How Much Does Automatic Driveway Gate Installation Cost?

Automatic Driveway Gates Cost by Type

Swing Gates

The average cost to install automatic swing gates is $500 to $8,500 plus up to $80 per hour in labor fees. These gates typically swing on hinges and require precise sizing to keep their swing on your property line. Factors such as size, driveway slope, and the material will give you a more accurate estimate.  

Sliding Gates

Sliding gates cost $1,050 to $5,200 to install, depending on their size, material, and if you’re installing a single or double gate. And installation fees can cost up to $80 per hour. These gates provide homeowners will ample space when leaving or entering their driveway and provide additional privacy based on the chosen material.

Lift Gates

While these gates are more common on commercial or warehouse properties, homeowners who want an automatic driveway gate but are limited on space consider this option. Lift gates can cost between $500 to $4,000 but can exceed $12,000 if you want a customized option.   

Electric Gates

A basic electric gate cost $7,000 on average. If you want extra features, such as sensors and intercoms, the total price of labor and materials could reach $12,000.

Automatic Driveway Gates Cost Factors

Material 

Size

Color

If you want your driveway gate to have a specific look or color to it, you’ll need to paint it, which will add to your final project cost in labor and material fees. 

RV Gates

For homeowners that want their RV to fit comfortably through their driveway, they’ll need a wider gate which can cost them up to $6,000 for the gate alone. An additional factor to consider would be whether homeowners want to add a sensor to their driveway to make entering and exiting it in their RV more convenient. Adding a sensor can cost up to $500.  

Residential Electric Gate vs. Community Gate Costs

Community gate costs tend to sit around $12,000 or above to accommodate various vehicle sizes. Add installing features such as dual bollards can cost $6,000. All residents that live in the secured community share the cost of installation and hiring gate repair professionals. These barriers protect the entryways to apartments, condos, and single-family housing communities that want more security.

Additional Electric Gate Cost Factors

Gate Motor

Automatic gate motors tend to come in complete opener kits priced at $850 to $4,500. They are not sold separately. Designed for specific gate styles and sizes, motor prices vary considerably. Complicated models, like the cantilever design, need large, expensive motors. This ensures they have the power to move on their own.

Gate Opener

Driveway gate opener kit prices run from $850 to $4,500 and come packaged separately from the gate. To ensure compatibility, these kits come with:

• Motor

• Arm

• Wiring

Your installer will select the correct type of opener kit for your automatic gate style and size. They will also pick up all the extra features you want to add. You can add automatic sensors on either side for $150 to $250 each, while keypads cost $100 to $500 for a pair.

Keypads

If you want a keypad for your automatic driveway gate, expect to pay $100 to $500. While these accessories require you to enter a password to get home, it’s a convenient option for homeowners that have guests over. 

Sensors

For homeowners that want a sensor for easy access to their property, it’ll cost $300 to $500. 

Intercoms

While driveway gate intercom systems are more common for gated communities, homeowners who would prefer to allow guests to access their property using this method will cost $350 to $2,000.

Dual Bollards 

Also commonly seen in gated communities, dual bollards aren’t off-limits to homeowners. The cost to install these driveway add-ons is $3,000 to $6,000. 

Driveway Gate Installation Costs

You can have a 12-foot automatic driveway barrier installed by a skilled professional for as low as $3,000 to over $12,000. Many factors influence the total price of the installation. Local gate installers may charge a flat fee or use a $30 to $80 per hour labor rate.

Manual Driveway Costs

Manual driveway gate installs start at $1,500, including labor and materials, but cost $2,500 on average. But material, mechanism, and accessories, can raise the price to $4,000. Like automatic driveways, the labor rate is $30 to $80 per houror a flat flee but requires less time for a basic installation. 

Installation Costs 

Most installers charge $30 to $80 per hourto install manual models. Some charge a flat rate for the entire project, though it’s not common. If you need to cover the cost of having fencing installed to position your gate, you can expect to pay $1 to $45 per linear foot for those sections. Overall, you can expect the installation costs to total at least 50% of the entire project expenses.

DIY vs. Pro

Your driveway gate is an important component to entering and leaving your property safely and keeping anyone you don’t want on your land off of it. Incorrect installation, common in a DIY project like this, can lead to your gate not working as intended. So, to avoid this, let a local driveway gate installation company install your gate. 

FAQs

What are the benefits of an automatic gate?

Homeowners experience a few benefits with automatic driveway gates:

• Insurance: Homes with security driveway gates typically get a lower insurance premium. The added security and decrease in risk of theft and vandalism are the main reasons for the lower monthly premium.

• Property value: A safety or security gate can increase the value of your property by up to 5%. This hike in value comes from the device’s ability to boost curb appeal and increase security.

• Security: Automatic driveway gates can also increase your property's security by keeping unwanted people and animals off of it.  

Is a sliding or swinging gate better?

Whether a sliding or swinging gate is better for you depends on your personal preferences and property. For example, swing gates have fewer moving parts, making them easier to maintain and less expensive than sliding gates. But if it’s impossible to install a swing gate on your property, a sliding gate, by default, is better. If you’re not sure, consult with your contractor about your options. 

Should the gate open in or out?

Your driveway gate can open in or out, depending on your available space and how you want it to open. However, it’s easier for visitors, or anyone near your gate when it opens, if it opens toward your property to avoid accidents. 

Does a gate increase security?

Yes, much like security fence installation, driveway gates are designed to keep out anyone you don’t want on your property, including trespassers or wild animals.