Choosing the right driveway gates for your property is a significant decision that will affect your property’s aesthetics and safety. The primary focus should be on the material, as there are so many available on the market. Remember, every material has an entirely different effect on the style, durability, security, and maintenance-related steps. You must have a complete understanding of the pros and cons and cost factors of different materials. This article covers the details of some top materials used in manufacturing driveway gates and their pros and cons to help you make informed decisions.
TIMBER DRIVEWAY GATES
Timber material is known for its classic and natural look, and this is why timber driveway gates are recommended the most for traditional and rustic properties. They provide unmatched privacy and security with solid panels and slats. The best feature of timber driveway gate installations is that you can customise the design and size to match your requirements. You can paint or stain them in such a way that they match your property’s colour palette precisely.
However, there are some downsides as well, like timber requires more maintenance and steps like staining, painting, sealing, etc., can become a headache in no time. Similarly, wood is highly susceptible to weather damage and issues like warping, rotting, and pest attack will be very frequent if maintenance and treatment are ignored.
Timber driveway gates work really well for those preferring a warm and welcoming entrance. If you are committed to investing time in its maintenance and upkeep, timber will be the best solution for driveway gates.
STEEL DRIVEWAY GATES
According to the experts of driveway gates services, steel is known for its extreme durability and impact-resistance. Doors made from this material are ideal for high-security needs, and they also require minimal maintenance and upkeep. All they need is a fresh coat of paint every couple of years to maintain their looks and style for a long time. You can opt for powder-coated steel driveway gates, as they are better in terms of weather-resistance and aesthetics. They are also compatible with automatic gates and will provide you with modern convenience and comfort.
The downsides of steel driveway gates include rusting if preventive coating is ignored or improperly maintained. Steel is generally heavier than timber and will require strong posts and hardware for installation. Moreover, the designed options are limited compared to wood, and less flexibility is available in terms of customising these steel driveway gates.
You can invest in them if you want a secure, low-maintenance driveway gate that is durable and compatible with modern and industry-style homes.
ALUMINIUM DRIVEWAY GATES
Aluminium is the most versatile material used by driveway gate experts. It is lightweight, resistant to corrosion and highly customisable, and these features make it ideal for properties in different areas, including the coastal regions. Aluminium requires minimum maintenance, and despite this, aluminium driveway gates retain their colour better than steel and timber. You can customise the modern design, including slats, panels and laser cut patterns.
The main disadvantage associated with aluminium driveway gates is that aluminium is not as durable as steel and can dent or bend under heavy impact. Moreover, it is more expensive and premium designs with some decoration can range from 5000 to 8000 AUD.
WROUGHT IRON DRIVEWAY GATES
Wrought iron is famous for robustness, strength, elegance, and grandeur and driveway gates manufactured using this material are highly recommended for high-end properties. The strength of this material keeps intruders and break-in attempts away, and the best feature is that you can customise these driveway gates with ornate designs, scrolls, and decorative motifs.
However, the installation cost will be a significant concern, and you will have to arrange strong posts and hinges to accommodate the weight of wrought iron driveway gates. Custom-designed solutions made from this material can easily exceed AUD 10000 in cost, depending on the detailing and automation you choose.
CONCLUSION
Selecting the proper driveway gates involves balancing several factors like style, security and budget. Assessing different materials and their advantages and drawbacks will provide you with the confidence to select a particular material that meets your practical needs and budget precisely.