Driveway gate ideas for your home

We use reference photos to understand the features you like, then assess what is possible at your property. You may already know you want sliding or swing; a reference helps describe the look you want.

Dark vertical lines against white masonry

Here, the dark gate sits between white masonry, with planting visible through the gaps.

The colour contrast is part of the reference, too. You might like the vertical pattern but prefer a different colour against your existing wall.

If visibility matters, describe the particular view you want to keep or reduce. The amount visible in this photo does not show what you would see from every position.

Horizontal slats across the frontage

The horizontal slats run across framed sections, with similar lines continuing along the fence beside the gate. The dark finish contrasts with the light house behind.

Compare this with the vertical example. You can describe the horizontal pattern, visible frame or dark finish without knowing a design name.

Light gates beside stonework

The light colour contrasts with the stone, and the vertical pattern continues across the driveway gate and pedestrian entrance.

If you want both entrances to change, this is a reference for discussing a similar appearance across them. If you want to keep the pedestrian gate, include that in the brief instead.

Use the reference with your existing entrance

Keep the features that will stay in view when you choose a reference. That might be an existing fence, wall, garden bed or pedestrian entrance.

If you have a photo of your own entrance, keep it with the reference. It helps show what you want to retain and where the new gate would sit.

Tell us if you only want to replace the gate and keep the surrounding fence or walls. The assessment still needs to confirm what can be retained. You do not need to request every element shown in the reference.

Colour and line direction do not tell you what a gate is made from or how it opens. Timber appearance can come from real timber or a finish on aluminium. Ask what will be used to create the look you want.

Bring a reference and a few notes

Use these prompts to describe what you have in mind:

• Your preferred photo or example.
• The part you like, such as the line direction, colour or visible frame.
• The view you want to preserve or reduce.
• What should stay at the entrance.
• Whether pedestrian access should stay, change or be added.
• Any sliding or swing preference you already have.

Leave uncertain details as questions for the assessment. To talk through your gate, use the enquiry form on our custom automatic gates page.