Custom Aluminum Gates for Driveways | 2026
Marine Grade Aluminum: Lightweight, Rust-Proof, and Built to Last
Are you looking for custom aluminum gates for your driveway that will never rust, even in salty coastal air or harsh snowy winters?
At JDR Metal Art, we specialize in fabricating Custom Aluminum Driveway Gates that combine the intricate artistry of our plasma-cut designs with the maintenance-free benefits of high-grade aluminum.
Why Choose Aluminum Over Steel?
Aluminum – first created in 1826, today is used in many industrial applications as a premium alternative to steel. While steel is known for its brute strength, aluminum is the superior choice for specific situations where steel falls short of the job requirements.
1. 100% Rust & Corrosion Resistance Aluminum naturally creates a protective oxide layer that doesn’t rust. However, aluminum still corrodes under the paint or powder coat if improperly prepared! This makes it the #1 choice for:
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Coastal Properties: If you live within 50 miles of the ocean, salt air can destroy a steel gate in years. Aluminum is immune to salt corrosion.
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Northern Climates: Road salt used in winter won’t eat away at your gate frame.
- Pro Tip: Ensure It’s Coated by a Pro: We are proud members of the Chemical Coaters Association International. We recommend aluminum driveway gates be powder coated only by a professionally accredited finisher who not only sandblasts, but also applies a pretreatment solution to enhance the corrosion resistance of the substrate. We powder coat all aluminum driveway gates in our shop, eliminating oversight gaps and improper preparation and application.
2. Weight & Gate Opener Longevity Aluminum is roughly 1/3 the weight of steel.
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Less Wear on Openers: Because the gate is lighter, your automatic gate openers don’t have to work as hard. This extends the life of your motors and batteries.
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Easier Installation: Lighter gates put less stress on your hinge posts, making them ideal for areas with softer soil conditions.
The JDR Difference: “Marine Grade” vs. “Soda Can” Aluminum
Not all aluminum gates are created equal. Many competitors sell “bolt-together” aluminum fence panels made from thin, fragile extrusion.
We build ours differently.
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All-Welded Construction: We fully weld our frames for maximum rigidity. No screws or rivets that rattle loose over time.
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Heavy Wall Thickness: We use 7 ga heavy-wall architectural grade aluminum (typically 5052 or 6061 alloy). This ensures your gate feels solid and substantial, not flimsy.
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Powder Coated Finish: Even though aluminum doesn’t rust, we sandblast and powder coat every gate to provide a stunning, durable color finish that matches your home.
Custom Designs in Aluminum
Just like our steel gates, our aluminum gates are CNC Plasma Cut in our shop. This means you don’t have to settle for vertical bars. We can cut:
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Marine Themes: Palm trees, marlins, waves, and anchors.
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Modern Patterns: Clean geometric lines and privacy screens.
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Personalized Art: Your farm name, address, or logo integrated into the gate.
Which Material is Right for You?
Choose Steel If: You need maximum impact resistance (security) or want the heaviest possible “feel.”
Choose Aluminum If: You live near the coast, want zero maintenance, or need a lighter gate for a solar-powered opener.
Quick Comparison: Steel vs. Aluminum Gates
| Feature | Steel Gates | Aluminum Gates |
|---|---|---|
| Rust Resistance | Moderate (Needs Powder Coat) | Excellent (Naturally Rust-Proof) |
| Weight | Heavy (Solid Feel) | Lightweight (1/3 Weight of Steel) |
| Impact Strength | Superior (Harder to Dent) | High (Rigid & Strong) |
| Best Environment | Inland / Rural / Farms | Coastal / Saltwater / Snow |
| Gate Opener Wear | Higher Strain on Motors | Minimal Strain (Longer Motor Life) |
| Price Point | Generally Lower | Premium Material Cost |
Need a deeper dive?
Read our full guide on choosing the right metal for your driveway:
Steel vs. Aluminum Gates: Which is Best for You? »
Get a Quote on a Custom Aluminum Gate
Ready to upgrade your entrance with a gate that lasts a lifetime?
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Aluminum Gates
Durability & Strength
Q: Are aluminum gates as strong as steel gates?
A:This is the most common misconception. While aluminum is lighter, our custom aluminum gates are engineered for serious structural integrity. We use heavy-wall marine grade aluminum (typically 3/16″ or 1/8″ thick) and fully weld every joint. Unlike the flimsy “screw-together” aluminum fence panels you see at big box stores, our gates are solid, rigid, and built to withstand high winds and daily use.
Q: Will aluminum dent easily?
A: Our heavy duty aluminum driveway gates are fabricated from architectural-grade alloys (like 6061 or 5052) that are incredibly tough. While steel is technically harder, our thick-wall aluminum construction is more than strong enough for residential and commercial security. It will not dent under normal use or impact from minor debris.
Q: Do aluminum gates really never rust?
A: Yes. Aluminum is naturally rust proof. Unlike steel, which requires constant painting or powder coating to prevent corrosion, aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer. This makes it the absolute best choice for coastal driveway gates where salt spray and humidity would destroy a steel gate in a few years.
Design & Finish
Q: Can I get a wood-grain or specific color finish?
A: We finish all our gates with a high-quality powder coat rather than wet paint. This offers a harder, more durable shell. We offer a wide range of colors, including Satin Black, Bronze, and Silver. While we don’t do “faux wood” prints because of longevity concerns, our modern aluminum gate designs look stunning in matte black or textured bronze finishes.
Q: Can you plasma cut designs into aluminum?
A: Absolutely. Just like our steel gates, we can CNC plasma cut intricate trees, wildlife, marine themes, or logos directly into the aluminum gate panels. This allows you to have the artistic beauty of a decorative metal gate without the weight or maintenance of steel.
Q: Do you make modern style gates?
A: Yes. Aluminum is the preferred material for modern driveway gates because it creates clean, sharp lines. We fabricate many horizontal slat designs, louvers, and full-privacy panels that perfectly match contemporary or mid-century modern architecture.
Automation & Installation
Q: Are aluminum gates better for electric openers?
A: In many ways, yes. Because an aluminum driveway gate weighs about 1/3 as much as a steel gate of the same size, it puts significantly less strain on your automatic gate openers. This is especially important if you are using a solar gate opener system where conserving battery power is critical.
Q: Can I install these gates myself?
A: Yes. The lighter weight of aluminum makes DIY gate installation much easier. You don’t need heavy machinery or a crane to lift the gate leaves onto the hinges. Two people can typically lift and hang a 14-foot aluminum gate leaf by hand.
Q: Do you sell matching aluminum posts?
A: Yes. We supply heavy-duty aluminum gate posts to match your gate. Using aluminum posts is critical to prevent galvanic corrosion (which happens when you mix different metals) and ensures your entire entry system remains rust-free.
Shipping & Pricing
Q: Is aluminum more expensive than steel?
A: Generally, yes. The raw material cost for marine grade aluminum is higher than mild steel. However, when you factor in the lifetime savings—no sanding, no repainting, and longer life for your gate openers—an aluminum entry gate is often the more economical choice in the long run.
Q: How do you ship these gates?
A: We both ship and deliver our custom aluminum gates nationwide, depending on the circumstances. Because they are lighter, they are easier to handle at the delivery terminal or your job site. We carefully crate and palletize every order to ensure it arrives at your home in perfect condition.
The Ultimate Maintenance-Free Entrance
“Stop worrying about rust drips on your driveway or painting your gate every other spring. JDR Metal Art delivers custom aluminum gates for driveways that combine artistic luxury with industrial durability. Perfect for beach homes, modern estates, and anyone who wants to ‘set it and forget it.’
Ship to us? Yes. From Florida to Maine to Washington State, we ship rust-proof security directly to your door.”