This is one of the first decisions to make, and usually your driveway makes it for you. Here's how to tell which way to go.
At a glance
| Swing gates | Sliding gate | |
|---|---|---|
| Space needed | Room behind the gate for the leaves to swing | A clear run beside the opening |
| Sloping driveway | Can be a problem if it rises behind the gate | Usually fine |
| Short driveway | Gates can swing into parked cars | Ideal |
| Automation from | £1,800 (overground), around £2,400 (underground) | £1,400 |
| Looks | Classic, especially in pairs | Sleek, modern |
| Wind | Solid leaves catch the wind | Copes better |
| Security | Good | Very good – hard to force |
| Groundwork | Posts; foundation boxes for underground motors | Motor plinth and level track |
Choose swing gates if…
- you have plenty of level space behind the gates
- you want a traditional look, or a pair of gates suits the house
- there's no room along the boundary for a gate to slide into
Choose a sliding gate if…
- your driveway is short, or you park close behind the gate
- the driveway slopes up behind the gate
- the entrance is wide, busy or exposed to the wind
- you have a clear, fairly level run beside the opening
What if neither fits?
There's usually an answer:
- Bi-folding gates fold in half as they open, needing less swing space
- Unequal leaves – one big, one small – fit awkward spaces
- Rising hinges lift a swing gate as it opens over a slight slope
- Cantilever sliding gates avoid a track across uneven ground
Still not sure?
Send me a couple of photos of the driveway, taken from the road and from inside, and I'll tell you which I'd go for. Call, text or WhatsApp Adrian on 07855 781433.
Questions people ask me
Are sliding gates cheaper than swing gates?
To automate, often yes – sliding automation starts from £1,400, compared with £1,800 for overground swing gate motors.
Can swing gates open outwards?
Only where they won't swing over a footpath or road, and it needs extra safety measures. Inwards is usually better.
Which is more reliable?
Both are reliable when they're fitted properly and serviced. Sliding gates need their track kept clear.