Gate Installation Cost

By Kim
Last updated 22nd October 2024 - Reading time: 18 mins
At a Glance
  • The average gate costs around £450 to get installed in the UK.
  • Gate installation typically takes between 3 - 5 hours to complete.
In this gate cost guide, you'll find out:
  • How much garden and driveway gates cost, including how much extra electric gate installation costs in 2024.
  • What installing a new gate involves and how long it typically takes a specialist to complete this type of job.
  • How to find and hire a professional gate installer near you.

Looking to find out how much a driveway or garden gate costs in the UK?

In 2024, the average gate installation cost is around £200 – £700. However, the final gate price is dependent on the type and size of the gate you're looking to install, as well as whether it's electric or manual.

Want to know how much hanging a gate will cost you exactly?

This guide covers everything you need to know about gate installation costs. It includes metal and wooden gate prices, what impacts gate installation costs, restrictions that apply before you need to get planning permission, and more!

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gate installation being finished by a tradesperson in the UK

Average Cost of Hanging a Gate:

Depending on the complexity of the job, it usually takes: 3 – 5 hours

£450

How Much Does Gate Installation Cost?

Are you wondering how much hanging a gate costs?

There are several factors that can affect the overall costs of hanging a gate. These factors can include the type of gate that is being fitted, the difficulty of the job, and your location in the UK.

Those based in London can expect to pay more for the labour costs of hanging a gate than those based in other parts of the UK. The type of gate is one of the biggest factors that can affect the job's average cost. Wooden gates tend to cost more than metal gates.

Additional material costs may increase or decrease the overall price of the job, such as hinges and supporting posts. On average, you can expect a gate installation to cost between £200 – £700. This total price includes the cost of materials and labour.

tradesperson fitting the locking mechanism on a new gate installation

Looking to add automation to your gates?

Electric gates cost between £500 – £1,000 more than manual gate installations.

And what about the labour cost of gate installations?

The average cost you can expect to pay a handyman to fit your gate is around £120 – £180 per day. Most gate installations can be completed within a day, so you should expect to pay for at least half a day's work for the labour.

If your gate installation is quite a difficult job, then the labourer may need to bring along an assistant, increasing the overall cost — however, this may decrease the total time required onsite by the installers.

We need a security gate for the path that runs down the side of our house. Can you recommend any brands that offer a good level of security but also look nice rather than industrial?

"Almond electric gates have beautiful gates in their offer"

Cost of Hanging a Gate

The prices for fitting a gate at your home will vary greatly depending mostly on the type of gate you choose.

Below are some estimated gate hanging costs:

Job Type Duration Average Cost
Wooden gate with two concreted timber posts 3 – 4 hours £300 – £500
Metal gate fitted onto brickwork 3 – 4 hours £150 – £200
Pair of wooden driveway gates with concreted hardwood posts 6 – 8 hours £650 – £1,000
Metal driveway gates with posts in existing gap 1 – 3 hours £300 – £400
Sliding gate installation 6 – 8 hours £1,000 – £2,000
Adding automation to driveway gates 3 – 4 hours £500 – £1,000
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Gate Prices

There are several different costs for gates depending on the type of gate. Below is a table with some examples of the costs for gates. This highlights the cost of the supplies only without the cost of labour.

Type of Gate Average Cost
Small metal gates (3ft) £60 – £300
Medium metal gates (4ft) £100 – £800
Large metal gates (6ft) £110 – £1000
Small wooden gates (3ft) £15 – £120
Medium wooden gates (4ft) £30 – £250
Large wooden gates (6ft) £60 – £800
Small sliding gates (3ft) £800 – £1,300
Medium sliding gates (4ft) £1000 – £1,400
Large sliding gates (6ft) £1,150 – £1,500
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What is the cost of replacing a new gate post? (6ft)

"All in with labour and materials, you should expect to pay around £120 – £150."

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Additional Gate Installation Costs

There are several additional costs when it comes to fitting gates at your home. Below is a list of some of the additional costs that you may need to think about when it comes to hanging a gate:

Concrete Driveway Cost

If you're thinking about adding new gates to the entrance to your home, then you may be interested in having a new concrete driveway installed.

A driveway is a great place to park your car and completely transform your home's overall look.

The average concrete driveway cost is around £600 – £8,000 in the UK. The costs vary depending on the size and style of the driveway.

Those based in London can also expect to pay more for driveway installations than those based in the North or other parts of the UK.

Tarmac Driveway Cost

Another type of driveway that you may be interested in is a tarmac driveway. A tarmac driveway is also a great way to completely transform the look of your home.

It offers a neat aesthetic look that provides a great space for parking your car. The average tarmac driveway cost is around £450 – £3,000.

The overall price you pay will depend on the size and condition of the area that is being tarmacked.

Brick Wall Installation

When installing gates at the front or back of your home, you may also wish to have a wall installed next to the gate.

This can offer a much sturdier construction than a typical fence installation and is a great way to separate different areas of your garden or separate your home from the boundary.

The average cost to build a garden brick wall is between £530 – £1,980. This price can vary depending on the size of the wall and the quality of the materials used.

Garden Fence Installation

You may be interested in installing a new fence, along with your new gate. A new fence can make a huge difference in the way your property looks.

tradesperson finishing up the installation of a gate

Typically, a new fence costs around £500 – £3,000 to install. The job's overall cost can vary depending on the materials used and your location in the UK.

How Much Do Gate Installers Cost?

The labour costs for installing a new gate at your home will vary greatly depending on a number of factors.

These factors can include the type of gate being installed, the ease of access to the site where it is being installed, the difficulty of the job, and your location within the UK.

Different types of gate will need different installation methods, and some gates could take longer to install than others.

Do you think it's worth my while to have my driveway gate measured by myself (a novice) or by someone who has experience with installing gates?

"If you're unsure, it’s always best to get a professional or someone competent and knowledgeable enough to be measuring the gate correctly to reduce the chance of any issues occurring during installation.

Most, if not all, tradesmen when hired for the job would want to take the measurements themselves to ensure everything is correct and eradicate the risk of errors."

If access to the gate installation area is difficult, this could require more work and increase the length of time the job takes.

The longer the job takes, the more you can expect to pay for labour. Similarly, if the job is difficult then this will usually end up taking longer.

The average cost to hire a handyman to fit your new gate is around £120 – £180 per day.

You can expect to pay at least half a day's wage for simple gate fitting jobs. Some gate fittings could take around 1 – 2 days if you are opting for an automated gate.

Those based in London can expect to pay around £30 – £80 more per day for the cost of labour than those based in the North or other parts of the UK.

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What Impacts Gate Installation Costs?

Type of Gate

Different types of gates will require different installation methods. Some gates may be more difficult to install than others and so could increase the length of time that the job takes. The longer the job takes, the more you can expect to pay for labour.

Also, some gates will cost more than others.

For example, metal gates tend to cost around £150 – £200 whereas a sliding gate will cost around £1,000 – £2,000 on average.

We are looking for the best solution for a bespoke driveway gate and fitting to meet a driveway length of 159 inches and a height of 4 foot.

"For a driveway gate that fits a driveway length of 159 inches and a height of 4 feet, you would typically be looking for a gate that is customised to those dimensions.

It's recommended to consult with a gate specialist or a company that offers custom gate solutions to ensure the gate fits your driveway perfectly. They can provide you with options that meet your specific requirements and help you choose the best solution for your driveway."

Size of Gate

The size of the gate can also affect the overall cost of the job. A larger gate will usually cost more to buy and will also take longer to install.

tradesperson using a drill to install a large gate in the UK

This means that the cost for both materials and labour on a larger gate will usually increase the job's overall cost by quite a lot.

Ease of Access

If the gate installation area is difficult to access, then there may be more work involved as the site may need to be cleared or altered so that the gate can be installed appropriately.

The ease of access could also cause the job to take much longer to complete, so the cost of labour will likely increase.

The average cost to hire a handyman to install a gate for you is around £120 – £180 per day. As you can see, the costs will add up if the job takes longer.

Location of Property

The location of your property can affect the overall cost of the job. Those based in London can expect to pay around £30 – £80 more per day for the cost of labour than those based in the North or other parts of the UK.

Can I Hang a Gate Myself?

It is entirely possible to hang a gate yourself as a DIY job. However, some gates may be a bit more difficult to install than others, and so in these cases, you may be better off hiring a professional to hang your gate for you.

person using a drill to hang a gate to a wooden gate post

If you would prefer to hire someone to hang your gate for you, then it's worth noting that the average cost to hire a handyman to fit your new gate is around £120 – £180 per day, and you should expect to pay at least half a day's wage for a simple gate fitting.

If the gate you're fitting is quite large or requires automation, then it would be best to hire a professional to complete this for you. Large gates can be heavy and could be dangerous if not fitted correctly.

If there’s some kind of fault with the electrics (e.g., power cut), how can I get in and out of my driveway gates if they are automated/electric? Is it harmful to the gates if I were to try to open them without the use of power? Is this dangerous?

"It all depends on the mechanism. Most motor drives have a override mechanism. Switch off the power, release any kind of brake, and try to rotate the driving motor manually. Be careful, though — if you forcefully drive a motor, it can damage gears or brake mechanism."

Building Regulations & Planning Permission for Gate Installations

In this section, we will take a look at whether any building regulations or planning permissions are required when hanging a gate.

Planning Permission

Planning permission will only apply in the following circumstances:

  • If the gate is over the height of 1000mm and is going to be installed next to a highway or public footpath
  • If the height of the gate is over 2000mm at other areas of your property
  • If there is a planning condition in place at your property that removes your right to install a gate
  • If your property is a listed building

Building Regulations

There are no particular building regulations when it comes to hanging a gate. However, you must ensure that the structure is sufficiently strong enough for its intended purpose, and it must be in a structurally sound condition.

If the gate is to be installed on a shared garden wall, it may be necessary to inform your neighbours about the work that will be carried out.

To find out more about whether this rule might apply to you, you will need to contact your local council for clarification.

Types of Gates You Can Install

There are several types of gates that you may be considering for your property.

Below, we will take a look at the different types of gates and how they differ from one another.

Swing Gate Cost

Swing gates are the most common type of gate, and they are the easiest to install. There is a huge range of different designs and colours of swing gates available, so it's easy for you to find the perfect look for your home.

However, swing gates may be a problem for areas with limited space as you have to keep in mind that the gates need space to swing open.

Swing gates typically cost anywhere from £7,000 – £10,500 to install.

Pros

  • ✔ Doesn't have many moving parts, so there's not much maintenance involved
  • ✔ Quiet when in motion
  • ✔ Add protection and security to the property
  • ✔ Easy to install
  • ✔ Large range of designs and colours

Cons

  • ✖ Might use up too much space

Sliding Gate Cost

Sliding gates take up less space than swing gates, but they require room at the side for the gate to slide into. Sliding gates offer a sophisticated look and come in a range of styles and colours.

However, swing gates are more difficult to install and require more maintenance due to their moving parts.

The cost of installing a sliding gate is typically around £8,000 – £10,500.

Pros

  • ✔ Use up less space than other gate types
  • ✔ Great for sloping driveways
  • ✔ Add protection and security to the property
  • ✔ Large range of designs and colours

Cons

  • ✖ Require room at the side for the gate to slide into
  • ✖ Noisier than other gate types
  • ✖ Moving parts require more maintenance than other gate types
  • ✖ More expensive to buy and install than other gate types

Automatic Gate Cost

Automatic gates are great for driveway gates as they provide a lot of convenience. If you hate the thought of getting out of your car every time you arrive home to open your gates, then automatic gates might be the best option for you.

I've heard of 'telescopic gates'. What are they and how do they work?

"A telescopic gate works on the principle of a sliding door. It's a sliding gate with overlapping sections that run on tracks. When fully open, the sections sit tightly against a wall, whereas a normal gate takes up space when opened. Most telescopic gates are electric, but you can have manual ones depending on the size."

You can get automatic swing gates or sliding gates depending on the space available at your property and the aesthetic you're going for. They also come in a huge range of styles and colours.

Automatic gate typically cost £8,000 – £11,000for supply and fitting.

Pros

  • ✔ Offer a lot of convenience
  • ✔ Offers added security against intruders
  • ✔ Increase the value of the home
  • ✔ More durable than other gate types

Cons

  • ✖ Quite pricey to buy, install, and repair
  • ✖ Need an electricity supply to operate
  • ✖ More difficult to install than other gate types

Checklist: Hiring Contractors to Install a Gate

You will need to consider a few things before hiring someone to hang a gate for you. Below is a list of some of the main things that you should consider when looking for the right contractor for the job:

  • Does the contractor offer any guarantees with their work?
  • How much is the work to complete? – Ask for a breakdown of costs so you can ensure you are paying a good price for each element of the job.
  • What type of gates does the company offer?
  • Do you need to supply any materials yourself, or is it all included in the job's overall price?
  • Is the contractor experienced in fitting the type of gate that you are purchasing?
  • How many years' worth of experience does the contractor have in fitting gates?
  • How many contractors will carry out the job?
  • Will the contractor fix any issues that may arise?
  • Will the contractor take care of any relevant waste removal?

FAQs

How do you make a garden gate?

Below is a simple step-by-step guide on how to build a garden gate:
  1. Cut your frame pieces to size depending on the size of the opening where the gate will be installed
  2. Fix the frame pieces for your gate together using screws
  3. Screw the top and bottom planks to the frame
  4. Cut out an angled cross brace and attach this to the top and bottom rails for support. Place this at a 45-degree angle from the bottom corner of the gate up to the opposite corner at the top of the gate
  5. Cut out the planks for the gate with a table saw and secure them using screws
  6. Once your gate is built, you can then install handles and hinges

Which gate is best for a driveway?

The best gate for your driveway will depend on your personal taste and how much space is available at your home.

If there is a lot of space available, then swing gates could be a good option for you.

If you don't have as much space behind the gate but have more space at the side of the gate, then sliding gates might be a better option for you.

It's a good idea to weigh up your options and see what would work best for your particular driveway and your budget.

Can I install an electric gate myself?

While it's recommended that you get a professional to install electric gates for you, it is possible as a DIY project.

You can purchase electric gate kits, which can sometimes make the installation simpler for a DIY job.

How do I maintain my wooden gate?

Hanging a wooden garden gate may seem like the easiest option for gate installations.

However, you need to think about maintaining your gate. No matter the type of wood, your gate will need some regular maintenance.

It's recommended that you paint or stain your wooden gate twice a year to keep the wood's moisture levels as low as possible.

Is it worth paying extra for automatic gates?

Automatic gates offer increased security and are much more convenient than regular gates.

While the cost of adding automation can be quite hefty, it's seen as a good investment as it can usually add some value to the home when you come to sell it.

Sources

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/fences-gates-and-garden-walls/planning-permission
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/garden/1276689/How-to-make-a-garden-gate
https://www.gardengatesdirect.co.uk/blog/4-common-gate-types-explained
https://www.kpengineering.co.uk/about/blog/sliding-gates-vs-swinging-gates/
https://pencharduk.com/timber-gates-vs-aluminium-gates/

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