These Cincinnati Ohio driveway gates were built and installed by JDR Metal Art. They are 16′ wide and feature two whitetail deer and a fox in a woodland setting. It was custom designed, drawn out and plasma cut by hand.
Each gate panel is plasma cut from 11ga. cold rolled steel and framed with steel 2″ square tubing that has walls 1/8″ thick. They weigh approximately 200 lbs per panel.
We used steel 4″ square tubing with 1/4″ wall thickness for the gate posts and then filled them with concrete and rebar for added stability. The hinges are steel blocks with J-bolts and stainless steel ball bearings. We installed automatic gate openers and automated exit devices with these gates.
Custom Cincinnati Driveway Gates
We can design any gate you want and make it fit any size entrance. Some of our design themes include horses, wildlife, and iron oak trees. We can also add custom lettering such as farm or ranch name, family or business name, etc. We also offer new custom driveway gate designs from scratch!
Other Cincinnati Area Gate Designs: Southeast Indiana Driveway Gates
Metamora Indiana Gate with Oak Tree Theme.
Cincinnati Driveway Gate Installations: Soil Type and Hole Size
Post holes must be adequately sized and shaped to hold the weight of the gates without them sagging over time. Then the holes should be filled with an adequate amount of concrete!
The number one mistake Cincinnati driveway gate installers make is digging holes that are too narrow to provide a robust foundation in the expanding and contracting silty clay. Another common mistake is making the post holes too shallow to withstand the frost-heave Cincinnati experiences during our chilly winters. This frost-heave results in posts that begin to lean over, sometimes after just a few short months.
Post holes for gates should be a bare minimum of 36″ deep; ideally we prefer 48″ to 60″ deep depending on the length and height of the gate panels.
If you are thinking about DIY installing one of our driveway gates be sure to check out our gate planning & installation guide for more info.
Cincinnati Driveway Gate FAQs
Do you work with clients needing custom driveway gates in Cincinnati, Ohio?
Yes. Our shop is located directly between Cincinnati and Columbus. We regularly deliver personalized driveway gates to Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and southeast Indiana. Every gate is powder coated, carefully wrapped in super thick padding and delivered directly to your property entrance. Contact us for a gate quote.
Who installs the gate?
Depending on our workload we often install our own gates. We also work with highly reputable driveway gate installers across the Cincinnati Metro area when our schedule is fully booked up. Automated gates also need electrical work, which your installer or a licensed electrician can handle.
How much do custom driveway gates cost?
Our custom driveway gates start at $10,000. The final price depends on the width of your entrance, the complexity of the design, the material (steel or aluminum), the finish, any automation, and shipping. Request a quote for a price specific to your property.
Do I need a permit for a driveway gate in the Cincinnati area?
It depends on where your property is. Rules differ between the City of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, surrounding townships, and the Northern Kentucky and Indiana jurisdictions nearby. Gate height, setbacks, and the electrical work for an opener can each trigger requirements. We can call your local building or zoning department before you order, and ask your fire department whether a gated entrance needs emergency access hardware such as a Knox box.
What kind of post footings do gates need for Cincinnati’s clay soil and winters?
Cincinnati-area soil is often clay-heavy, and winters bring repeated freezing and thawing that can shift posts that aren’t set deep enough. Footings should extend below your local frost depth, which your installer should confirm against local code. On this Cincinnati project we used 4-inch square steel posts with 1/4-inch walls, filled with concrete and rebar. The posts were placed in square holes that were 24″ wide and 48″ deep. Always call 811 before any digging.
Is steel or aluminum better for Ohio weather?
Both can perform well here when they are finished properly. Steel is heavier and very strong, which suits large ranch and estate gates. Aluminum does not rust, which helps with winter road salt and humid summers. Powder coating adds protection to either one. See our steel vs. aluminum comparison for more detail.
Can you build a gate that meets my HOA’s requirements?
We can design to the size, height, and style limits your community sets, and we provide a design proposal you can submit for HOA or architectural review. Check your HOA’s rules first and send them to us when you request a quote.
Can I add an automatic gate opener?
Yes. We build gates ready for automation, and this Cincinnati project was installed with automatic openers and automated exit devices. If storms and power outages are a concern, ask about battery backup. See our LiftMaster LA 500 opener system page for one option.
Can you make a custom design like the deer and fox scene?
Yes. We can adapt this design to fit any size entrance, or create something new from scratch. Popular themes include wildlife, horses, and trees, and we can add custom lettering such as a farm, ranch, or family name. Learn more about our custom design service.
