Custom Wildlife Driveway Gates
& Ranch Entrances
Handcrafted in Ohio. Shipped Nationwide. Built to Last a Lifetime.
Updated: January 13th, 2026
JDR Metal Art creates personalized wildlife themed driveway gates & gate designs for homes, hunting retreats, wildlife preserves, driveway gate contractors, etc.
Our nature scenes feature a practically unlimited variety of different animals and wildlife such as whitetail & mule deer, elk, moose, bears, foxes, ducks, birds, turkeys, pheasants, hogs, alligators and practically anything else you could want on your gate.
The following designs are just a small sample of the over 100 wildlife themed driveway gates we’ve done all throughout the U.S. over the years. You can use them as inspiration to create your very own 100% personalized driveway gate design.
Custom Plasma Cut Whitetail Deer & American Flag Gate
Gate Design 1W:
A 20′ custom steel dual-swing gate delivered to a client in Missouri. This plasma-cut masterpiece features a detailed wildlife scene with whitetail bucks, a doe, waterfowl, and a central American flag.
Project Specs: 20′ Custom Steel Dual Swing Gate Theme: American Flag & Whitetail Wildlife
Location: Delivered to Missouri
This massive 20-foot entry gate was custom fabricated to serve as the ultimate farm and ranch entrance. The design utilizes high-precision plasma cutting technology to create a multi-layered wildlife scene. Key features include:
- Central Theme: A waving American Flag transitioning into a natural tree line.
- Wildlife Detail: Features Whitetail bucks, does, turkeys, and waterfowl.
- Custom Accents: whimsical additions like squirrels and groundhogs add character to the bottom valance.
Like all JDR Metal Art gates, this unit was built with heavy-wall tubing to prevent sagging and powder coated for long-term weather resistance
Custom “Majestic Oak” Tree of Life Gate with Whitetail Deer – Dallas Ft. Worth, TX
Gate Design 2W:
Project Location: Dallas/Ft. Worth Texas Theme: Majestic Oak / Tree of Life Subject: Whitetail Deer Herd Design Feature: Seamless Branch & Root System
This custom entry gate is a structural and artistic feat. The design centers around a massive Ancient Oak Tree that spans the entire width of the driveway. When the gates are closed, the branches and the elaborate exposed root system meet perfectly in the middle, creating the illusion of a single, unbroken tree.
Beneath the canopy, a peaceful herd of Whitetail Deer grazes—bucks on the left, does and fawns on the right. This design offers the perfect balance of privacy and visibility; the dense leaf canopy provides screening from the road, while the open trunk area allows airflow and views of the property. Mounted on rugged stone columns near Dallas, this gate anchors the landscape of this beautiful country estate.
Atlanta Custom Driveway Gates – Hunting Retreat Gate with Whitetail Deer & Game Birds
Gate Design 3W:
Atlanta Entrance Gates for Pheasant Hunting Retreat
Project Name: The Triple Step Retreat Location: Georgia (Atlanta Area) Partnership: Installed by SIA Ornamental Iron
Designed for a massive 2,700-acre pheasant hunting retreat, this 17-foot dual-swing gate is the definition of a ‘Grand Entrance.’ The design captures the spirit of the property, featuring a dense canopy of Southern Magnolia trees that shelter a trophy Whitetail buck and doe.
Because this is a working hunting preserve, the client requested specific game birds to be woven into the metalwork. We precision-cut realistic pheasants and wild turkeys into the bottom valance, creating a scene that tells guests exactly what to expect on the property. This heavy-duty steel gate was shipped directly to Georgia and professionally installed and automated by our trusted partners at SIA Ornamental Iron.
Tallahassee Custom Aluminum Slide Gate Hunting Preserve | Honey Lake Farms
Gate Design 4W:
Large 27′ single slide driveway gate panel, metal art design with deer, turkeys, ducks and cypress trees. Designed for a hunting preserve outside Tallahassee, Florida. Handcrafted from aluminum.
A massive 27′ cantilever slide gate built for Honey Lake Farms in Leon County, FL. Handcrafted from marine-grade aluminum to resist Florida’s humidity while securing this premier hunting estate.
Project Name: Honey Lake Farms Entrance Location: Tallahassee, Florida (Leon County) Gate Type: 27′ Cantilever Slide Gate (Aluminum)
When a premier hunting preserve like Honey Lake Farms needed a secure main entrance, they chose JDR Metal Art to design this massive 27-foot single slide gate. Unlike standard swing gates, this sliding system glides effortlessly behind the stone pillars, maximizing driveway space for large trucks and trailers entering the property.
Designed specifically for the Florida Panhandle climate, this gate is fabricated entirely from Marine-Grade Aluminum. While it looks as strong as steel, it is 100% rust-proof—guaranteeing that the intricate wildlife art (featuring deer, turkeys, and ducks) will never corrode despite the high humidity. The design is finished with the farm’s custom logo precision-cut into the center arch, creating a branded landmark for every guest.
Custom Elk & Bear Wildlife Gate with Mountain Backdrop | Colorado Driveway Gate Style
Gate Design 5W:
A 16-foot dual-swing gate designed for a Rocky Mountain estate near Denver, CO. Features a bull elk, black bear, and American flag set against a mountain range.
Project Location: Rocky Mountains (Near Denver, CO) Theme: Elk, Bear & American Flag Size: 16′ Dual Swing
Designed for a property high in the Rocky Mountains, this 16-foot custom gate captures the rugged spirit of the American West. The design features a majestic Bull Elk and a curious Black Bear framing a central, waving American Flag.
To match the client’s view, we plasma-cut a continuous mountain range profile across the top of the gate, creating a seamless visual link between the metalwork and the actual Rockies in the background. Built from heavy-duty steel to withstand mountain winds and heavy snow loads, this gate is the ultimate entrance for any Colorado mountain retreat.
Custom Single Swing Wildlife Gate with Solar Opener | Columbus, GA
Gate Design 6W:
Project Location: Columbus, Georgia System: 14′ Single Swing (Steel) Automation: Solar Powered LiftMaster LA-500
Perfect for rural driveways where running electricity is difficult, this 14-foot single swing gate proves you don’t need a double gate to make a grand entrance. The design features a dynamic scene of Whitetail Deer bounding through a pine forest, laser-cut from heavy-duty steel to withstand the Georgia elements.
This project was a collaborative success. Using our comprehensive [Installation Guide], the client installed the heavy-duty posts himself to save on labor costs. Our team then arrived to hang the massive single panel and install the LiftMaster LA-500 Solar Operator, ensuring the gate works reliably even without grid power.
Custom Corten Weathering Steel Wildlife Gate | Illinois Hunting Reserve
Gate Design 7W:
A 20-foot dual-swing gate made from Corten weathering steel, installed at a hunting reserve in Cuba, IL. The steel is designed to develop a protective, rustic purple-brown patina over time.
Project Location: Cuba, Illinois (Private Hunting Reserve) Material: Corten Weathering Steel (A606-4) Finish: Natural Living Patina
This 20-foot dual swing gate is a perfect example of a ‘Living Finish.’ Fabricated from Corten Weathering Steel, this gate was designed to rust on purpose. Unlike standard steel that corrodes away, Corten develops a stable, purple-hued patina that acts as a protective shield, sealing the metal off from further corrosion.
The result is a maintenance-free gate that blends seamlessly with the natural stone columns and the surrounding Illinois landscape. This installation features a complete entry system including Apollo gate openers, an automatic exit wand, and a wireless keypad/intercom for secure access control.
Custom “Bear Paw Ranch” Gate with Gentle Ben Memorial | St. James, Missouri
Gate Design 8W:
Missouri Driveway Gates- 14′ Dual Swing Bear & Deer – Steel
The entrance to Bear Paw Ranch in St. James, MO. This 14-foot custom gate memorializes “Gentle Ben,” the famous TV bear who was born and raised on this property.
Project Location: St. James, Missouri (Bear Paw Ranch) Theme: “Gentle Ben” Memorial & Whitetail Deer Timeline: Rush Delivery for Wedding Event
This project holds a special place in our portfolio. Designed for the historic Bear Paw Ranch, this custom gate memorializes “Gentle Ben,” the famous black bear from the 1960s TV series who was born and raised on this very land. The design features a lifelike silhouette of Ben on the left panel and a trophy Whitetail buck on the right.
The Challenge: The new owner needed this gate installed before his son’s upcoming wedding. JDR Metal Art expedited the design and fabrication process, delivering the 14-foot steel dual-swing system just days before the ceremony. It now stands as a permanent tribute to the property’s unique history.
Custom Bear Themed Farm Gate for Adirondack Estate | Upstate New York
Gate Design 9W:
Project Location: Upstate New York (The Adirondacks) Property: Mountain View Estate Finish: Flat Bronze with Zinc-Rich Primer
Built for a family farm in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, this 16-foot dual-swing gate was engineered to survive harsh New York winters. The design features a massive Black Bear wandering through a pine forest, perfectly matching the local wildlife.
Because this gate faces heavy snow and moisture, we applied a Zinc-Rich Epoxy Primer before the final Flat Bronze topcoat. This industrial-grade coating system provides maximum corrosion resistance, ensuring the steel remains rust-free for decades. We delivered this system directly from our Ohio shop to the jobsite in New York and installed it complete with an Estate Swing 1000D automatic opener package.
Custom Aluminum Plantation Entrance Gate | One More Day Plantation, GA
Gate Design 10W:
Project Location: Southern Georgia (One More Day Plantation) Material: Marine-Grade Aluminum Install Style: Timber Post & Beam
Designed for the One More Day Plantation, this entrance combines rustic timber framing with modern metal artistry. Because this gate is located in the humid Southern Georgia climate, we fabricated it entirely from Marine-Grade Aluminum.
Unlike steel, aluminum is naturally rust-resistant, making it the perfect choice for coastal or humid regions. The gate features a custom wildlife scene that mirrors the hunting grounds beyond, and it is framed by heavy timber posts with black powder-coated hardware to complete the classic plantation aesthetic.
North Central Ohio Whitetail Deer Gate with Solar Automation
Gate Design 11W:
A 20-foot steel entry gate installed in the woodlands of North Central Ohio. Automated with a LiftMaster LA 412 Solar system for off-grid reliability.
Project Location: North Central Ohio System: 20′ Dual Swing (Steel) Automation: LiftMaster LA 412 Solar
This project is a textbook example of how to secure a rural driveway without running expensive trenching for electricity. Installed in the dense woods of North Central Ohio, this 20-foot wide gate relies entirely on the sun.
We equipped this system with the LiftMaster LA 412 Solar Gate Opener, a 12V system designed specifically for properties far from the power grid. The gate design itself features a heavy-duty steel frame with a ‘Buck and Doe’ forest scene, powder-coated to withstand Ohio’s freeze-thaw cycles while blending naturally into the treeline.
Custom Louisiana Swamp Wildlife Gate with Alligators & Cypress Trees
Gate Design 12W:
A stunning 16-foot dual-swing gate capturing the essence of the bayou. This custom design features intricate cypress trees, whitetail deer, and alligators lurking in the marsh grass.This is a 16′ wide dual swing gate with an assortment of different swamp creatures: a buck, doe and a fawn. Also, five ducks, a turkey and three alligators. Add to that some cat tails, grass and cypress trees.
Bring the wild beauty of the bayou to your entrance with this 16-foot custom swamp-themed gate. This design is a masterclass in plasma-cut storytelling, setting a complete ecosystem against a backdrop of towering cypress trees and cattails.
The scene is alive with movement: a trophy whitetail buck, doe, and fawn navigate the marsh, while three alligators lurk near the bottom rail. If you look closely, you will also spot five ducks taking flight and a wild turkey hidden in the brush. Whether you live in Louisiana, Florida, or just love the wetlands, this gate turns your driveway into a nature preserve.
Ready for Help with creating the Perfect Design for your Property Entrance?
No worries, we will create exactly the gate you’re looking for with a totally personalized custom driveway gate design!
If you have a theme in mind we can design a gate that will be meet or exceed all your expectations. If you are able to provide us with a picture of your entrance then we can actually show you what the gate will look like before the first cut is ever made.
You can also check out our ornamental tree gates here & horse gates here. If you are interested in having us create a custom design for you or have any other questions then feel free to contact us.
Most customers typically choose steel construction for their gate. We also build them from aluminum whenever the situation calls for it. Whether steel or aluminum best meets your needs, they can be made to custom fit your driveway no matter the size.
Thank you for taking the time to look at some of the unique driveway gates we’ve enjoyed putting together here at JDR Metal Art.
Frequently Asked Questions: Custom Wildlife Gates
Q: Can I customize the animals in the design?
A: Yes! That is our specialty. While we have over 100 existing designs (Deer, Bear, Elk, Turkey, etc.), you are not limited to them. We can mix and match elements to create a scene that reflects your specific property. Want a Whitetail Buck on one side and a Turkey on the other? Or a specific breed of dog hidden in the grass? We can do it. We provide computer-aided design (CAD) proofs for you to approve before we ever cut the metal.
Q: Do you ship these gates nationwide?
A: Yes. While we are based in Ohio, the majority of our wildlife gates are shipped to clients across the USA. We build custom shipping pallets to ensure your gate arrives safely, whether you are in a remote cabin in Colorado, a hunting preserve in Georgia, or an estate in Upstate New York.
Q: Steel vs. Aluminum: Which should I choose for a wildlife gate?
A: It depends on your location:
- Aluminum: We highly recommend Marine-Grade Aluminum for clients in coastal areas (Florida, Carolinas) or regions with heavy road salt usage. It is lighter, 100% rust-proof, and holds powder coat incredibly well.
- Steel: If you need maximum impact resistance for a farm or ranch entrance (or if you want a rusting “Corten” finish), steel is the traditional choice. We use heavy-wall tubing to prevent sagging.
Q: Can these gates be automated?
A: Absolutely. All our gates are built with a heavy-duty bottom rail specifically designed to handle the torque of automatic gate openers. They work perfectly with all major brands (LiftMaster, Apollo, Ghost Controls) and are ideal for Solar Gate Openers since our designs (especially aluminum) are often lighter than solid wood or iron gates.
Q: How intricate can the details be?
A: Because we use high-definition Plasma Cutting technology, we can achieve incredible detail—from the antlers on an Elk to the individual feathers on a Turkey. However, we also ensure the design remains “structural.” We engineer every scene so that the trees, animals, and grass all connect to the frame, ensuring the gate is strong enough for daily use.
Q: Do you provide the posts and hinges?
A: Yes. We offer a complete package. We can fabricate matching steel or aluminum posts (powder coated to match your gate) and include heavy-duty adjustable J-bolt hinges. If you are mounting to existing stone or brick columns, we can provide mounting plates instead of posts.
Q: How long does it take to build a custom wildlife gate? A: Since every gate is made to order, lead times vary based on our current workload. Generally, once the design is approved, fabrication and powder coating take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. If you have a specific deadline (like a wedding or grand opening), please let us know upfront so we can try to accommodate it.
The driveway gate should be at least a foot or two wider than your driveway. You have to be sure to leave room for the hinges. If there is concrete or asphalt, use a tape measure and start about a foot away from the hard driveway surface. Measure across the driveway to about a foot past the hard surface on the other side.
Some local jurisdictions require at least a 14′ driveway gate opening to allow their full sized emergency equipment to easily pass through in the event of an emergency. We recommend at least a 12′ wide driveway gate for all other areas. This helps avoid “close call” gate collisions with distracted delivery drivers.
A swinging driveway gate is much easier to install and automate than a sliding driveway gate. A sliding driveway gate requires more room to operate in most instances, and is more expensive to automate than a swinging driveway gate. A sliding driveway gate requires extra supports welded to the end of the gate for a cantilever style sliding gate.
A single swing gate is typically used for up to a 12′ wide driveway. Anything larger than 12′ wide generally will be a dual swing gate. A curved driveway may be better for a dual swing gate, depending on which side of the curve the gate hinge post will be located.
If you live in a rural area then you most likely will not need to apply for a driveway gate permit if you want to install a new custom driveway gate on your property. City or county planning may require a permit to install or replace a residential driveway gate, but not in every instance. Consult with the local building department to confirm.
The batteries need to be tested yearly and typically last 3-4 years before needing replacement.
Yes, with the proper planning and tools anyone can install our driveway gates because the gate simply bolts to the post, there is no need for any welding. The gates can be set down on wood blocks laid on the ground to get the desired ground clearance, bolted to the gate post, and the post hole filled with concrete.
It depends on our customer’s needs because steel and aluminum each have their advantages and disadvantages.
Steel is very strong and durable but is also relatively heavy and will rust if not properly coated.
Aluminum weighs 60% less than steel, is extremely corrosion resistant and exceptionally strong for it’s weight. Aluminum is also more expensive than steel and more challenging to work with.
Keeping those factors in mind is helpful when considering which material to use in the construction of your gate.
Steel gates generally weigh approximately 25 lbs per linear foot. Therefore a 10′ steel gate panel would weigh approximately 250lbs.
Aluminum gates generally weigh approximately 8.3 lbs/ft. Therefore a 10′ aluminum gate panel would weigh approximately 83lbs.
These weights are rough estimates only, please contact us to learn more about a specific gate you may have in mind.
Depending on the gate design and material, from $400-1000 dollars per linear foot. Therefore a 10′ gate panel would be anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000.
Once the customer chooses a design we ask for a 50% down payment to begin building the driveway gates for your project. The remaining balance is due at the time of completion.
If you choose one of our existing driveway gate designs there is no charge. For new gate designs, depending on the complexity of the project we may require a design deposit of up to $1,000.
Our lead time to completion is usually 6 to 8 weeks from the time a down payment is made. Larger or exceptionally intricate projects may take longer to complete.
The best gate designs for driveways should balance function with form. A driveway gate design makes an impression as to the owner’s personality. The gate design should be created from either steel or aluminum for metal driveway gates. JDR Metal Art has over 100 high-quality driveway gate designs and creates brand new gate designs every month.
Start designing a ranch gate by first getting the measurements together, such as the width of the opening and the desired height of the gate. Then think about whether you want the top arched, flat, and with or without decorative elements such as finials (spears). A ranch gate can be old-world wrought iron style or a modern ranch gate with a stunning plasma cut artistic design of ranch animals such as horses and equine, cattle, bison, or exotics.
The single steel swinging gate design is the most functional type of driveway gate because it only requires one gate post and can be easily installed. The double open swing gate is more complex as it requires two gate posts and takes more effort to make sure the swinging gate panels align properly when they are in the closed position. Design: Swing Steel Gate For Home, Farm, Ranch or Estate.
The driveway gate should be at least a foot or two wider than your driveway. You have to be sure to leave room for the hinges. If there is concrete or asphalt, use a tape measure and start about a foot away from the hard driveway surface. Measure across the driveway to about a foot past the hard surface on the other side.
Driveway gates typically come in standard manufactured heights of 48″, 60″ and 72″ tall. Other sizes would require a custom order to be placed. The height of the gate should match with the fencing that the gate may be connected to. ontent
A driveway gate can increase the curb appeal of a property by adding an impressive and stylish feature to the entrance of a home or estate. It can create an immediate visual impact, setting the tone for the rest of the property. A well-designed driveway gate can convey a sense of security, exclusivity, and sophistication. It can also enhance the overall aesthetics of a property by complementing its architectural style, landscape design, and color scheme.
Moreover, a driveway gate can act as a focal point of the property and can be customized to reflect the owner’s personal style and interests. For example, a ranch-style gate can suit a country-style property, while a wildlife-themed gate can be ideal for a nature lover. A tree-themed gate can be perfect for a property surrounded by trees. A horse-themed gate can be an excellent choice for a property with equestrian facilities.
A driveway gate can also add value to a property. Equipping your gate with an automatic opener has the potential of increasing your home’s value by several percent. It can increase the perceived value of a home or estate, making it more attractive to potential buyers. It can also increase the property’s actual value, as it is a desirable feature that not all properties have. Overall, a driveway gate can be a significant investment for a property owner, but it can also be a valuable addition that enhances the property’s curb appeal, security, and value.
For a sliding driveway gate, it can be built to practically any width up to 40′ or more. The largest we’ve built is 37′ single slide gate that had to be shipped on a flatbed trailer. For a swinging driveway gate, even the best driveway gate openers can only handle up to a 16′ or 18′ single swing gate. We’ve built many 16′ single swing gates.
An electric swinging driveway gate can only open up to 110 degrees. This is due to mechanical restrictions of the opener arms. Certain types of electric gate openers, such as a pad-mounted opener only “pulls to open” i.e. if you were standing on the home side of your gates, the gate opener only opens the gate towards the house, not out towards the road.
For driveway gate clearance above the ground, we typically see clients going with 4″ to 6″ ground clearance. For clearance between the gate and the gate post, there should be 3.5″ to 4″ of clearance. For clearance between the gate and a latching post (single swing gates) we recommend 1″ space so hands can’t get crushed when the gate is going into the closed position.
Driveway Gate Sizes Are as follows:
We build 10′ driveway gates, 12′ driveway gates, 14′ driveway gates, 16′ driveway gates, 18′ driveway gates, 20′ driveway gates, 22′ driveway gates, and 24′ driveway gates. Custom gates are sized to the inch, up to 40′ long.
The metals we use are only of the highest quality. All our stock steel and aluminum is stamped “Made in USA.”
For our steel driveway gates we always use a minimum of 1/8″ (.125 inch thick) material thickness for all gate construction.
Load bearing components such as the hinge rails are always at least 3/16″ in wall thickness.
For our aluminum driveway gates, the minimum material thickness is 3/16″.
Our standard mounting posts are made from 4×4″ square tubing with a minimum of 1/4″ wall thickness. We also build 6×6, 8×8 and larger gate posts.
Electric driveway gates come in a wide range of sizes, designs and quality. The average cost to install an electric gate is between $8,000 to $25,00, with average customers paying around $12,500 for a single swing 12 foot automated gate completely installed from start to finish.
There are typically two options. If solar power will work for your application (you need at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day to provide an adequate charge), you can install solar panels that are rated for a solar capable gate opener such as the Liftmaster LA 412 (residential duty) or LA 500 (commercial duty).
If you are running AC power to the site, you will need to install a 110 volt 20 amp power supply to one side of the gate entrance, where the gate opener control box will be located. This will be used to charge the batteries on your electric gate operators. The power wire should be appropriately sized to the length of the overall run to account for voltage drop.
Most gate openers contain either 12v or 24v batteries which are charged with 120v electric or by a solar panel. Only the largest gate openers, such as the Liftmaster CSW200, are run directly by 120v AC power.
Electric gates consume very little electricity at a single-family residence. The gates use practically no power while they are in standby mode. A single fully charged battery will open and close a gate 300 cycles without being charged.
A gated community will use much more power, but still not enough cost to be more than a passing concern.
Your driveway gate should be slightly wider than the driveway itself—typically by about one to two feet—to allow for proper hinge placement. When measuring, start about a foot away from the edge of any concrete or asphalt surface, then extend across to roughly a foot past the other side. This ensures smooth operation and enough clearance for installation.
Some local regulations require a driveway gate opening of at least 14 feet to ensure emergency vehicles can pass through easily. In other areas, a 12-foot-wide gate is generally recommended to provide ample space and reduce the risk of accidents, especially with delivery trucks or larger vehicles.
A swinging driveway gate is generally easier to install and automate compared to a sliding gate. Sliding gates need more space to operate and tend to be more expensive to automate. Additionally, a cantilever-style sliding gate requires extra structural support at the end for stability.
A single swing gate is ideal for driveways up to 12 feet wide. For larger driveways, a dual swing gate is recommended. Curved driveways may work better with a dual swing gate, depending on the hinge placement and the direction of the curve.
Most gate openers operate with 12v or 24v batteries, which are charged either through a 120v electric source or a solar panel. However, larger gate openers, like the Liftmaster CSW200, use 120v AC power directly for operation.
There are two primary power options for gate openers. If using solar power, ensure the site receives at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily, and install solar panels rated for your gate opener model. Alternatively, for AC power, you’ll need a 110v 20-amp power supply to charge the batteries of your gate opener, with appropriately sized wiring to account for voltage drop over the distance.
If you’re in a rural area, you likely won’t need a permit for installing a new custom driveway gate. However, in city or county areas, permits may be required to install or replace a residential driveway gate, depending on local regulations. It’s always a good idea to check with your local building department for confirmation before proceeding.
The cost of installing an electric driveway gate varies widely depending on the size, design, and quality. On average, you can expect to pay between $8,000 to $25,000, with the typical cost for a single swing 12-foot automated gate being around $12,500. This price covers the complete installation from start to finish.
Electric gates use very little power at a residential property, with most of the energy consumed when the gate is in operation. When in standby mode, they hardly draw any power. A fully charged battery can open and close the gate 300 times without needing a recharge. In gated communities, the overall power usage will be higher but still minimal enough that it won’t significantly impact electricity costs.
The batteries in electric gates should be tested annually and typically last between 3 to 4 years before they need to be replaced. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and helps prevent unexpected failures.
With the right tools and planning, installing driveway gates is a straightforward process. The gates bolt directly to the post, with no welding required. You can use wood blocks to set the desired ground clearance, secure the gate to the post, and fill the post hole with concrete for stability. We highly recommend letting one of our expert professional installers perform the installatio for you.
A custom driveway gate can enhance your property’s curb appeal by reflecting your personal style and the surrounding landscape. For example, a horse-themed gate works beautifully for equestrian properties, while a tree-shaped design complements homes nestled in wooded areas. A wildlife-inspired gate can be perfect for nature enthusiasts, and a ranch-style gate adds rustic charm to country estates. These themed gates not only boost aesthetics but also give your property a unique and memorable entrance, making it stand out in any neighborhood.
The choice between steel and aluminum for your driveway gate depends on your needs. Steel is strong and durable but heavier and prone to rust unless coated. Aluminum, on the other hand, is much lighter, resistant to corrosion, and strong for its weight, though it comes at a higher cost and is harder to work with. Considering these pros and cons will help you decide which material best suits your gate project.
Steel gates typically weigh around 25 pounds per linear foot, while aluminum gates weigh significantly less at about 8.3 pounds per foot. For example, a 10-foot steel gate would weigh approximately 250 pounds, whereas an aluminum gate of the same size would weigh around 83 pounds. Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and it’s always best to contact us for more specific information regarding your gate.
A custom driveway gate worth the investment will start out at $10,000. You’ll receive an endless choice of custom design options, professional installation, and expert maintenance tips.
Once a customer selects a design, a 50% down payment is required to start building the driveway gates. The remaining balance is due when the project is completed. This payment structure ensures a smooth process from design to final installation.
If you choose from our existing driveway gate designs, there is no charge for the design. However, for custom gate designs, depending on the complexity of the project, a design deposit of up to $1,000 may be required.
We complete most driveway gate projects within 6 to 8 weeks after receiving the down payment. For larger or more intricate designs, we may need additional time to finish the work.
The best driveway gate design depends on your personal style and property. Ranch-style gates are perfect for country estates, while tree-themed gates blend beautifully with wooded areas. Horse-themed gates are ideal for equestrian properties, showcasing a love for animals. Wildlife-inspired gates suit nature lovers, adding a unique touch to your home. Each of these designs not only enhances the visual appeal but also offers a connection to the environment, making your entrance stand out with personality and charm.
To design the perfect ranch gate, start by taking accurate measurements of the gate opening’s width and the desired height. Then, decide whether you want a flat top, an arched top, or added decorative elements like finials. You can opt for a classic wrought iron style or a contemporary design with intricate plasma-cut art, featuring ranch animals like horses, cattle, bison, or even exotic wildlife. The choice of design will set the tone for your property’s entrance and reflect your personal style.
A decorative fence gate is a visually appealing entryway that adds style and elegance to a property. It can be customized with various design elements such as intricate patterns, ornate finials, or nature-inspired themes like horses, trees, or wildlife. These gates not only enhance curb appeal but also offer the benefit of providing security while reflecting the homeowner’s unique taste and property style.
A single steel swinging gate is the most straightforward and functional option for a driveway, requiring just one gate post for installation. In contrast, a double swinging gate is more intricate to install as it needs two posts and careful alignment of the panels when closed. This type of gate design is suitable for homes, farms, ranches, and large estates.
When choosing the width for your custom driveway gate, consider both functionality and aesthetic appeal. A standard driveway gate width ranges from 10 to 12 feet for single gates, while double gates may be ideal for wider entries. Make sure to leave extra room for the gate to swing open without obstruction. A custom gate allows you to personalize the size, design, and materials to fit your property perfectly.
The standard driveway gate width typically ranges from 10 to 12 feet for single gates. For larger openings or wider driveways, double gates are often used, which usually measure 12 to 24 feet in total width. To ensure smooth operation, it’s essential to leave extra space for the hinges and gate movement, especially on paved surfaces. Always measure your driveway carefully before choosing a gate to ensure a proper fit and optimal functionality.
Driveway gates typically come in standard heights of 48″, 60″, and 72″. If you need a different size, you will likely need to place a custom order. It’s important to ensure the gate height aligns with the fencing it will be attached to for a seamless and cohesive look.
Sliding driveway gates can be built to almost any width, with some reaching up to 40 feet or more. The largest gate we’ve created was a 37-foot sliding gate that had to be delivered on a flatbed trailer. For swinging gates, however, even the best openers can typically handle gates up to 16 or 18 feet in width, and we’ve installed numerous 16-foot single swing gates.
An electric swinging driveway gate typically opens up to 110 degrees due to mechanical limitations of the opener arms. Certain openers, like pad-mounted types, only “pull to open,” meaning the gate swings inward toward the house, not outward toward the road. This restriction is important when considering the gate’s design and functionality in your space.
For driveway gate clearance, it’s common to have 4″ to 6″ of ground clearance for the gate, with 3.5″ to 4″ clearance between the gate and the gate post. For single swing gates, we recommend leaving a 1″ gap between the gate and the latching post to prevent injuries when the gate closes. These clearance measurements ensure smooth operation and safety while maintaining proper functionality of your gate system.
The minimum width of a driveway gate required to allow most heavy trucks to pass through is fourteen feet. This will make sure that the gate and vehicle are not damaged throughout the entrance and departure processes. To make room for bigger delivery trucks or trucks in your driveway, you may want to think about getting a gate that opens 16 feet or more.
The average width of a car is around 6 to 6.5 feet (72 to 78 inches). When planning a driveway gate, it’s essential to ensure there’s enough width for the car to pass through comfortably while leaving some space for safety and ease of operation.
When installing a driveway gate, it should typically be about 2 to 4 inches smaller than the opening to allow space for proper operation. This gap ensures the gate can swing or slide freely without obstruction, accounting for any slight misalignment or material expansion. Make sure to measure accurately to prevent any issues with the gate’s movement.