"How much will it cost?" is always the first question, so here's a straight answer. Below are my starting prices, what changes the price, and how to avoid paying twice.
My starting prices
Gate automation (for gates you already have, or new gates):
| Automation | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Sliding gate automation | from £1,400 |
| Overground gate automation (swing gates) | from £1,800 |
| Underground gate automation (swing gates) | from around £2,400 |
| Heavy-duty hydraulic automation (Fadini) | price on survey |
New gates:
| Gates | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Wooden gates | from £1,600 |
| Wrought iron gates | from £2,000 |
| Composite gates | from £2,200 |
Prices depend on the size of the gate, the design and the materials used. Every job is quoted after I've seen the site.
What a full job might start at
If you need new gates and automation, add the two together for a rough starting point:
- Wooden gates with overground motors: from around £3,400
- Composite sliding gate with sliding automation: from around £3,600
- Wrought iron gates with underground motors: from around £4,400
These are starting points for a typical driveway, not quotes. Your price could be higher depending on the things below.
What pushes the price up or down
- Gate size and weight. Wider, taller, heavier gates need bigger motors, stronger hinges and posts.
- The type of automation. Underground motors are hidden away and cost more to fit than overground arms. Sliding gates often work out cheapest to automate.
- Groundwork. A sliding gate needs a solid base and track; underground motors need foundation boxes dug in and drained. Tarmac, block paving or concrete all affect the work.
- Getting power to the gate. If there's no supply near the gate, a cable has to be run from the house. The longer and harder the route, the more it costs.
- Slopes. A driveway that rises behind the gate may need rising hinges or a different setup.
- Access control. Video intercoms, keypads, app control or fob readers add to the cost.
- Safety devices. Photocells and safety edges aren't optional extras – a powered gate has to have what it needs to pass force testing. I build that into every quote.
Cheap quotes and hidden costs
I'll be honest: you can buy a gate kit online for a few hundred pounds. The problem is what happens after. Kits are often underpowered for real gates, they're rarely set up to pass force testing, and when they fail there's nobody to call. I spend a lot of my time fixing them.
When you compare quotes, check whether they include:
- the safety devices and force testing to BS EN 12453
- the electrical work, done to BS 7671
- the groundwork and making good
- a handover, the manuals and a Declaration of Conformity
More on this in why I don't recommend DIY gate kits.
Running costs
Electric gates use very little electricity – the motors only draw real power while the gate is moving. The main ongoing cost is servicing. I recommend a service at least once a year; ask me for a price when I quote. See how often to service your gates.
Get a proper price
The quickest way to an accurate price is for me to see your gate or driveway. I'll talk you through the options and give you a clear, fixed quote. Call, text or WhatsApp Adrian on 07855 781433, or send me a message.
Questions people ask me
How much do electric gates cost in Northern Ireland?
My gate automation starts from £1,400 for a sliding gate, £1,800 for overground motors and around £2,400 for underground motors. New gates start from £1,600 for wood, £2,000 for wrought iron and £2,200 for composite.
Is it cheaper to automate my existing gates?
Usually, yes – if your gates and posts are in good shape. I'll check them before quoting.
Why are underground motors more expensive?
They cost more to buy and take more work to fit, as foundation boxes are set into the ground under each gate.
Do you charge for a quote?
No – quotes are free and there's no obligation.