How to Choose the Right Size, Style, and Automation for Your Bespoke Electric Gate

Choosing bespoke electric gates for your property is an excellent way to enhance security, style, and convenience. However, it’s crucial to select the right size, style, and automation features so that the gate meets all of your functional and aesthetic requirements. 

Whether you’re planning to install electric gates in Berkshire or the surrounding areas of the UK, planning ahead and consulting with experienced local gate manufacturers can help you achieve the best results.

In this guide, the professional electric gate installers at Windlesham Gates will explore the key factors to consider when choosing the perfect size, style, and automation for your bespoke electric gate, including practical tips for customisation and functionality.

Choosing the Right Electric Gate Size 

Selecting the correct size for your electric gate is critical for both its functionality and appearance. Well-sized bespoke electric gates can enhance your home security while complementing your property’s architectural features.

Width and Height

The width and height of your gate are crucial factors that impact its security and accessibility:

• Driveway Width - A wider driveway may be essential for properties with small but wide front garden areas, or homes where large vehicles/delivery vans will frequently pass through the gate. In such cases, a single-panel (often referred to as single-leaf) gate may not be appropriate, as it would be too large and unwieldy. Instead, two leaf or bi-parting gates would be more suitable. If you want swing gates, make sure your electric gate installers measure your driveway carefully to confirm that the gate can fully open without obstruction. If your driveway is likely to be busy with multiple cars that could block a swing gate's arc, sliding gates are a more practical choice. 
• Gate Height - The height of your gate significantly impacts privacy and security. Taller gates provide greater privacy and deter trespassers, while lower gates may be more appropriate for properties prioritising aesthetics over security, or those in busy areas where the primary goal is to prevent unauthorised parking on their driveway.

Working with experienced electric gate installers can help you determine the optimal dimensions to ensure a practical fit for your property.

Gate Proportions

The size and proportions of your gate will influence not only how secure it feels but also how it complements the landscape. A gate that’s too large can overpower your entrance, while one that’s too small may be difficult to access or appear out of place. Aim for balanced proportions that suit your driveway and entryway, as well as your home’s exterior.

Selecting a Bespoke Electric Gate Style

The style of your bespoke electric gate should reflect your personal taste and harmonise with your property’s architectural design. 

Our previous blog discusses how to choose between swing, sliding, and bi-parting gate styles, but here’s a quick overview of how to make other important stylistic choices.

Materials and Finishes

Bespoke electric gates come in various materials and finishes, each offering a unique aesthetic and durability level:

• Wood - Wooden gates provide a classic, warm look that is ideal for traditional properties. While wood is innately long-lasting, stains and varnishes can further protect it and enhance its natural beauty. Alternatively, modified Accoya wood is an extremely durable option, boasting an industry-leading above-ground warranty of 50 years. 
• Aluminium - Thanks to aluminium’s long lifespan and lightweight nature, aluminium gates offer excellent durability. Sleek, modern gates created from this material can be finished with powder-coating in a colour of your choice, allowing for a personalised look that particularly complements contemporary homes. 
• Wrought Iron and Steel - Metal gates made from the likes of steel or wrought iron are renowned for their strength, durability, and timeless appeal. Wrought iron gates often feature intricate designs, adding elegance to traditional properties, while steel gates can be crafted with a sleek, modern aesthetic. With the right finish, such as galvanisation or powder-coating, these gates are highly resistant to rust, corrosion, and outdoor wear.

With the right finish, you can create a gate that complements your property while being resilient to outdoor conditions.

Complementing Architecture

The design of your electric gate should match or enhance your property’s architecture. Here are a few style tips to consider:

• For Period Properties - Ornate, elegant wrought-iron designs or traditional wooden gates are ideal for period properties, preserving their historic charm while offering the modern convenience of electric gate automation.
• For Contemporary Homes - Sleek, minimalist sliding gates made of aluminium or powder-coated metal suit modern or recently updated properties with clean lines and minimalist aesthetics.
• For Country Estates - To complement the rolling landscapes and natural surroundings of the countryside, consider classic designs such as charming swing gates made from Accoya wood or rustic, naturally-stained Iroko gates.

Choosing a style that matches your architecture not only improves curb appeal but also creates a cohesive look that elevates the property’s overall appearance.

Automation Options

Automation is a significant component of any electric gate, offering convenience and improved security. The following are important automation features you should consider when designing your bespoke electric gates.

Access Control

Depending on your preferences and requirements, your automated electric gates can include different access control systems:

• Remote Access - Basic automation uses a remote control or tag system in your vehicle to open and close the gate. This is a practical choice for those who want straightforward, reliable keyless access without additional features.
• Keypads and Intercoms - Keypad systems allow users to enter a secure code for access, while intercoms let you communicate with visitors before granting entry. Video intercoms provide added convenience and security by allowing you to visually verify visitors.
• Smart Integration - For a more advanced setup, some access control systems integrate with your smart home systems or an app on your smartphone. This can allow you to control the gate remotely, monitor gate activity, and even grant temporary access codes to visitors.

Each choice provides increased security and convenience, and they can also be combined to offer you maximum flexibility when it comes to gate access, which is especially useful for busy households or properties with frequent visitors.

Safety and Security Features

As well as access control systems, modern bespoke electric gates come with a variety of other important safety and security features, including:

• Sensors - Sensors and safety edges detect when a vehicle or person is near, allowing the gate to automatically reverse or stop if an object is detected in its path, preventing accidents. These are particularly important for households with pets or young children.
• Timers - Timers can be programmed to automatically open or close the gate at certain times, ideal for properties with fixed opening hours or routines.
• Automated Locking Systems - These keep your electric gates securely closed when they are not in use, providing a strong, active barrier against unauthorised access.
• Manual Override - During emergencies, a manual override function allows your bespoke electric gates to be operated without using electricity.

Consulting with experienced electric gate installers ensures that you choose an automation system that not only meets the highest standards of gate safety, but also aligns with your personal security preferences, budget, and lifestyle.

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing Bespoke Electric Gates

When choosing bespoke electric gates, it’s essential to consider environmental and structural factors. Collaborating with qualified electric gate installers who address these aspects early on in the process will result in an electric gate that performs well in all weather conditions and suits your property’s unique layout.

For instance, if your property is in an area prone to flooding, you should avoid electric gates with underground motors, as they are susceptible to water damage. Instead, consider above-ground motor options for reliable performance in wet conditions.

Additionally, the slope and layout of your driveway can significantly impact the type of gate you can install and its placement. A steep driveway may require specific techniques or additional groundwork for optimal electric gate installation, while a level driveway offers more flexibility in design and automation options.

Enhance Your Property with Bespoke Electric Gates from Windlesham Gates

Choosing the right size, style, and automation for your bespoke electric gates requires careful consideration to guarantee that they meet your functional and aesthetic requirements. 

By taking into account factors such as space, material durability, and architectural style, you can design a gate that enhances security, convenience, and curb appeal. Working with professional electric gate installers will ensure that your gate is tailored to your specific needs, offering a seamless combination of elegance and functionality. 

At Windlesham Gates, we specialise in crafting and installing custom electric gates in Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire, London, and the surrounding areas.

Contact us today to book a consultation for custom gate design. Our experts can help you create the perfect bespoke electric gate that matches your vision, complements your property, and provides reliable, secure access for years to come.