How much does an automatic driveway gate cost?
How much does an automatic driveway gate cost?
$1,600 – $13,000 average installed cost (gate + automatic opener)
$400 – $5,500 average cost to automate an existing gate
Average electric driveway gate cost
Automatic driveway gates cost $1,600 to $13,000 installed, with most people spending about $7,000 for the gate, opener, and installation. Electric gate costs depend on the size, type, material, and features. Automating an existing driveway gate costs $400 to $5,500 for materials and professional installation.
| Component | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Electric gate | $500 – $5,000 |
| Gate opener | $300 – $5,000+ |
| Installation labor | $800 – $3,000 |
| Total installed cost | $1,600 – $13,000+ |
Most companies sell driveway gates and automatic gate openers separately, so always clarify what the price includes when getting estimates.
Electric gate cost by type
An electric gate costs $500 to $5,000 for the gate alone, not including a gate opener or installation. The following table below details the most common residential gate types so you can decide which type of gate best suits your property.
| Gate type | Average gate price* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Swing gate |
$500 – $3,000+ (single swing) $1,000 – $5,000+ (bi-fold swing) |
|
| Sliding gate | $1,000 – $5,000+ |
|
| Lift gate | $500 – $4,000+ |
|
*Not including the opener or installation
Material types & prices
Automatic gate costs also vary depending on the material you choose. Wood and iron allow the most customized and decorative looks but require intensive maintenance. Vinyl is budget-friendly and durable but offers less design flexibility. Aluminum has a modern vibe, while steel balances durability, security, and cost.
| Type | Average material price* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $1,500 – $5,000 |
|
| Steel | $900 – $6,300 |
|
| Vinyl | $350 – $5,000 |
|
| Wood | $400 – $8,000 |
|
| Wrought iron | $600 – $8,600 |
|
*Gate only; prices do not include the opener or installation.
Driveway security gate cost by size
The dimensions of your automatic driveway gate also contribute to the final price. Standard residential driveway gates range from 10' to 18' wide and 4' to 10' high. Prices increase for larger sizes. The table below shows some typical gate sizes and costs.
| Gate size (width in feet) | Average gate price* |
|---|---|
| 10' | $500 – $1,500 |
| 12' | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| 14' | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| 16' | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| 18' | $2,500 – $6,000 |
*Not including the opener or installation.
You will need a wider 18’ gate to accommodate boats or RVs.
Automatic gate installation cost factors
While type and size play a significant role in the cost of automatic gate installation, other influential factors include:
Gate style – Flat-top driveway gates are simple and cost-effective. Arched-top gates offer an attractive design element but typically come with a higher price tag.
Power source – Automatic gate openers may be battery-powered, solar-powered, or hardwired. Battery power is the cheapest option, adding $200 to $600 to material costs. Hardwiring and solar power functionality add $400 to $2,000+.
Backup power – Installing a backup battery or backup generator adds to the installation cost but can prove valuable during a power outage.
Gate opener – The gate and opener are typically two separate purchases, with the opener adding $300 to $5,000+ before installation, depending on the type and whether it's designed for lightweight, medium, or heavy-duty gates. Solar-powered gate openers typically fall at the high end of the price range.
Add-ons – Extra features increase the total cost but provide enhanced security or convenience:
Keypads cost $100 to $800 and require a code to open the gate.
A camera costs $500 to $2,000 and allows you to see who is at the gate before letting them in.
Sensors cost $150 to $1,500+ and may detect motion or pressure.
An intercom system costs $500 to $4,500+ before installation and lets you talk with the person at your gate.
Remotes cost $75 to $300 each to allow gate control from your car or house.
Season – You may find a better deal for the installation during the slow winter season, provided the weather conditions are favorable enough to complete the installation.
Operation & maintenance – Automatic driveway gates are relatively low maintenance and typically do not use much electricity, with most gates adding $1 to $5 per month to your utility bill. Repair costs average $500 to $1,000 but range from as little as $25 to as much as $4,000, depending on the damage.
Installation labor
Installing an automatic driveway gate is $800 to $3,000+ for the labor alone, depending on the job size and scope. Installing a heavy gate, one with double swinging or sliding panels, or advanced features like cameras and sensors takes longer and costs more than installing a simple, one-panel gate with no extras.
Professionals charge $50 to $100 per hour on average to install an electric security gate, depending on the location and the type of pro you hire. Your area may have several qualified professionals to choose from, including garage door companies, fence and gate companies, handypersons, and some electricians.
DIY vs. professional installation
Home improvement stores sell automated gates and opener kits for $2,800 to $3,500 on average, but this price does not include the tools and additional materials you may need for the installation.
Installing an automatic driveway gate yourself is possible with the right skill set and can save hundreds to thousands in installation costs. Still, hiring a pro is best in most cases as DIY installation can be dangerous if done incorrectly and may void the gate manufacturer’s warranty.
Automating an existing gate
The cost to add an electric opener to an existing driveway gate depends on the type of opener and the complexity of the installation. The opener alone costs $300 to $5,000+. Professionals charge $50 to $100 per hour on average, and most openers take less than a day to install.
For simple installations, most professionals typically have a 2-hour minimum charge.
Installation costs for more complicated gate openers with advanced features average $1,000 to $3,000.
While it may be tempting to install a gate opener yourself, many manufacturer warranties only cover the product if it's installed by a licensed professional.
Related services & costs
When installing an automatic driveway gate, consider coupling the installation with other home improvement projects to enhance the overall appeal and functionality of your property. You may also score a reduced cost by hiring a contractor for several projects at once.
Here are some common related projects:
Asphalt driveway resurfacing costs $1 to $3 per square foot to improve the aesthetics and create the smooth surface necessary for operating the driveway gate.
Landscaping costs $4 to $12 per square foot on average to enhance the areas around the gate with fresh flowers, plants, or trees.
Outdoor landscape lighting costs $80 to $300 per fixture installed to improve visibility for both safety and aesthetic appeal.
New fence installation costs $20 to $60 per linear foot with installation for additional privacy and security.
A home security system costs $199 to $900 for the equipment and installation, then $25 to $50 per month on average for monitoring.
Automatic driveway gate pros & cons
An automatic driveway gate boosts your home's curb appeal, offers enhanced security, and is a welcome feature when it allows you to enter your gated property in the pouring rain without feeling a drop. Still, automation increases the gate cost as well as the potential for future malfunction.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
FAQs about automatic driveway gates
Do you need a permit to install an automatic driveway gate?
Some areas require a permit to install an automatic driveway gate. Permit fees for the installation range from $100 to $300 on average but may be higher depending on the scope of the project.
Can automatic driveway gates be opened manually?
All automatic driveway gates should have a manual release function so you can operate the gate during a power outage and emergency responders can gain access if needed. Discuss your gate's operation with your contractor and test the manual release after installation so you'll be prepared if you ever need to use it.
How long does it take to install an electric driveway gate?
Installing an electric driveway gate takes 1 to 2 days, in most cases. The installation time varies depending on the size and scope of the project. Automating an existing gate or installing a small, simple one may only take a few hours. Installing a complex gate system with multiple advanced features takes longer.
How long do electric driveway gates last?
With proper care and maintenance, most automatic driveway gates last 10 to 15 years.
To maintain and maximize the life of your electric driveway gate:
Lubricate all moving parts and components every 3 to 6 months to prevent premature wear.
Clear landscaping overgrowth and other debris away from the area around the gate.
Check periodically for pests and nests in and around the gate's components.
Getting estimates from electric gate installers
With so many variables at play, compare quotes from multiple electric driveway gate companies near you and be sure to:
Ask about their experience and qualifications.
Confirm they are licensed, bonded, and insured.
Look for positive customer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for references from their recent automated gate jobs.
Request a detailed breakdown of all material, labor, permit, and site prep costs after an in-person assessment of your property entrance.
Avoid making large payments up front and don't make the final payment until the gate is installed and tested.
Questions to ask a driveway security gate installer
Automated driveway gates can be a safety hazard if not installed correctly. Ask the following questions to help you choose the most qualified pro for the job:
How long have you been in business?
Are you a member of any professional organizations?
Is the company licensed, bonded, and insured?
What gate type and material do you recommend for my property, and why?
Has the gate been lab-tested for safety?
How often should I lubricate the moving parts of the electric gate opener?
What does the gate installation estimate include?
What extra features do you offer, and how much do they cost?
What maintenance is required after installation?
Where is the manual release function located, and how do I operate it?
Who should I contact if there are issues after the installation?
We use our proprietary database of project costs, personally contact industry experts to compile up-to-date pricing and insights, and conduct in-depth research to ensure accuracy in all our guides.