Your home doesn’t start on your doorstep; it starts all the way down at the bottom of your driveway. Your driveway gates are often going to be one of the first things visitors see. Having a tired, worn-out pair of wooden driveway gates is a certain way to make your home look old and tired. But never fear – it’s amazingly easy to brighten up your home simply by adding a brand-new set of aluminum driveway gates!

Why Aluminum?

Aluminum is the perfect material for gates and fences. Unlike other materials (such as vinyl or wood), aluminum doesn’t quickly look old as a result of bad weather conditions. If you want a smart, secure driveway fence that will continue to look fantastic for years to come, choose aluminum.

Which Driveway Gate Should I Buy?

The kind of gate you’ll need depends on how wide your driveway is. That’s why it is incredibly important that you measure your driveway’s width before ordering any products.

If you’re planning on installing a double swing gate that is 12 feet wide or less, you can use residential fence panels and a residential swing gate. Residential fences come in heights of up to five feet.

If you have a slightly bigger driveway (with a width of between 14 and 16 feet), you can still use residential fence panels, but the gate itself must be a commercial double swing gate. If you’d prefer a little more privacy, it’s possible to use commercial-grade materials for your fence panels and gate.

If you have a large driveway that measures between 18 and 24 feet wide, you can still use residential fence panels if you wish. However, you could also choose to upgrade to all industrial-grade materials.

It’s important to note that 6” x 6” steel posts must be used for industrial double swing gates that are 20 feet or more wide.

What Styles of Aluminum Gates Are Available?

No matter what your personal style is, there’s an aluminum gate design available to suit your home. You could choose to add a sunburst arch design to the top of your fence for an extra bit of decoration and height. This optional feature can be added to any driveway gate.

If you’re looking for a sturdy, commercial-sized gate, a U-frame gate could be the perfect choice for you. Additional U-frame support bracing is automatically fabricated into all driveway and estate gates wider than 12 feet, so you’ll get the extra security without the extra cost. The heavy-duty U-frame means you don’t need an old-fashioned diagonal brace, which will keep your home looking modern.

Another advantage of aluminum is that it is easily painted. You can choose from a wide range of paints and ensure that your garden fence is the perfect color for you. Aluminum doesn’t always have to mean gray!

If you have more questions about aluminum gate styles and components, our trusted Knowledge Base will have the answers you’re looking for.

If you’re looking to make your driveway both more appealing and more secure, a set of aluminum gates could be the ideal addition to your home. There will be a style, color, and security level available that is perfect for you.