Large gates in DFW Texas range from $1,500 to $15,000+. Motorized sliding or swing gates for a 20 ft driveway cost $7,000 to $15,000, while a manual gate for the same size will be $3,500 to $7,000. An economical 8 ft wide manual swing gate can get as low as $1,500.
For those of you that are eager, below is a quick pricing chart to give you a rough idea on how much your gate will cost, based on gate opening width, and gate type.
| Type of Gate | Opening Width (feet) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 20 | 30 | |
| Slide, Manual | $2,300 – $4,300 | $4,400 – $6,400 | $5,500 – $7,500 |
| Slide, Motor – Solar | $7,700 – $10,200 | $10,800 – $13,300 | $12,500 – $15,000 |
| Slide, Motor – Direct Electrical | $9,200 – $11,700 | $12,300 – $14,800 | $14,000 – $16,500 |
| Swing, Manual | $1,900 – $4,300 | $5,500 – $7,400 | $6,500 – $10,500 |
| Swing, Motor – Solar | $7,700 – $10,200 | $11,800 – $15,300 | $13,500 – $20,000 |
| Swing, Motor – Direct Electrical | $,9,200 – $11,700 | $13,300 – $16,800 | $15,000 – $21,500 |
For more context on how much YOUR gate will cost, and what goes into the cost, feel free to keep reading.
Intro
If you’re considering a vehicle access gate, you probably have a few goals in mind: keeping your property secure, adding a bit of curb appeal, and, of course, making access to your property easier and more controlled. But one question comes up quickly—how much will it cost?
From basic manual gates to fully motorized setups, gate costs vary widely depending on the gate opening width, gate type (swing or slide), material, motor options, and installation needs. Let’s walk through the different options and see what they might cost for your Dallas-Fort Worth home.
Key Factors Influencing Vehicle Access Gate Costs
Vehicle access gates aren’t just one-size-fits-all. They come in various styles, materials, and can be motorized or manual – each affecting the final price. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main factors to consider:
- Gate Type: Sliding vs. swing gates have different installation requirements.
- Gate Width: The width of the gate opening is a large factor in pricing. The larger the gate, the more robust the build must be.
- Manual vs Motorized: Manual gates cost less but require more effort to open and close, while motorized gates add convenience (and a higher price tag). Motorized gates require either a direct electrical connection or to be solar powered.
- Material Choice: Wrought iron (metal), wood, vinyl, composite, and steel vary in both cost and maintenance.
- Other Costs and Add-ons: Site conditions, material specs, and safety components affect pricing too.
Let’s dive into each price factor and break down what you can expect.
1. Gate Type
Vehicle Access Gate Types and Their Costs
Sliding Gates
Sliding gates are great for wide entrances and properties with limited space for a gate to swing open. Instead of moving inward or outward, they slide horizontally along a track or on a cantilever system (where the gate “floats” without needing a track on the ground). For gates wider than 16 feet, sliding designs are often your best bet.
- Manual Sliding Gate (manual, no motor): $1,500 – $6,000 depending on material and width.
- Motorized Sliding Gate: $7,500 – $15,000 with a LiftMaster motor and installation, depending on material and width.
Pros: Ideal for wide openings; smooth, space-efficient operation.
Cons: Requires a level surface or a trench if on a slope; regular track maintenance needed.
Swing Gates
Swing gates are the more traditional choice and work well if you have ample driveway space for them to open fully. They can be single or double gates (double swing gates have two halves that open like a double door). Each half is called a “leaf”.
- Manual Swing Gates (Single or double-swing): $1,000 – $6,500.
- Motorized Swing Gate: $7,500 – $16,000, depending on motor type and gate size.
Pros: Less expensive than slide gates for narrower openings, classic look, easy to install on level ground.
Cons: More expensive on wider openings than slide gates, Needs space to open fully, may not work well on slopes.
2. Gate Width
How Wide can my Large Gate be, and how does it Affect Price?
Sliding gates can get very wide. Up to 60 feet or more! Single-swing Gates usually don’t get wider than 16 feet. Double-swing gates can get up to 32 feet wide.
Let’s Break it down:
How Wide Can a Sliding Gate Be?
RESIDENTIAL: Most sliding gates for homes are between 10 and 30 feet, enough for single car and double car driveways.
COMMERCIAL / INDUSTRIAL: Commercial gates and industrial gates can get up to 60 feet or more! Usually telescopic or cantilever designs will be used for the gate so that excess space won’t have to be used.
How Wide Can a Swing Gate Be?
RESIDENTIAL: Single-swing gates get up to 16 feet wide for metal or light material gates, and usually no more than 8 feet for wooden gates (wood makes the gate very heavy).
Double-swing gates have two “leafs” (the industry standard for describing one side of a swing gate), so the widths are double the single-swing gates: up to 32 feet for lighter materials and up to 16 feet for heavier materials like wood.
COMMERCIAL / INDUSTRIAL: Double-swing gates can get as wide as 40 feet (20 feet per leaf), but in most cases a sliding gate will be used when getting this wide.
How does gate width affect price?
The wider the gate, the more the gate will cost. For example, a 12 foot motorized wooden sliding gate that costs $8000, will cost closer to $13,000 at 30 feet wide.
3. Manual vs. Motorized Gates
Manual Gates
Manual gates can cut costs significantly on the installation but come with the inconvenience of getting out of your vehicle to open and close the gate each time.
- Cost: Typically about half the price of motorized gates.
- Best For: Properties with less frequent access needs, where budget is a priority.
Motorized Gates
Motorized gates are convenient, especially for frequent access, but the added automation and components drive up the price.
- Motor Cost: Expect $1,900 – $3,800 for a reliable LiftMaster motor like the RSL (sliding), CSL (commercial sliding), or HDSL (heavy-duty sliding) models.
- Cheaper Motor Options: You’ll see cheaper motor options on the market for around $600 – $1,200, but beware: these tend to wear out faster and may lack essential safety features.
Additional Costs:
- Direct Electrical Connection: Running an electrical connection from your home can add $1000 – $3,000, especially if trenching or running wires through a garage ceiling is required. You don’t necessarily need to do this though…
- Electrician Permit: Electricians typically charge extra if you need permits for the setup, which most cities require for direct electrical connections. Add another $500 – $1800 for the Electrical Permit.
- Solar Power: For properties with adequate sunlight, solar panels can power your gate without direct electrical connection costs, adding about $900 – $1,800 for a solar panel and battery.
- Safety Sensors: Safety photo eyes and sometimes a safety bumper need to be installed. Add another few hundred dollars for these components.
- Additional Labor and Expertise: For a motorized sliding gate, it’s crucial to hire an installer experienced with motor installation and programming. Skilled installers, though harder to find, often charge an additional $500 to $2,000 for their expertise, on top of the cost of what a manual gate installation would be.
Total cost of motorized and manual gates example:
The average motorized wooden sliding gate for a 2 car driveway (about 25 ft) will be:
$12,000
For the same gate, but manual, with no motor:
$5,800
4. Material Choice
Gate Framing and Materials
Material choice is one of the biggest factors in gate costs:
- Wrought Iron or Steel: Durable and secure, can be very pricey if ordering pre-fabricated decorative gates.
- Galvanized Steel vs. Painted Steel: Galvanized steel costs more upfront but requires less maintenance than painted steel, which may need touch-ups over time.
- Wood: Classic look, can be economic or on the high end depending on your wood style and wood type.
- Vinyl and Composite: Low maintenance, but usually more than wood.
5. Other Costs and Add-ons
Essential Installation Features That Affect Cost
Support Posts and Foundations
Both sliding and swing gates need solid support posts to stay secure. The posts must be thick and durable enough to handle the weight and movement of the gate.
- Cost for Thick Support Posts: Around $200 – $400 per post, depending on material.
- Post Hole Requirements: Posts often need to be buried 4 to 5 feet deep and about 2 feet wide for stability.
Slope Considerations
Is your gate location on a slope? This can complicate the installation.
- Sliding Gates on a Slope: Often require trenching along the grade so the gate can slide smoothly, adding around $500 to $2000.
- Swing Gates on a Slope: Swing gates on slopes may not function well and could require custom hinges or adjustments, which may increase costs by $300 – $600.
Safety Features and Additional Components
When you invest in a motorized gate, safety features are essential, especially for sliding gates.
- Photo-Eye Sensors: These sensors detect movement and stop the gate if someone or something is in its path. These typically add $100 – $300.
- Safety Bumpers: Prevent injuries by softening the gate’s closing force, adding around $200 – $400 to the installation.
- Battery Size and Power: Larger batteries are a good idea if you’re using solar, as they can power the gate for multiple cycles, adding $100 – $300 for the battery alone.
Programming and Maintenance
Motorized gates require proper programming for safety and convenience. This includes the motor board, remote control setup, and sometimes smartphone access.
- Programming and Installation: Initial setup typically costs around $500 – $800, especially if it involves complex programming or multiple safety features.
- Maintenance Costs: Regular upkeep, including motor servicing, track cleaning, and battery checks, can add around $200 – $500 annually.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Gate for Your Budget and Needs
With the range of gate types, gate widths, motor/power options, and materials, you have a lot of flexibility to find a gate that fits both your property’s needs and your budget.
For lower-cost options, keep the gate width shorter, and install a manual swing or slide gate.
If convenience and high-tech features are priorities, consider investing in a motorized sliding gate with safety sensors and a durable LiftMaster or equivalent motor.
Remember, a properly installed vehicle access gate not only enhances security but also boosts your property’s value. If you’re ready to install a gate, reach out to a professional for a custom quote based on your specific site conditions and preferences.
Quick Pricing Chart:
| Type of Gate | Opening Width (feet) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 20 | 30 | |
| Slide, Manual | $2,300 – $4,300 | $4,400 – $6,400 | $5,500 – $7,500 |
| Slide, Motor – Solar | $7,700 – $10,200 | $10,800 – $13,300 | $12,500 – $15,000 |
| Slide, Motor – Direct Electrical | $9,200 – $11,700 | $12,300 – $14,800 | $14,000 – $16,500 |
| Swing, Manual | $1,900 – $4,300 | $5,500 – $7,400 | $6,500 – $10,500 |
| Swing, Motor – Solar | $7,700 – $10,200 | $11,800 – $15,300 | $13,500 – $20,000 |
| Swing, Motor – Direct Electrical | $,9,200 – $11,700 | $13,300 – $16,800 | $15,000 – $21,500 |
