As the adage goes, ‘first impressions count’. While this line is often used in the context of wearing a suit to a job interview, it can also apply to your house. What impression does your home give to visitors and passers-by?
In Australia, your home is your castle, so it makes sense to protect it as best you can. A driveway gate can do just that, and If you install the right one, it can also boost the street appeal of your home, adding value to your property.
Choosing and installing a driveway gate
There are a range of options when it comes to choosing and installing a driveway gate: the material; style and colour; whether it is sliding or swinging; is the access manual or automated. So let’s go through the key considerations when choosing the perfect driveway gate for your home.
Choosing your materials
Driveway gates can be manufactured using a range of different materials, some of these include:
- Timber
- Steel
- Aluminium
- Wrought Iron
The look and function you want to achieve with your new driveway gate will determine what material you use, as they all suit different purposes and aesthetics. For instance:
- If you are looking for privacy or to block out nosy neighbour’s noise, a timber gate could be a suitable choice.
- If you want to achieve a more decorative look, a wrought iron gate is a popular choice, with the option to customise the designs or use an existing traditional design.
However, if you are looking for a material that is both functional and stylish, aluminium is a good option. Aluminium gates come in a wide range of traditional and modern designs and can be powder-coated in a colour that best matches the facade of your home. What’s more, aluminium can withstand the elements and secure your property for years to come.
Swinging or sliding gates? What’s more suitable?
Once you have decided on the material, you need to choose whether your gate is going to swing or slide. Swinging driveway gates are good on narrow blocks as they allow enough room for a car to drive through, while sliding driveway gates require ample room for the gate to slide when opening. Therefore, it depends on the space you have available on your property as to which choice you can make.
Access option (manual or automated)
Another important consideration is how you’d like to operate your new driveway gates: manually or remote automated. If your home is accessible via a busy street then an automated gate will offer quicker and safer entry, with gates opening via the use of a remote controller from your car. A more economical option would be choosing a manually opening gate and this may be the most suitable option for your situation.
Design and colour considerations
The final choice, and frankly our favourite part, is selecting the design and colour of your gate. Would you like your gates to blend in with your surroundings, or would you like it to stand out and be a feature?
Driveway Gates: customisable and locally-made
At Balustrade Design, we have a range of driveway gates to choose from:
Browse our full range of driveway gates online, or give us a call to discuss your requirements. Our aluminium gates are manufactured locally in Western Australia and can be customised to suit your requirements.
