Gate Designs & Costs

Single vs dual swing

• Single leaf — one gate swings. Simple and clean, but the leaf can get long/heavy on wide openings.
• Dual leaf — two leaves meet in the middle. Common for wide driveways and can reduce leaf weight.

Design notes

• Flat top is usually the most economical.
• Arched top adds complexity (and cost) but can look fantastic on ornamental iron.
• Privacy panels add wind load—this affects operator choice and safety tuning.

What affects cost most

• Gate width/height and overall weight
• Posts/footings (soil, slope, access)
• Ornamental complexity (scrollwork, finials, custom patterns)
• Power & trenching (or solar/battery)
• Safety devices and access control

Track slide vs cantilever

• Track slide — rolls on a ground track. Usually lower cost, but the track must stay clean and straight.
• Cantilever — no track in the opening. Better for debris, gravel, and areas where a track would be a headache.

Design notes

• Cantilever requires a longer gate frame (counterbalance section).
• Heavy privacy designs can work well, but wind load still matters.
• Good rollers/hardware are a big part of long-term reliability.

Common reasons people choose slide

• Windy locations
• Steep driveways
• Limited swing clearance
• Wide openings
• Better control for high-use sites

Want to go deeper?

We work with clients to design ornamental iron gates.

After preliminary design, fabricators are contacted for pricing and delivery time information, then we reply back to the client regarding costs etc.

This may result in additional rounds as we work with client and fabricators untill a gated design is finalized.

See the detailed design page here: Ornamental Iron Design Guide

Style options

• Modern --- clean lines, horizontal/vertical pickets, minimal ornament.
• Traditional --- finials, spear tops, arches, scrolls.
• Privacy --- steel panels, composite inserts, or wood on a steel frame.
• Estate --- heavier frames, decorative centerpieces, matching pedestrian gates.

Finish & corrosion protection

• Preperation --- cleaning & sandblasting, priming, proper coating steps add to the life of a gate.
• Powder coating --- looks great but requires maintnenace over the years. For this reason colors such as black are prefered over more exotic colors and finishes so the gate can be retouched up over the years.
• Rustic Look --- Some clients prefer to allow the gate to rust naturally.

Design for automation

• Strong posts/hinges (or robust roller system for slide)
• Correct geometry for operators (arm angles, travel, clearances)
• Stiff frame to prevent twisting/binding
• Plan for conduits early (power, loops, keypad/intercom, safety)

Typical "adds-ons"

• Matching pedestrian gate.
• Keypad/intercom entry.
• Vehicle loops / free exit.
• Smartphone access (where signal allows).
• Lighting, signage, and safety markings where appropriate.
• Brick or stone columns.
• Additional ornamental iron fencing along driveway.

• Size & weight --- more steel and more structure.
• Site work --- posts, footings, grade, trenching, and access.
• Automation readiness --- hinges/rollers and a gate that moves smoothly.
• Power --- distance to power, trenching, or solar/battery sizing.
• Safety --- photo eyes, edges, loops, and proper setup.
• Access control --- keypad/intercom/phone access and wiring.
• Finish --- prep time and coating quality.

What helps me quote accurately

• Driveway opening width (approx is fine)
• Photos: the opening, both sides, and where posts would go
• Is the driveway level or sloped, curved?
• Preferred style (ornamental / modern / privacy)
• Power availability (or if solar might be needed)

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