Sliding vs Swing Gate: What is Best for your Driveway?

When it comes to redeveloping outside your property, gate type is often alongside garden development as a priority. Do you choose a swinging gate or a sliding gate? Do you go for a wooden gate, or do you opt for metal? Well, as much as it comes down to taste, it also comes down to functionality, budget, space and security.

In this blog, we look at both sliding and swinging gates so you can make an informed decision as to which one may suit your driveway best.

What is a swing gate?

A swing gate is a gate that opens on hinges and swings either towards or away from the property. Available as a single-leaf or double-leaf gate, and as electric or manual, they are perhaps the most traditional gate type we see on properties throughout Horsham, Crawley, Guildford, Chichester and other areas of the South. But as we’ll find out, they may not suit all property types. They can be made of wood or metal and crafted in bespoke designs that reflect your style and preferences. With secure latches, deadlocks, padlocks or combination keypads providing a degree of security too, they are a great choice for many homeowners.

What properties are swing gates best suited for?

Swing gates can suit a wide range of properties, but due to how they function, they may prove a bad choice in some places.

You’ll find that swinging gates work best on:

• Driveways with lots of space
• Flat and level surfaces
• Traditional style homes

What are the advantages of choosing a swing gate for a driveway?

A swinging gate on your driveway can really enhance your kerb appeal and give the property a heightened air of quality and sophistication. With intricate designs to match the property style, your gate can become as much of a talking point as the home itself!

Among the advantages of swing gates are:

• Easy installation
• Low-level maintenance
• Classic aesthetic that suits a wide range of properties
• Often cheaper than a sliding gate
• Can open internally and externally

At Harrier Gates, we can design, build and install swing gates across Surrey and Sussex suitable for homes and businesses. Our gallery shows a range of examples.

Are there any disadvantages to having a swing gate on your driveway?

There can be times when a swinging gate isn’t ideal for your driveway. Whilst they may look great, functionality, security and space all need to be considered before settling on a gate.

Disadvantages of having swing gates installed include:

• Needs space to open, so not ideal for smaller driveways
• Will not function at their best on sloped driveways
• Can be affected by high winds
• May not suit all property types

What is a sliding gate?

A sliding gate works by moving smoothly across a surface on a track or via a cantilever system. They are normally positioned parallel to a fence or boundary wall. With automatic gates or manually operated gates available, they can suit a range of properties. Similar to swing gates, they can be made of wood or metal and can be designed to suit the aesthetic of your property. Also similar to the swing gate, a sliding gate can be made in both short and tall sizes, so they can easily integrate with the existing features of the property.

They can provide a great security gate option with regular locks or automation in place, too.

What properties are best for sliding gates?

While sliding gates may suit a wide range of properties, they might not be ideal for all driveways. For the properties they work well with, they can add a touch of elegance and bolster the security features.

Sliding gates are best for:

• Properties with more limited driveway space
• Sloped driveways
• Uneven driveways
• Properties that may have higher security requirements

What are the advantages of sliding gates for my driveway?

A sliding driveway gate could be the ideal choice for your home. Not only can you greatly enhance your kerb appeal, but you can also benefit from designs that match your home. The team at Harrier Gates supplies sliding gates to residential and commercial properties throughout Sussex and Surrey, with each gate carefully designed and built to match the exact needs of your home.

Advantages of sliding driveway gates include:

• Highly secure
• Less affected by strong winds
• More modern aesthetic
• Not affected by driveway slope or depth

What are the disadvantages of installing sliding driveway gates?

Despite the improved security, enhanced aesthetics and versatility, sliding gates also have some disadvantages. They won’t suit all properties, so it’s worth considering the following before committing.

Disadvantages of sliding gates include:

• Need plenty of space for the gate to slide open
• More complex installation
• Normally more expensive than swing gates
• Higher levels of maintenance than swing gates

Shall I choose a sliding or swing gate?

While much depends on your tastes and preferences, it is important to factor in the advantages and disadvantages of both gate types.

Choose a swing gate if:

• You have enough driveway space
• You have a limited budget
• Prefer a traditional look
• Your driveway surface is flat

Choose a sliding gate if:

• You have more limited driveway space
• Prefer a more modern style or minimalist design
• Your driveway is sloped or uneven
• Cost isn’t a big factor

Both gates offer enhanced security to your home and undoubtedly increase kerb appeal. It just comes down to which type aligns with your budget and property the most.

Do I need planning permission for a driveway gate?

Before committing to either gate type, you should check whether adding a gate falls within permitted development rights. In some cases, you may need to obtain planning permission. Installing a gate without planning permission when it is required could see you having to remove the gate and pay a fine.

In most cases, you will not need planning permission, especially if the gate is under 1 metre high when next to a road or under 2 metres elsewhere.

When you will need planning permission for a driveway gate is when:

• The gate exceeds 1m in height when adjacent to a road or footpath
• The gate exceeds 2m when anywhere else
• The property is a listed building
• The property is in a conservation area
• The gate replaces or alters an existing boundary
• The local council remove permitted development rights

If you are ready for a new gate to help transform the outside of your home, contact Harrier Gates. We serve homes and businesses across Sussex and Surrey, providing a range of gate and security features for all properties in Guildford, Brighton, Cranleigh, Redhill and more. Gate Safe and Safe Contractor approved, we are the name you can trust.