics at extra expense. 

Steel 

Steel can be a great budget-friendly option that can give your home a modern and contemporary look with minimalist designs. You will usually find steel gates will be galvanised for added protection and rust resistance. 

Aluminium 

Quickly overtaking steel, aluminium comes in a wide array of powder coatings to suit any style and design. Light and durable, it’s becoming a favourite in Australia, particularly for driveways.

Wrought iron

A stunning option that gives your house elegance and class. Wrought iron is incredibly strong and offers a range of patterns that can make your home stand out while adding incredible value to your property. Its durability and look come at a steep cost though so it's not recommended for tight budgets.

How much does gate installation cost?

The cost of your gate installation will depend on several factors including the size, amount of gates, material and method of opening. 

For pedestrian access or side gates expect to pay roughly:

• $75 to $120 for a basic treated pine gate
• $80 to $125 for hardwood
• $180 to $350 for tubular metal
• $30 to $300 for aluminium gates
• $300 to $1,000 for steel  
• $450 to $600 for wrought iron

Driveway gates are usually bigger and come with higher costs. Some examples of driveway gate costs include:

• $450 to $600 for a single-car treated pine gate
• $95 to $300 for a very simple single-car galvanised steel gate
• $2900 for a single-car aluminium gate
• $830 to $5,500 for a wrought iron gate

Electric and automatic gates may also require an electrician to connect them to power. For 3-metre-wide automatic swinging or sliding full gate kits (including one gate and a motor) expect to pay:

• A timber picket gate might cost $1,500
• An aluminium slat costs about $1,700
• A tubular aluminium gate can cost around $1,800
• A Colorbond gate costs around $1,700

For a more in-depth breakdown of the cost of a driveway gate, read our article How much does a driveway gate cost?

How do I find a gate installer?

Before you hire a gate installer it can be a good idea to ask them some questions including:

• What services are included in your service?
• Are you registered or licensed?
• Are you insured?
• Is the work guaranteed?
• Are your gate installers vetted?
• Can you provide references?

Getting quotes for gate installers

At hipages, we always recommend getting at least three quotes before hiring a tradie. The cheapest option may not always be the best one and you may find that there are additional costs down the line that can add up.