A residential gate is a great way to solve many problems in or around your property. From the secret rendezvous of your dog to the nosy neighbors that can never take a hint, a gate is a great way to set personal boundaries. Of course, there are thousands of residential gate options to select from today, which is why we will highlight some of the most common considerations to keep in mind when making your selection.
1. Do You Know A Reputable Contractor?
It’s crucial to think one step ahead and consider who’ll install your gate system for you. You will need to hire the help of a licensed and reputable contractor in your area, but you also need to put in plenty of research to ensure success. Some will claim to offer the best localized services, only for you to discover they have virtually no reviews or past customers. It’s important to look at the digital footprint of a company and look for any potential consumer complaints that may have been filed against them. Most importantly, it makes sense to work with a contractor willing to coordinate with your chosen architect, designer or other contractors.
2. Establish Your Budget
Before you start interviewing contractors, it’s best to establish a budget. This makes communication between the two of you more straightforward. Having a set idea of how much you can allocate to your project will also allow the contractor to design a residential gate within your means and parameters.
3. Decide On Your Gate Access
Your budget will often dictate what options are available to you in order to help you access your gate. Manual locks are rather fidgety, but they are also more affordable than automatic gate access controls. Even within the automatic access category, you can find enhanced options of composite driveway gates or those that offer a basic entrance system.
4. Complement Your Existing Home’s Architecture
A residential gate isn’t just a functional product, but one that enhances and complements the architecture of your given space. It should pack a ‘WOW’ factor, but also make it easier for you not to detract from the beauty of your home’s aesthetics. The right gate enhances the curb appeal of your home while also raising its perceived value.
5. Choose The Perfect Style
Once you know the type of locking mechanism that controls your gate, you have the freedom to express yourself through its style. Do you prefer wood or metal? Should it slide or swing open? As you know the details of your home best, you will have the opportunity to seamlessly blend both elements.
The right gate can offer you years of faithful service. Just follow the tips above to help you narrow down your many options!
Gate Styles that may suit your Home
There are several choices available when seeking to purchase a new gate.
You need to think about how the gate will open securely, as well as the influence that this will have on neighbors, roads, and pathways, in addition to considering architectural and design aspects, colors, and what will best compliment your property’s overall image.
We look at a few of the many gate options in the list below. With this knowledge, you may choose the ideal gate design for your requirements.
External Swinging Gates
Exterior swinging gates are ideal for homes with short drives or rising driveways (i.e., if there is a hill from the entrance of your property going up to your home). In contrast to outward swinging gates, which will not endanger your driveway or property, interior swinging gates would become trapped on the inclining ground or may crash into a wall if the road is too short.
The main drawback to this gate style is that you need a lot of room outside the property to avoid having it obstruct pathways or roadways. These gates go well with residences in rural areas or on calmer streets.
Sliding Gates
As long as there is adequate space on each side of the entry for the gate to glide over, sliding gates might be the most adaptable gate style. When there isn’t enough space for a gate to swing inward or outward, such as with short driveways or homes that open into busy streets or pathways, sliding gates are ideal.
The gate does not take up any more space and moves sideways (behind the fence). A wonderful creation that also appears impressive.
Internal Swinging Gates
Properties near major thoroughfares or streets with a lot of pedestrian traffic have to think about installing interior swinging gates. The gates swing within the building and do not obstruct any exterior area.
The driveway will need to be maintained free for this sort of gate in order for it to open inward, thus there has to be a garage or side area where vehicles may be parked.
Driveway Gates
Homes with longer driveways benefit from the security and seclusion that driveway gates offer. They may be created using a variety of materials and can be altered to fit the home’s design. Depending on the available area, driveway gates may be swing gates or sliding gates.
Iron gates
For residential homes, iron gates are a reliable and safe alternative. To fit the design of the house, elaborate patterns might be added to them. Depending on the available space, iron gates may either swing open or slide closed.
Wooden Gates
For houses with a classic or rustic appearance, wooden gates are a popular alternative. To suit the aesthetic of the house, they may be personalized with a variety of treatments and stains. Wooden gates typically swing gates, however, if necessary, they may be converted to sliding gates.
Design Considerations
There are many various design factors to consider depending on the property you want to install the gate. For instance:
Modern Architecture Building
Aluminum slat fences and gates are generally the most popular alternative for buildings with a more contemporary architectural design. Due to the adaptability of aluminum and powder paint, aluminum slat gates and fences are available in a range of colors to meet your specific requirements. When you want to maintain the colors of your fence and gate in line with the design and architectural elements of your house, they are a fantastic alternative.
Cost
The materials utilized, the gate’s size and design, and the desired level of security will all have an impact on how much the gate will cost. In order to have a gate that suits their demands without going over budget, homeowners should take their budget into account while constructing their gate.
Traditional Homes & Country Cottages
For enclosing older-style homes, traditional picket fences and gates work incredibly well. It is best to choose our more contemporary aluminum option if you want the ideal and authentic feel of the “white picket fence” but do not have the time for the maintenance required to coat and paint timber fences year in and year out. You still get the white picket style, but with the durability of aluminum.
Accessibility
Both residents and guests should be able to readily access the gate. The requirements of those with disabilities should be considered in the gate’s design, such as the addition of wheelchair ramps or automated opening systems.
Ornate Gates for a High-end Look
An ornate steel gate might be the ideal focal point to launch the look of your property from the minute visitors first set eyes on it if you are striving for an upscale appearance. The fact that our steel fences require no maintenance and are among the strongest on the market ensures that your gate will continue to look stunning for many years to come.
High Security
Security gates made of guardian steel are the way to go if your project calls for a high level of security, particularly for commercial and industrial fence goods. Spiked posts and other finishing touches will also aid to prevent robbers because they will not think about trying to climb over those!
Aesthetics
A gate is frequently the first thing guests notice as they approach a house, so it should be aesthetically pleasing and blend in with the home’s overall decor. The style and architecture of the gate should match that of the surrounding scenery and the property.
What option is best for you?
You should take the following factors into account when choosing the right kind of gate for your needs:
- Space – Consider your available area for a swinging gate as well as whether an interior or external swinging gate is appropriate. A sliding gate will be your best alternative if there is not enough space for either.
- Electronic or Standard – Whether electronic or conventional, we often advise automated gates. While being more costly, they are much safer and more practical. You do not have to park your automobile in the middle of the street to unlock the gate.
- Style – Your gate and fence should complement the architectural details of your home. Examine your alternatives for slats, smart wood, and steel posts. In the end, think about every aspect of your property and how the gate will fit in with it.