Automatic Driveway Gates

Custom Automatic Driveway Gate Design and Installation

You’re pulling into your driveway after a brutal day, and instead of fumbling for a remote or getting out in the rain to wrestle with a heavy gate, it simply glides open. Seamlessly. Silently. Like your home is welcoming you back. That’s the magic of a well-designed automatic driveway gate. 

It’s not just about convenience. It’s about security, curb appeal, and that satisfying feeling that your property works exactly the way you want it to. The thing is, automatic gates aren’t just “install and forget.” They’re precision systems that need to handle weather, daily use, and the occasional delivery truck that doesn’t quite fit.

Since 1979, Garon Fence has been crafting gorgeous, custom automatic gates that work reliably for decades. Our skilled ironworkers and carpenters understand that your driveway gate isn’t just an entrance; it’s the first impression of your home, and we build it like we’re protecting something precious.

Automatic Gate Considerations

The first big choice? Single versus dual-swing gates. A single gate works beautifully for narrower driveways (say, 12 feet or less) but anything wider and you’re looking at a gate that’s not just heavy, but potentially unwieldy in wind.

Dual-swing gates split that weight and wind resistance in half, plus they create a more balanced, symmetrical look that screams “custom installation.” Then there’s your opener system: swing-arm operators are the workhorses, reliable and visible, while underground units disappear completely but require more excavation and investment.

But the real game-changer is thinking beyond just “automatic.” Modern gate systems can integrate with your smartphone, recognize your car’s approach, or even sync with your home security system. Safety features like photo-eye sensors and pressure-sensitive edges are essential for protecting kids, pets, and that expensive car you’re trying to keep safe.

The terrain matters too: a sloped driveway might push you toward a sliding gate instead of swing gates, while your local community’s ordinance might have stipulations about height, materials, or even the style of your control box.

Types of Automatic Driveway Gates

Most people think of an automatic driveway gate and picture the same thing, but there are actually several distinct systems, each with its own personality and purpose.

Swing Gates

Swing gates are the classic choice. They operate just like your front door, but supersized and motorized. Single-swing gates work perfectly for driveways up to 16 feet wide, while dual-swing gates can handle openings up to 30 feet or more. The beauty of swing gates is their versatility: they work with almost any architectural style, from traditional colonial to ultra-modern minimalist.

Automatic swing gates need clearance space. That gorgeous 12-foot gate? It’s going to sweep a 12-foot arc when opening, so forget about parking too close or planting that garden bed right there.

Sliding Gates

Sliding gates are the problem-solvers of the gate world. Got a steep driveway? Limited clearance space? Heavy winds that would push swing gates around? A sliding gate rolls along a track, parallel to your fence line, taking up zero swing space.

They’re particularly popular in areas with harsh winters—no worrying about ice or snow blocking the gate’s path. The trade-off? You need run-back space along your fence line, typically 1.5 times the width of your opening.

Vertical Lift Gates

Vertical lift gates and barrier arms serve specific purposes. Think high-security applications or commercial properties where speed and frequent cycling matter more than residential aesthetics. These aren’t common for most homes, but for specific situations (maybe you’re securing a long private drive or have unique space constraints), they’re exactly the right solution.

Common Automatic Gate Materials

Every driveway tells a different story. Maybe yours winds through tall trees that demand something understated. Maybe it’s the grand entrance to a home that deserves serious curb appeal. Or perhaps you just need something that’ll stand up to kids, dogs, and whatever the weather throws at it.

The material you choose sets the tone for everything, from how your gate moves to how it ages to how your neighbors feel when they drive by.

Metal Gates

Metal gates are the workhorses of the driveway gate world, and there’s a reason they’re our most popular choice for automatic driveway gates. Whether we’re crafting wrought iron with intricate scrollwork or sleek aluminum with clean lines, metal gives you that perfect balance of strength and style. These gates handle our harsh tri-state winters without warping, can support heavier automation systems, and they just look resilient.

When someone sees a well-designed metal driveway gate, they know you’re serious about your property. Plus, with powder coating options, you get colors that won’t fade or chip, meaning your gate looks as gorgeous in year ten as it did on installation day.

Wood Gates

There’s something deeply satisfying about a wooden driveway gate that swings open to reveal your home. Wood brings warmth that metal simply can’t match—it feels like an extension of your landscape rather than a barrier. Our craftsmen work with everything from classic cedar that weathers to a beautiful silver-gray to pressure-treated pine that we can stain to match your home’s trim.

The key with wooden automatic gates is understanding the engineering: wood expands and contracts, so our experienced team designs the framework and automation to work with those natural movements, not against them.

Composite Gates

Composite materials are where innovation meets practicality. These gates give you the rich look of wood grain without the maintenance headaches. No staining, no warping, no wondering if this winter will be the one that finally gets to your driveway gate.

Composite driveway gates are engineered to handle automation beautifully because they’re consistent in weight and dimension, which means your motor works less and lasts longer. For busy families who want something gorgeous but dependable, composite delivers that “set it and forget it” reliability that makes every homecoming a little easier.

Free On-Site Consultation in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey

Based out of Westchester County, NY, Garon Fence serves Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and the greater New England area. Call 914-218-6408 or contact us online to visit our factory showroom in Bedford Hills or arrange a free, on-site consultation. Learn more about the areas we serve and inquire about automatic driveway gate installation near you.