Electric Gates Cost

Want to discover how much electric gates cost to install?

In this complete guide, we cover all electric gate types, such as wooden electric gate and sliding electric gates, and their average prices, including material and labour fees.

An average electric gate installation fee will cost you around £3,000.

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For a more detailed breakdown on what costs to expect, read below!

How Much Do Electric Gates Cost?

Electric garden gate prices are very strongly dependent on your situation. The type and size of the gate that you choose, as well as the mechanism, and layout of your driveway all have a large effect on the final price.

A simple 3ft high by 10ft wide metal gate can cost as little as £830to buy and install. The same size gate with an underground motor can cost as much as £3,025. For a 6ft metal gate covering a 10ft wide driveway, the prices can vary from £1,300 - £5,300. This variation comes from the quality of the gate chosen as well as the mechanism you select.

When you are considering an electric gate, you need to take some time to review the space you have. You need to consider where the gate will go when it opens and how this might limit your options.

It can be a good idea to get your site reviewed by an installer before you make any decisions. They will be able to help you narrow your options and highlight any problems before you spend any money.

Electric Gate Prices

There is a lot to consider when calculating the price of an electric garden gate. Here are some tables to show prices for some of the most common options.

Single Metal Electric Gates Cost

Double Metal Electric Gates Cost

Single Wooden Electric Gates Cost

Double Wooden Electric Gates Cost

Sliding Electric Gates Cost

Supply Costs Only

There are a lot of factors that affect electric gate prices. When you consider your cost, you need to include the cost of the gate, the mechanism and the installation. The following gives you some of the expected costs for the materials you will need.

Metal Electric Gates

The following gives you the price ranges of different metal gates based on size. The range goes from simple gates to more ornate ones.

Wooden Electric Gates

The following gives you the price ranges of different wooden gates based on size. The range goes from simple slatted gates to solid gates.

Sliding Electric Gates

Electric Gate Mechanism Cost

The range of prices on gate mechanisms represents their power and how secure their controls are. For swing gates you can get double gate kits at a reasonable value. For sliding gates, you have to buy two separate mechanisms.

Labour Costs and Timescales

The cost will depend on the type of gate you are getting installed as well as the opening mechanism. As these vary greatly, it can be hard to give an estimated cost.

A rule of thumb is that the labour will cost around 1/3 of the total cost. This will be higher for underground mechanisms, however. Here are some example prices to help give you an idea of cost.

Factors That Impact the Cost of Installing Electric Garden Gates

The cost of installing electric garden gates depends on a lot of factors. The overall price can vary a lot based on these factors. When you are considering your options, you will need to know the limits of your space well, as this will have a big impact on the final electric gate cost.

Size of Gate

The width of the gates will be determined by your driveway or path. Obviously, the larger the gap, the higher the cost will be. Most gates come in standard sizes of 3ft, 7ft, and 10ft. If you need a gate that is not in these standard sizes, then it may end up costing you more.

The height of the gate is also an important factor to consider. Again, the higher the gate, the more expensive it will be. You should remember that this affects not only the cost of the gates, but it can affect the size of the motor you need to buy. If your gates are large and heavy, you will need a more powerful motor to open them.

Type of Gate

The difference between a single and a double gate is quite large. This is because you will need to buy two motors if you get a double gate. The type of opening mechanism can affect the cost as well. The cheapest option is to get a swing gate that uses a threaded motor. More expensive options include underground motors and sliding gates.

Ease of Access

The gate installers will need to bring cement as well as the gates to the location. If it is difficult to get these items on-site, then the job will take longer, and therefore cost more.

State of Area

If your driveway is on a slope, then it can limit your choices, as well as making the installation more difficult. It is very important that key features are level so, if the site is on a slope, this can complicate the installation.

The other major consideration is access to an electrical supply. Most installers will require you to ensure that there is easy access for the gate mechanism. If there isn't you may need to hire an electrician before you begin your installation.

Location of Property

As always if you live in the London area, prices will be higher.

If your property is very remote, you may also have to pay more to get everything delivered.

Additional Electric Gate Costs

When you're installing electric gates, there are a number of additional costs that you might need to consider, depending on the layout of your property and the setup you want. You might need to factor in the following elements to make sure your gate system is convenient, secure, and reliable.

Electrical Connection and Power Supply

Because your electric gates need a reliable power supply to operate, in most cases you will need an electrician to run new cabling from your property to the gate's location. Depending on the gate's distance from your property, and the amount of work to safely install the new wiring, you could expect to pay an additional £150 to £400 for this electrical connection.

Ground Excavation and Trenching

Your electric gates might require underground cabling to connect to the property's power supply. This could involve digging trenches across driveways, paths, or garden areas to safely conceal and protect the wiring. Depending on the length of the trench to be dug and the ground to be excavated, you could expect an additional cost of between £300 and £750 if this work is not included in your installation.

Gate Pillars or Structural Supports

You may already have existing gate pillars, but as electric gates are much heavier than standard wrought iron or timber garden gates, these pillars may need reinforcing or replacing altogether with something more suitable. Standard brick or stone pillars strong enough to support your new electric gates could cost between £1,000 and £2,500, and more elaborate materials and designs will increase this cost.

Intercom Systems

Most homeowners might be happy with the basic key fob operation for their new gates, but if you want to have more control over communicating with visitors and granting them access, you might need to upgrade your intercom system. A basic wired intercom could cost between £200 and £400, while more advanced video and smartphone-connected setups could cost an additional £1,000 to £2,000.

Ongoing Maintenance and Servicing

Your new electric gates will require regular servicing to make sure the motors, electrical components, and other moving parts continue to work safely and reliably. Depending on the type of gates and how often they get used, the average homeowner can expect to spend between £100 and £300 a year on maintenance.

What's Involved in Installing Electric Garden Gates?

When it comes to installing electric garden gates, there are two main steps involved. The first is to install the gate. The second is to install the mechanism. The exception to this is with sliding gates. In this case, the installation process is a little different.

Installing the Gate

Before you can install the gate, you need to make sure that the posts are appropriate. If you already have posts, then they should be checked. Otherwise, new posts will need to be set in concrete in the appropriate positions.

Once the posts are in place, the next step is to install the hinges to the posts. You should start with one of the bottom hinges. Make sure to hang it so that there is sufficient clearance for the gate to open. It should also be level. Once the first hinge is in place, you should find a long level, for example, a piece of timber.

This is used to make sure that the hinge on the opposite post is hung in the correct position. Once the bottom hinges are in place, you can fit the top hinges using the same method, taking time to measure the check the height of these hinges is correct.

Once the hinges are fitted, you can hang the gate. You can usually adjust the hinges to make sure that the gates fit properly and swing easily.

Installing the Mechanism

To fit the mechanism is generally quite straightforward. The first step is to mount the motor housing. The location of this will depend on the type of mechanism you have chosen. For an underground system, you will first need to dig the space for the box.

The mechanism is then attached to the post using bolts and a mounting frame. Then the gate is opened, and the opening device is attached to the mount on the post. This step is undertaken with great care. The arm must be hung absolutely level. Otherwise, the gate will not work or will break down quickly.

If the gate is a double one, then a trench will be dug to the other side of the gate. This trench is so that you can lay a length of tubing. Once the tube is buried the wiring between the two sides of the gate will then be run through it.

Once the mechanisms are fitted, the control box will be wired up.

Installing A Sliding Gate

Most sliding gates come in two separate pieces. These will be bolted together to form the single large gate.

Most sliding gates will have safety features designed to stop or reverse the gate if an obstruction is detected. These will be fitted first to the posts at either side of the opening.

The main receiving posts are set next. These are the posts that sit at either end of the gate's range of motion. They will need to be set in concrete at the correct position.

The support post is set next. This post is half the height of the receiving posts and is located on the side of the wall to which the gate slides. Safety mechanisms will also be placed here.

The track will need to be laid next. This is best set in concrete. The track needs to be as level as possible, so extra care should be taken during this step.

The wheels are then fitted to the gate. If the gate is wooden, there will often be metal support fitted to one end of the gate at this point as well. Once the wheels are on the gate is placed in position on the track and attached to the support post.

The final step is to fit the motor and attach it to the gate.

What are the Different Types of Electric Garden Gate Materials?

The choice of material is mostly an aesthetic choice. However, wooden gates tend to require more maintenance which can be a factor to consider.

Wood Garden Gate Costs

Wooden gates offer a traditional appearance for the front of your house. They can provide privacy without being unapproachable. There is a choice of woods that can be used. Typically, hardwood options are more expensive. The average cost is between £60 - £500.

Pros

• ✔ Good for privacy
• ✔ Typically, cheaper than metal
• ✔ Easily customisable
• ✔ More attractive appearance
• ✔ Offers better noise reduction

Cons

• ✖ Typically shorter lifespan than metal
• ✖ Require maintenance to prevent warping
• ✖ Heavy hardwoods can require stronger mechanisms

Metal Garden Gate Costs

These can be made from iron, steel or aluminium. You can pay more for more attractive and decorative designs. The cheaper options tend to focus more on security and can be unattractive. The average cost is between £150 - £800.

Pros

• ✔ More durable, with a longer lifespan than wood
• ✔ Low maintenance
• ✔ Offers better security
• ✔ Ideal for automated systems

Cons

• ✖ Often more expensive
• ✖ Can be unattractive depending on budget
• ✖ Doesn't prevent noise from traffic or wind

What are the Different Types of Electric Garden Gate Styles?

The way that the gate opens and closes can vary greatly. The choice you make here will most likely be heavily influenced by the space that you have.

Swing Garden Gate Cost

Most swing gates are split in two. They work well on flat driveways. The average cost is £500.

Pros

• ✔ A simple, usually cheaper, option
• ✔ Less groundworks required
• ✔ Suitable for most residential driveways

Cons

• ✖ Doesn't work if the drive is on a slope
• ✖ Requires more clearance space
• ✖ Large, solid gates can struggle in the wind

Bifold Garden Gate Cost

These are like swing gates that have been cut in half vertically. This means that they fold in the middle as they swing open and require less space around the gate. The average cost is £650.

Pros

• ✔ Require less space around them
• ✔ Quicker opening speeds
• ✔ Good for shorter driveways

Cons

• ✖ Requires a track in the ground that must be regularly cleaned
• ✖ Limited size options
• ✖ More complex mechanisms can increase costs and maintenance

Sliding Garden Gate Cost

Sliding gates need to have space to the side for the gate to move into. You can have two separate gates that go in opposite directions or one single gate.

Two gates will be significantly more expensive as you will need to buy two mechanisms. The average cost for these gates is £1,100 - £1,350 for the gate with another £800 - £1,500 for the motor.

Pros

• ✔ They don't open into the driveway so don't take up usable space
• ✔ Can get versions that open around a corner
• ✔ Great for sloped driveways
• ✔ Good solution for large or heavy gates

Cons

• ✖ More expensive to automate
• ✖ Need space for the gates to move into
• ✖ Usually requires more groundworks and maintenance

What are the Different Types of Electric Garden Gate Mechanisms?

The final choice to make is about how you automate the gate. There are several different options depending on the type of gate you choose. If you have chosen a sliding gate, then it will have its own mechanism included in the price.

Ram and Swing Arm

Ram or swing arm openers are attached to the pillar of the gate. The hydraulic system extends or contracts a piston that opens and closes the gate. The average cost is £700 - £1,500.

Pros

• ✔ Range of motors to fit most types of gate
• ✔ Good option for heavy steel or hardwood gates
• ✔ Durable mechanism that offers reliability

Cons

• ✖ Require careful installation
• ✖ Strong/reinforced gate pillars required
• ✖ Mechanism can be a bit unsightly

Threaded Shaft Gate Motor Cost

These are similar in appearance to a ram. However, they operate slightly differently. As the motor runs to open the gate, the mounting moves along the length of the arm to open the gate. The average cost is £370 - £970.

Pros

• ✔ More affordable option
• ✔ Energy efficient
• ✔ Simple and reliable mechanism

Cons

• ✖ Require careful installation
• ✖ Not the best option for heavy gates
• ✖ Frequent use can cause them to wear faster

Articulated Arm Cost

This mechanism uses a jointed two-piece arm. The arm is mounted to the underside of the gate motor, which is attached on the wall next to the gate. The average cost is £420 - £800.

Pros

• ✔ Easy to install
• ✔ Usually require less structural changes
• ✔ More versatile than linear rams

Cons

• ✖ Require more space for the motor
• ✖ Visible mechanism might not appeal to some
• ✖ Not ideal for heavier gates

Underground System Cost

These motors are hidden away. They sit inside durable casings which are buried at the base of the pillars of the gate. They then join to the underside of the gate. The average cost is £450 - £1,500.

Pros

• ✔ Discreet appearance
• ✔ Quieter operation
• ✔ High-end solution for heritage properties

Cons

• ✖ Most expensive option
• ✖ More complex installation
• ✖ Higher maintenance costs
• ✖ Not possible if there is no space to dig

Cost of Removing an Electrical Garden Gate

If you have an electric gate that no longer works or you don't wish to run, you can get it removed. There are a couple of options. If you wish to keep the gate, you can just remove the mechanism and control box. This is usually quite easy to do.

The mechanism will be bolted in place, and the control box is usually screwed into the walls. This is something you can DIY; however, take care when you are disconnecting the electrical supply. It can be worth getting an electrician to come and secure the wires if you don't intend to use them in the future. This is a quick job and should cost no more than £100.

To remove the gates, you can take them off the hinges, and then dispose of them. If you want to replace your gates, you can in most cases, use the existing gate posts. It can save you some money if you do.

Removing the gate posts can be more difficult. The post will have been set in cement and can be quite hard to remove. If you need them gone, it can be worth hiring a builder, or landscape gardener to help you take the old ones out. The cost for this will depend on the state of the posts, as well as your location. You can expect to pay £100 - £300 for this job.

Checklist: Hiring an Electric Garden Gate Installer

When you're hiring an installer for your electric garden gates project, consider the following checklist:

• Do they have experience with your type of gate system? You should hire a specialist electric gate installer, but as gates can be made from different materials and operate in different ways, you should also check that they have experience with the type of system you want fitted.
• Are they qualified to carry out the electrical work? Electric gates will need wiring up to a power source and your intercom system may also require an electrician to install. Check the installer is either a qualified electrician or will be using one to carry out the required electrical work.
• Do they understand electric gate safety standards? Electric gates should meet the required safety requirements for installation and safe operation, so check your installer is familiar with these requirements and will make sure everything is safely installed.
• Do they have public liability insurance? A reputable installer will have the necessary insurance to make sure you are covered should there be any damage or injury while they are working on your property.
• Will they handle groundwork and electrical cabling? Trenching may be required to run the electric cables safely from your house to the gate. Check if this work is included in your quote or will be an additional cost.
• Do they provide maintenance or servicing? Electric gates need regular maintenance to ensure their continued safe and reliable operation. It makes sense to check if the installer can also provide maintenance or servicing packages.
• Do they have examples of previous work? Ask to see examples of projects similar to yours that they have completed to give you an idea of the quality of their work.
• Do they have positive reviews? Check MyJobQuote to see the feedback from their previous customers and the positive reviews about their service and workmanship.

FAQs

Sources

https://www.metalgatesdirect.co.uk/epages/es148051.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=Categories
https://www.linkcare.net/linkcare-gate-automation-blog/ten-things-check-automatic-gates
https://www.electricgatesonline.co.uk/top-tips-for-diy-electric-gates-installation-22-w.asp
https://www.rollingcenter.co.uk/news/diy-electric-gate-installation