The right gate design depends on your house, your driveway and how private you want to be. Here are the main things to think about, and some ideas to get you started.
Traditional or modern?
- Traditional: curved or arched tops, scrolls, finials and spear tops in black ironwork; or framed and braced timber gates. Suits period houses, farmhouses and older terraces.
- Modern: flat tops, clean vertical or horizontal lines, anthracite grey or black, often with composite or slatted infill. Suits newer builds and renovated homes.
- In between: a simple metal frame with timber-look composite infill works on most houses.
How much privacy?
| Style | Privacy | Wind load | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open railings | Low | Low | Light and secure; you can see who's there |
| Half solid, half railings | Medium | Medium | A popular balance |
| Slatted with small gaps | Medium–high | Medium | Modern look, lets some wind through |
| Fully solid | Full | High | Most private; motor and posts must be sized for the wind |
On exposed sites – up a hill, near the coast, or across open farmland – a fully solid gate can be a lot of work for the motor. A design with small gaps can make a big difference.
Swing or sliding?
Most driveway gates are a pair of swing gates, but a single sliding gate can look very sleek and is often better for short or sloping driveways. See sliding vs swing electric gates.
Little touches that make a difference
- a matching pedestrian gate
- house number or name on the gate
- lighting on the pillars
- an intercom panel built neatly into a pillar
- matching railings or panels either side
Choosing materials and size
Need some ideas?
Send me a photo of the front of your house and I'll suggest a few designs that suit it. Call, text or WhatsApp Adrian on 07855 781433.
Questions people ask me
What's the most popular gate design?
At the moment, flat-topped gates in anthracite grey or black, often with composite or slatted infill.
Do solid gates need bigger motors?
Often, yes – because of the wind. I size the motor for the gate and the site.
Can you match my existing railings?
Usually, yes. Send me some photos.