If you are looking for a new entrance gate for your property, then one of the most important factors to consider is the size. The size of the entrance gate is going to affect the look of the gate and the impression it makes, and of course, it is also going to affect the function of the gate.
Extra-large gates will appear more imposing and present a sense of grandeur, and these will also typically open at the center rather than just being hinged on one side.
Smaller entrance gates can be great for keeping pets inside the boundaries of the property and for other practical uses, though they won’t look as stately as larger entrance gates.
The size of the gate should look proportional to the size of the property and the driveway, and it should also be wide enough to accommodate the coming and going of your vehicles.
Here we will look more closely at the considerations that are important when buying an entrance gate and the standard sizes of entrance gates.
Standard Entrance Gate Sizes
Entrance gates come in standard width sizes of 10 feet, 12 feet, 14 feet, and 16 feet. You won’t need an entrance gate smaller than 10 feet in width since SUVs typically measure between 7 and 8 feet in width, so a gate any smaller than this would be impractical.
The height can vary depending on the adjoining wall but typically, it is between 4 to 8 feet in height for security as well as to prevent animals from jumping over into the front yard.
However, some larger properties will want wider entrance gates, and these will most likely need to be custom-made. A standard driveway will usually measure between 9 and 14 feet, though driveways can be up to 24 feet wide on bigger properties.
The best way to choose which gate size is going to be the most suitable option for your property you should measure the width of your drive and choose whichever standard entrance gate is available in the next biggest size. For example, if your driveway is 11 feet wide, you should opt for the 12-foot entrance gate.
If your driveway is 12 feet wide, you should opt for the 14-foot entrance gate because this is the next size up to ensure the gate overlaps the driveway a little.
Ideally, your entrance gate should be at least 3 inches wider than your driveway, so if your driveway has a width of 11 feet and 10 inches, then you should opt for the 14-foot entrance gate rather than the 12-foot entrance gate.
If you have a sloping driveway, you will need to make sure that any entrance gate you choose opens in a downward sloping direction. If the gate is installed to open towards an upward slope, it will not have enough ground clearance, and you will be unable to fully open the gate.
Double or Single Entrance Gate?
The choice between a single or double gate is not purely aesthetic. While some people prefer double gates because they create a sense of grandeur, single gates can be better in some situations.
The difference between a single entrance gate and a double entrance gate is that a single entrance gate will only be hinged at one side, and the gate that opens is one singular piece.
By comparison, a double entrance gate will be hinged at both sides, and it will comprise two moving panels that meet in the middle of the driveway.
One issue with a single gate is that it requires more clearance than a double gate, so if your driveway is short, then this could rule out a single entrance gate for you. A single entrance gate will only need hinges and hardware on one side, so this could potentially save you some money.
If you are having an electronically operated entrance gate, then the mechanisms will also only be required at one side, again cutting costs.
However, since a single entrance gate will have all of its weight on one side when it opens, the post it is fixed to will need to be extra sturdy, heavy, and stable. This could increase costs.
If you are not too concerned about price and your driveway is long enough to accommodate the clearance needed for a single entrance gate, then your choice really comes down to a matter of personal preference.
If neither option appeals to you, you could consider an alternative sliding entrance gate, which will need clearance at the side but will not need any clearance in front or behind it.
Benefits of an Entrance Gate
Security
The main attraction of an entrance gate is the security it offers. An entrance gate can help to keep unwelcome visitors out and deter any potential intruders from attempting to break into your grounds.
An entrance gate can also work to keep your pets and children secure when inside the home because you will know that they can’t escape from your property or leave without supervision, therefore allowing them to roam freely on the grounds of the house while you can enjoy peace of mind.
An entrance gate also keeps your vehicles safer than if they were parked on a driveway without an entrance gate because people will be unable to get close to them to either cause damage or attempt to steal them.
Visual appeal
Entrance gates can add a sense of importance to your property, making it appear more impressive. They can also add style to your home and help to define the look of your property.
Choose a modern entrance gate to indicate to visitors what kind of style they can expect to find when they enter your home or opt for an ornate style gate to achieve a more traditional look.
Increase value
An entrance gate is a sought-after piece of equipment that many people aspire to have. If you plan to sell your home in the future, then you can expect that having an entrance gate is going to make your house more appealing to prospective buyers. This could increase the value of the property and also make it easier to sell.
