Automatic Driveway Gates Cost

Last Updated on December 3, 2024

Automatic driveway gates are becoming more popular as people look for additional security for their properties. They are a good way to control who comes to your home and can include a wealth of other security features with the installation like cameras, coded touchpad, and intercom. 

An automatic driveway gate costs an average of $7000 but some of the sliding automatic gates start at $1,050. The final cost of installation depends on what extras you require in terms of convenience and security. It’s important to note that installation isn’t the only cost to factor in. You also have the upfront and maintenance costs to consider.

Upfront Cost

The first expense you will have when looking at automatic driveway gates is the gates themselves. Upfront costs include the gate purchase, the opener, and the motor. 

See Also: Best Solar Gate Openers

The Gate

Your cost here will depend largely on the style and type of gate you choose. As it was mentioned the sliding automatic gates are much cheaper than the ones that open forward. More elaborate styles will cost more but could also be heavier, which would require a larger motor to operate. That will be additional money

The materials used in your gate will be the final determining factor on this part of the expense. The gate will need to be built and using metals like steel or cast iron is going to raise the cost while choosing something like vinyl will lower it. 

For instance, a wood gate would cost between $850 and $8,500 while a vinyl gate would cost between $750 and $5,600. A metal gate would cost between $1,150 to $8,600. Other materials like wrought iron, stainless steel, and aluminum are more expensive. 

Wrought iron and stainless steel gates cost between $1,350 and $8,500 while aluminum gates will run in cost from $2,350 to $8,600.

Size also matters. Most driveways would require a 10-foot gate, which costs anywhere between $600 to $7000 for the gate and the opener. Those requiring a large 16-foot gate would pay between $1,100 to $9000 for the gate and opener.

A final factor in the cost of an automatic gate for your driveway is its decor. Beyond the gate, you will be paying a lot more if you plan on using rock or brick to create the pillars or for gate decoration.

Be sure any purchase includes the motor and the opener as some gate companies quote only for the gate.

The Motor

Prices on motors for an automatic driveway gate have a wide range and depend on whether you get a light, medium, or heavy-duty motor. Some light motors can be purchased for as little as $200 but you need to make sure they have the power needed to operate your gate.

Medium-duty motors run between $250 and $2000 while heavy-duty motors start at $450 and go as high as $5,000.

Openers

The price of gate openers will also depend on the manufacturer you choose. Unlike many other types of projects, you don’t get set with one company for an opener when you buy your gate. You have choices. 

Five primary gate companies provide gate openers. Those are Mighty Mule, Aleko, Ghost Controls, Apolla, and Liftmaster. Mighty Mule offers the cheapest price of the group with openers starting at $150. Liftmaster is the most expensive with their openers starting at $1,000 and maxing out at the price of $2,100.

The most popular and least expensive automatic driveway gate opener today is one connected to a remote. They can work off of Bluetooth, infrared, or radio technology but you will need to pick a method. Most still like the radio or infrared technology the best as they are familiar with them as garage door openers. 

A gate opener works much the same as a garage door opener in principle. There is some variation to they open the gate versus a garage door but most of the well-known companies that furnish gate openers also provide garage door openers.

Going Underground

Some homeowners like underground gate automation to reduce clutter in the driveway as almost all the mechanics are invisible. However, this raises prices considerably.

Other features

You will come across a host of other features you can add to your gate. Each feature will also add to the price. A gate camera will cost between $200 and $2,000 and a keypad will cost between $400 and $800. 

A gate intercom ranges between $1,000 and $7000. A sensor gate will cost between $200 and $2,000 while an automatic self-closing gate closer will cost between $200 and $600.

Installation Cost

You can expect the installation cost to be somewhere between $750 to $4,800. The smaller, simpler gates will cost less than the heavy metal ones that have many additional features like two swinging gates, cameras, and sensors. 

The type of opening system you choose will also be a factor in installation costs. If you want a heavy gate with a vertical lift, the installer will charge you more for it.

Your location could play a role in the cost. Areas that are further to drive will probably cost more to make up for the time to get there.

When you look at purchasing a gate and the installation, you also need to look at how you plan to power it. That is an ongoing expense but is also crucial because you don’t want your gate to fail with no power. 

There are two primary options to power your gate:

• Electrical hardwired
• Solar-powered

These two options in electric gate openers run between $400 to $1000. However, many people like to have a battery backup system in case the power goes out or the solar system isn’t working. 

A battery for your gate is similar to a car battery and has between 12 to 24 volts. It typically costs between $20 and $85. It will need to be replaced every three years whether you use it or not.

Maintenance Costs

Many people forget to include ongoing maintenance costs in their calculations for an automatic gate. These are mechanical things and do need to be maintained to continue working.

That would also be true for the security cameras, the opener, and other additional things that come with a gate.

An automatic gate will require some ongoing maintenance. It should be lubricated twice a year to keep it functioning well. Those who use their gates more than 15 times a day will need to do this four times a year. 

An automatic gate should be inspected yearly and those cost between $30 to $80 an hour for the installation company to do it.

Repair Cost

You will need to figure in a possible repair as that can happen with an outside electric system. Damage can come from storms, attempted break-ins, and a vehicle colliding into it. All will require a professional to repair it. 

Average electric gate repairs cost between $500 to $4,000 with the price of parts ranging from $25 to $1,000.

Conclusion

Automatic driveway gates can quickly escalate in costs as you look at purchasing them, especially if you have a lot of extra features. However, their costs decline after the installation as maintenance is simple. Looking at all the costs of all parts of the gate and installation will help you decide what is best for your budget as well as the security of your property.