What are the best driveway gates?
Most people go for wrought iron driveway gates. They are strong enough for everyday use and come in pre-made designs or custom designs. Wood driveway gates are the other option, they need to be top class quality though as wood is more likely to warp (bend), and rot. Once a gate has changed its shape or warped even slightly it will become a problem to lock it and close it properly.
Wrought iron gates are made with a series of bars and cross pieces. This means they keep people out but don’t offer privacy. Wood gates can be ranch style (with gaps like on a farm), or solid. Solid wood gates will offer privacy and this is what you will see at celebrities homes. Wide wood driveway gates are usually supported by a wrought iron framework which gives them a much stronger finish. They are very expensive though. A drive that isn’t too wide maybe OK with a gate that is fully wood, but be sure not to get a cheap version. These are usually made with tongue and groove wood which slots together for added strength.
Wrought iron driveway gates are the most common option as the extra privacy of the wood ones just isn’t needed. They can be purchased cheaply at home improvement stores where they are already made up, but ensure they fit your driveway before buying. There are often local ironmongers that make iron gates to any specification you need. They offer many designs like spirals, gold arrows or balls, swirls etc…
Electric driveway gates can be very expensive but also very convenient. People that don’t have electrified driveway gates usually don’t bother closing and opening them everyday. Therefore if you don’t think that you can afford electric gates, there is no need to splash out on extravagant designs if you will leave the gates open most of the time.
Gates look best attached to brick pillars, but they will also be expensive. For most people black metal posts will be the best option. Concrete posts can also be used but don’t look as nice. It is best to let a professional fit your gates as they can be heavy and awkward to fit perfectly. If fitting posts yourself make sure they are surrounded by 1ft of semi wet concrete on all sides, more for many heavier gates.