Are you thinking about adding a set of driveway gates to your home? Do you need to replace your existing driveway gates? If you are looking to buy new driveway gates online for your home, there are some key things you are going to want to know before purchasing. Any kind of gate is an important purchase and no less so driveway gates; if anything they are more important because they are at the front of your home and will be the main way to access the property, as well as getting to any vehicles left there. They therefore need to offer a good deal of security, while balancing this with good aesthetic qualities – they are, after all, the first thing people will see of your home (and the only thing if they are simply passers by).
Driveway gates vary in quality, size, style and many other things. Here are some of the key questions you are going to want to ask before purchasing them, so you can be clear on what exactly it is that you are buying:
- What size are the gates? Some gates will come in standard sizes, which is fine if you have a standard sized opening and posts that are a normal distance apart. However, you will still need to measure up carefully in order to get gates in the right size. If measuring up yourself, check the website of the gate supplier to see if they have any guidance for their products. Sometimes gates will be offered in made to measure sizes which can be better for larger openings, or openings that are non standard. Understanding the sizing options is an important first step.
- Are the gates single of double leaf? This affects the way the gates will be opened – will it be opened as one, or will there be two gates that need to be opened? This is partly a sizing decision, as larger gates will generally need to be double leaf (opening one single large gate could be difficult). It also just comes down to personal preference to some extent so it is worth considering what you would like.
- How much will the gates cost? The cost of driveway gates can vary considerably. The two main factors that will dictate price are the size of the gate, and the grade of steel that has been used to make it. If you are looking for something large, secure and heavy duty then this will cost more. If you want a smaller, more decorative gate, you may be able to buy this type of driveway gate more cheaply. Ensure you understand the pricing structure and what gates will cost you before choosing which type to purchase.
- How easy will the gates be to install? Some gates are very simple to install, especially if gate posts are already in place, and they will come with all necessary fixings for the task. Others may be more complex and you may want to consider a professional installation.