Driveway Gate Costs in 2026: What You'll Actually Pay (No Hidden Surprises)

2026-02-18

Here at Garden Gates Direct, we understand that the cost of driveway gates can be confusing for many. And why not right? There are so many different and conflicting options and prices out there – where does one start? For example, basic metal gates cost £206, while premium hardwood pair prices exceed £2,000. It can seem like one day the cost of a driveway gate is £500; the next day it's £900 after adding the "essentials." It's vitally important to be aware of the actual cost of driveway gates before you start the installation process to avoid costly surprises. Well, the one thing for sure is that the cost of materials has stabilised after the market fluctuations in 2020. Labour costs however are steadily increasing. Installation complexities play a larger role in the actual cost than you might expect. This article includes a detailed list of every cost factor, both obvious and hidden, to give you a comprehensive idea of what you are paying for.

The Reality of the Base Gate Cost

The cost of driveway gates varies significantly depending on the materials, size, and quality. It's essential to be aware of the base cost of driveway gates to set a realistic budget before considering other additional costs.

Metal Driveway Gates

Our metal driveway gates are the most popular choice in the budget range while also entering the premium market depending on the quality.

Budget Metal Gates (£200 - £400 per pair):

Classic, Regent, and Clifton styles are basic designs made of light steel with basic infill patterns. These gates provide decent security and acceptable aesthetics while remaining affordable. Standard sizes are usually sufficient for most driveways. The quality is acceptable for regular residential gates. These gates can last up to 15-20 years if properly maintained.

Garden Gates Direct starts the cost of metal driveway gates from £206, inclusive of VAT, for the Classic design. These gates offer excellent value for money. They are made of proper steel with hinges and latches included. Not the cheapest in the market, but you get what you pay for. Avoid the quality issues in the £150 gates.

Mid-Range Metal Gates (£400 - £700 per pair): 

Designs such as Manor, Saxon, Buckingham, and Marlborough are available, featuring stronger materials and more complex patterns. Improved protection against corrosion through enhanced galvanizing processes. Sturdier framing to increase rigidity. Additional decorative features to increase the aesthetic appeal of the gate while maintaining strength.

Mid-range metal driveway gates are ideal for homes where the gates are an essential feature of the property's façade. The quality of these gates ensures longer lifespans of up to 25-30 years. The extra cost is worth it to achieve improved durability over budget metal driveway gates.

Premium Metal Gates (£700 - £1,500+ per pair): 

Wrought iron style metal driveway gates featuring elaborate designs with complex scrollwork, finials, and other architectural features. Stronger steel materials and the highest quality finishes available. Multi-layered protective finishes to ensure the highest level of durability against the elements. Skilled craftsmanship to achieve the desired results.

Premium metal driveway gates are ideal for making a statement while ensuring the highest level of security and durability. The Royale Talisman and Royale Ascot metal driveway gates are excellent examples of this range, featuring elaborate designs and the highest quality finishes available.

Wooden Driveway Gates

The wooden driveway gates offer varying price ranges depending on the quality of the materials used and the craftsmanship applied to the product.

Pressure-Treated Softwood (£400 - £800 per pair): 

This is the budget option available, featuring pressure-treated pine and similar softwood materials. Treatment is applied at the factory to ensure rot resistance, and the construction is simple, featuring a ledge and brace or frame style. This is the ideal option for most buyers, offering the best value for money while requiring the owner to commit to regular maintenance to ensure the longevity of the product, up to 15-20 years, with annual treatment required to maintain the product's quality.

Premium Softwood (£800 - £1,200 per pair): 

Higher quality materials and craftsmanship are used to create these driveway gates, featuring a mortise and tenon style to increase the lifespan of the product and reduce the need for maintenance. Kiln-dried materials are used to minimize the risk of warping, and basecoats are applied at the factory to increase durability.

The construction quality is justified for premium rather than basic softwood prices, as better joinery ensures structural integrity for longer, while reduced movement minimises operational problems.

Hardwood Driveway Gates (£1,200-£2,500+ per pair):

High-quality hardwood driveway gates like oak, iroko, and idigbo are extremely durable. Correctly constructed with traditional joinery techniques. High-density wood resists rot naturally. Stunning appearance with deep grain patterns.

The value in hardwood gates lies in their proven 30+ year lifespan. This material cost accounts for the genuine rarity of good-quality wood. Time-consuming construction process that requires skilled joinery, not mass production. Homes where gates are important in their aesthetic appeal and lifespan justifies their cost, hardwood gates are a good value despite their premium price.

Composite Driveway Gates

The composite gates are an alternative that combines the best of timber and aluminium gates.

Standard Composite (£600-£1,000 per pair):

Wood fibre and polymer composite blend, offering timber look without maintenance headaches. Rot-proof construction. Consistent quality in any material type. Range of colours available.

Composite gates are best for consumers that value convenience over product lifespan. Their 15-20 year lifespan and maintenance-free requirements provide a unique value equation compared to traditional materials. Their initial cost is higher than wood, but overall cost of ownership favours composite gates.

Premium Composite (£1,000-£1,500 per pair):

Higher polymer content for improved weather resistance. Better protection against ultraviolet rays, which preserve colour and resist fading. Stronger construction for improved structural integrity. Better finish for a more realistic wood look.

The difference in quality between composite products is dramatic, especially in the premium product lines, which outperform the lower-end products in aesthetic appeal, while providing maintenance benefits like wood.

Aluminium Driveway Gates

The aluminium gates represent the ultimate in manual driveway gates.

Powder-coated finish in any RAL colour. Low maintenance requirements. 25-30 year+ lifespan. Light weight minimizes strain on posts and hinges.

The prices usually start at £1,500 per pair for basic designs, going up to over £3,000 for more elaborate designs. The prices are justified by material costs, fabrication, and superior material properties. To those who can afford to invest in these gates, aluminium provides the most value for money, although it carries the highest price tag.

Hinges & Hardware

Hardware plays a significant role in determining whether gates will function well over decades or if they will always give problems.

Basic Hardware (£40-£80 per gate pair): Basic hardware that comes with most gates. Satisfies most users. Needs regular maintenance. Has a lifespan of 10-15 years.

Most hardware suppliers will include hardware with their gates. At Garden Gates Direct, we supply hinges and latch hardware as standard with most metal gates. We believe that this represents excellent value when compared with other suppliers who will charge extra for essential hardware.

Premium Hardware (£100-£250+ per gate pair): Heavy-duty hinges with superior materials. Adjustable hardware that enables tweaking of gate settings after installation. Stainless steel or sealed bearings. Better latch hardware with superior security.

Premium hardware is ideal for large gates that will be subjected to a lot of use. While it may represent additional expenditure, it will extend the lifespan of the gates.

Locks & Security

Latches are very insecure. Proper locking mechanisms represent additional costs but are essential.

Padlock Fixings (£15-£40): Simple hasp & staple hardware that enables padlocks. Simplest option. Not very convenient as it requires keys.

Integrated Locks (£80-£200): Designed gate locks that use a key. Better appearance than padlocks. Better security as they are protected from the elements.

High-Security Systems (£200-£500+): Sophisticated locking mechanisms with security ratings. Designed for serious security.

The security required will dictate the cost. In most domestic situations, security costs between £100-£150 will suffice.

Additional Costs Often Overlooked

There are some costs that buyers are not prepared for, yet they are essential or very important.

Protective Treatments and Finishes

Gates are provided with some basic protection. Additional protection, however, is very important as it extends the lifespan of the gate considerably.

Metal Gate Painting (£100-£300): Metal gates are provided with basic protection during the factory manufacturing stage. Additional painting, however, is very important as it extends the lifespan considerably. Painting the metal gate costs between £150-£300, depending on the quality of the paint. This cost, however, goes down to £50-£100 for DIY, depending on the quality of the paint.

Wooden Gate Treatment (£80-£200): Wooden gates require annual treatment to maintain the quality of the wood. Initial treatment before the gate is installed also ensures the gate is set up for maximum performance. This cost varies between £100-£150 for professional services and £40-£80 for quality DIY products.

Drainage and Ground Preparation

Gates are prone to water damage, especially when the ground is not properly draining. This, therefore, requires additional cost for the installation of the necessary infrastructure. This cost varies between £150-£600, depending on the type of infrastructure installed. This cost, however, seems avoidable at first, but the cost of repairs later is far higher.

Ground Levelling (£200-£800): This cost is necessary as it ensures the gate operates properly. This cost, however, varies between £200-£800, depending on the type of surface installed.

Planning Permission and Building Control

Most home gate projects don’t need permission. However, there are instances when permission is required, leading to costly surprises.

Planning Applications (£206 - £462): Gates above height restrictions near highways, in conservation areas, or near listed buildings need permission. The cost depends on the local authority and application complexity. The process takes 8 to 12 weeks minimum. Factor in time and money for permission applications.

Professional Advice (£150 - £500): Engaging professionals in complex situations is always valuable. They will significantly improve the chances of getting permission while ensuring the gate is designed correctly. This is particularly valuable for old buildings or difficult locations.

Future Maintenance Considerations

The cost of ownership is more than the initial installation. Being aware of the costs will also influence the choice of materials for the gate.

Annual Wooden Gate Treatment (£50 - £150 annually): Wooden gates must be maintained annually. The cost of materials for DIY is £30 - £60. Professional application will cost £80 - £150. The total cost of maintenance for 20 years is much more than the initial gate cost.

Metal Gate Maintenance (£30 - £80 every 2-3 years): Painting touch-ups, hinge oiling, etc. The cost is relatively low for metal gates. The cost of professional inspection and maintenance is £80 - £150, which is also avoidable with DIY.

Composite Gate Maintenance (Minimal Cost): Just washing the gate occasionally and checking the fasteners. The annual cost is essentially zero. This is the biggest advantage of composite gates despite the high initial purchase cost.

The Real Cost of Cheap Gates

Cheap driveway gates may look attractive for budget-conscious buyers. They may be costly over time. Understanding the reasons behind cheap driveway gates being more costly over time helps make better purchasing decisions.

Quality Compromises

Gates costing under £150 per pair cut costs by using substandard materials and workmanship. Thin steel not rigid. Substandard protective coatings that degrade quickly. Substandard joints that open prematurely. Substandard hardware that needs early replacement.

These substandard components lead to problems within a short time. Gates sagging as a result of substandard frames. Gates rusting as a result of thin coatings. Gates binding as a result of distorted frames. The saving is not worth it as the gates need replacement after 3-5 years instead of 15-20 years.

Hidden Installation Costs

Cheap gates often require costly fixes during installation. Flimsy gates require precise alignment during installation. Gates with substandard tolerances require complex fitting. Gates with substandard mounting points require reinforcement.

The gate costs £150, but professional installation costs £500-£700 to address substandard components. DIY installation is not easy as quality issues arise. The total cost exceeds the initial purchase of quality gates.

Accelerated Replacement Cycle

Cheap gates that last 5 years instead of 15-20 years require replacement twice during the quality gate's lifespan. The second purchase and second installation are twice as costly as buying quality gates in the first instance.

Making Value Decisions

Understanding costs helps in making value decisions rather than price decisions.

Long-Term Cost Analysis

Calculate all costs over the expected lifespan of gates.

Simple wooden gates cost £500 installed. Annual maintenance costs are £100. Replacement after 15 years. Total cost = (£500 + (£100 * 15) + 500) = £2,500 over 15 years.

Mid-range metal gates installed at £900. Minimal maintenance costs of £30 per year. Last for 25 years. Total cost = (£900 + (£30 * 25) = £1,650 over 25 years.

Premium composite gates installed at £1,400. Minimal maintenance costs. Last for 20 years. Total cost = £1,400 over 20 years.

The analysis shows that those offering best value for money, despite being most expensive, are those with the highest initial costs. Metal gates are shown to offer best value for money, being most economical. "Cheap" timber, on the other hand, turns out to offer most expensive option.

Matching Budget with Requirements

Some projects are not worth spending large sums on. Budget options are best used for rental properties, temporary use, or where functionality is required. Budget options are less appropriate for primary residences, front doors, or those who value quality.

The key, as with most things, lies with being honest with one's own priorities and budgeting. Paying £400 on gates and then £150 on installation, which should have been included, is throwing money away. Far better value for money would be spending £300 on gates and £250 on installation, which would yield quality results.

What We Include at Garden Gates Direct

Understanding exactly what we include, as opposed to additional costs, helps you compare our options with others.

Metal gates include hinges and latches as standard with most designs. Prices are inclusive of VAT. No hidden costs will appear during checkouts. The Classic range, for example, starts from £206, which includes delivery. No "starting from" prices that hide costs.

Made-to-measure options offer gates that are made exactly to your opening. This avoids the compromises that often have to be made with standard-sized gates. The additional cost of made-to-measure options, although higher than standard-sized gates, offers perfect results.

We offer comprehensive measuring guides, installation guides, and technical advice. The information is helpful for the DIY customer to be successful. It is also helpful for professionals to be accurate in their quoting by understanding the requirements well.

2026 Market Summary

The price of gates in the market in 2026 incorporates several trends. The price of the material stabilised after the recent fluctuations. The quality gap between budget gates and premium gates widened. The installation costs continue to increase with the scarcity of skilled labour.

There is genuine value in the market for gates, regardless of the price. Budget buyers can purchase adequate quality gates at fair prices. The mid-market offers substantial quality improvements at reasonable price increases. The premium gates offer genuine benefits for the money spent, especially for the right applications.

The key to understanding value is recognising the full cost involved in the project. The gates are only part of the entire investment. The posts, gates, installation, and maintenance form the full cost of the gates, which dictates the value. The intelligent buyer will calculate the full value, not just the price of the gates.

We have been supplying gates at Garden Gates Direct for over 25 years. We have seen what works well and what does not. Quality gates installed properly will last decades. Budget gates may prove to be expensive in the long run. The best value comes from specifying the gates appropriately to the application.