How much do electric gates cost?
The honest answer is that electric gate prices vary depending on the property, the gate style, the opening size, the automation system and the amount of groundwork required.
A simple automated swing gate installation will usually cost less than a large sliding gate with intercoms, safety edges, groundwork and custom finishes. That is why the best first step is not guessing a price online. It is getting a proper quote based on your driveway.
At Keith Lomas Fabrications, we design, fabricate and install made-to-measure electric gates across Leeds, Harrogate, York and the wider Yorkshire area. Every driveway is different, so every quote is built around the property, the layout and how the customer wants to use the gate day to day.
What affects the cost of electric gates?
There are a few key things that influence the final cost of an electric gate installation.
1. The type of gate
The first major factor is the type of gate you choose.
Swing gates are the most common choice for many homes. They open inwards like a pair of doors and work well when the driveway is fairly level and has enough space behind the gate.
Sliding gates move sideways along the entrance. These are ideal for tighter driveways, sloped entrances or properties where swing gates would take up too much space.
Composite gates are popular for homeowners who want privacy and a modern look. They give a wood-effect appearance without the same level of maintenance as timber.
Aluminium gates are lightweight, modern and resistant to corrosion. They are a strong option for homeowners who want a cleaner, more contemporary finish.
Wrought iron gates offer a classic look and can be designed to suit traditional homes, larger driveways and character properties.
Each material and style affects the cost because it changes the fabrication time, finish, weight and automation requirements.
2. The size of the opening
A wider entrance usually means a larger gate, stronger posts, heavier hardware and more powerful automation.
A small residential driveway is very different from a wide entrance to a detached property, commercial site or shared access road. The height also matters. Taller gates use more material and may require additional structural support.
Before quoting, the opening needs to be measured properly so the gate is designed to fit the space, not forced into it.
3. The driveway layout
Not every driveway is straightforward.
Some entrances are sloped. Some have uneven ground. Some have existing walls or pillars that need work. Some have limited space for the gates to open. Others need additional posts, tracks or drainage.
This is where a site survey becomes important. A good electric gate installer will look at the full entrance, not just the gate itself.
They will consider:
- The slope of the driveway
- The strength of existing pillars or walls
- Where the gate will open or slide
- Where the motor can be fitted
- Where power will come from
- How vehicles and pedestrians will use the entrance
- What safety measures are needed
The more complex the layout, the more planning and installation work may be required.
4. Automation and motor choice
Electric gates need the right automation system for the weight, size and style of the gate.
A lighter aluminium gate will not always need the same motor as a large steel gate. A sliding gate uses a different system to a swing gate. A busy entrance may also need more durable equipment than a quiet residential driveway.
Cheaper automation might save money upfront, but it is not always the best long-term decision. A reliable motor, fitted correctly, should give smoother operation, better safety and fewer problems over time.
5. Access control
Electric gates can be as simple or as advanced as you want.
Common access control options include:
- Remote controls
- Keypads
- Intercoms
- Video intercoms
- GSM phone entry
- App control
- Vehicle sensors
- Exit buttons
- Fobs
A basic remote-control setup will usually cost less than a full video intercom system with mobile access. The right choice depends on how you use the property.
For example, if you receive regular deliveries, visitors or tradespeople, an intercom or keypad may be worth adding. If you want to open the gate from your phone, GSM or app control may be a better option.
6. Safety requirements
Electric gates are moving machines. They need to be installed safely.
That means the system should include the correct safety devices, which may include photocells, safety edges, force limitation and clear handover instructions.
This is not an area to cut corners. A properly installed electric gate should be safe, practical and compliant with relevant UK safety standards.
At Keith Lomas Fabrications, safety is built into the installation process. The aim is not just to make the gate look good. It needs to work properly, stop safely and be suitable for everyday use.
7. Groundwork and power supply
Sometimes the gate itself is only part of the job.
Your installation may also need:
- Groundworks
- Cable runs
- Trenching
- Post installation
- New pillars
- Track installation for sliding gates
- Drainage adjustments
- Power supply preparation
If power is already available near the gate, the job may be simpler. If a new supply needs to be installed from the house or garage, that will affect the quote.
A good installer should explain this clearly before any work begins.
8. Finish and design details
The final look of the gate also affects cost.
A simple design will usually be more affordable than a highly detailed bespoke gate. Custom scrollwork, decorative tops, premium finishes, matching railings and unusual colour choices can all change the final price.
That said, the finish is one of the reasons people invest in made-to-measure gates in the first place. A well-designed gate should improve security, privacy and kerb appeal.
The right gate should look like it belongs to the property.
Are electric gates worth it?
For many homeowners, yes.
Electric gates can improve:
- Home security
- Privacy
- Convenience
- Kerb appeal
- Property entrance design
- Control over visitors and deliveries
They are especially useful for families, large driveways, rural homes, busy roads and properties where security is a priority.
Manual gates can still be a good option, especially if you want a lower upfront cost. But for everyday convenience, electric gates are hard to beat.
Being able to open your gates from the car, your house or your phone makes a noticeable difference.
Swing gates vs sliding gates: which is cheaper?
In many cases, swing gates are more straightforward and can be more cost-effective. They are often a good fit for level driveways with plenty of space.
Sliding gates can cost more because they need a track or cantilever system, more precise installation and suitable ground conditions. However, they can be the better choice if the driveway slopes upwards, opens onto a busy road or does not have enough room for swing gates.
The cheapest option is not always the best option. The right gate is the one that suits the driveway properly.
Can you add automation to existing gates?
Sometimes, yes.
Existing gates can sometimes be automated if they are strong, level, well-hung and suitable for motors. However, if the gates are old, warped, too heavy, badly aligned or not safe, it may be better to replace them.
A survey will help determine whether automation is possible.
The key question is not just “can we automate these gates?” It is “will these gates work safely and reliably once automated?”
How long does installation take?
The timescale depends on the type of gate, fabrication schedule, groundwork and access control requirements.
A simple installation may be completed quickly once the gate is ready. More complex projects with custom fabrication, sliding systems, electrical work or groundwork may take longer.
The important thing is to plan properly before installation starts. Rushing an electric gate installation usually leads to problems later.
Do electric gates need servicing?
Yes. Electric gates should be serviced regularly to keep them safe, reliable and smooth.
A service can include:
- Checking the motor
- Testing safety devices
- Inspecting hinges, tracks or rollers
- Checking force settings
- Looking for wear and damage
- Cleaning key components
- Testing access control
- Making adjustments where needed
Like any mechanical system, prevention is better than repair. Regular servicing can help avoid breakdowns and extend the life of the gate.
How to get an accurate quote
The fastest way to get a realistic quote is to provide:
- Your postcode
- Photos of the driveway entrance
- Approximate width between pillars or posts
- Whether you want swing or sliding gates
- Whether you want manual or electric
- Preferred material or style
- Any access control requirements
- Whether there is power near the entrance
This allows the team to give you useful guidance before arranging a survey.
Why choose Keith Lomas Fabrications?
Keith Lomas Fabrications designs, fabricates and installs electric and manual gates across Leeds and Yorkshire.
You get a local team, made-to-measure fabrication and a proper installation process from start to finish.
That means your gate is built for your property, not pulled from a catalogue and forced to fit.
Whether you want a traditional wrought iron entrance, a private composite gate, a modern aluminium design or a practical sliding gate, the team can help you choose the right option.
Get a quote for electric gates in Leeds
Thinking about electric gates for your home?
Send us a few photos of your driveway, your rough measurements and your postcode. We will help you understand what is possible, what style will suit your property and what the next steps look like.
Get a quick quote today or book a free survey with Keith Lomas Fabrications.
