Metal vs. Wood Automatic Driveway Gate: Which is Right for You?

Most homeowners are concerned about maintaining their property.

An automatic driveway gate can improve your homes security and resale value.

However, choosing the right gate for your home isn’t a trivial decision since it can impact your daily routine. While there are several options to choose from, most people go with either metal or wood. There are pros and cons to each of those materials; they will affect your home and your driveway differently.

We will help you settle the debate on metal vs. wood automatic driveway gate: which is right for you?

The cost of different types of driveway gates.

There is no universal answer when trying to determine which is the cheaper option, metal vs. wood automatic driveway gates.

At Harwell Fencing & Gates in Los Angeles, we custom tailor every gate to suit the specific needs of your clients. Therefore, it is impossible to give you one generic price tag. The driveway gate cost can depend on the exact model you choose, the gate & height, and any other special features you wish to implement.

Due to the raw cost of materials needed to produce large automatic driveway gates, metal gates can be more expensive than their wooden counterparts. In some situations, metal gates can be more durable and easier to maintain, especially if they’re made of aluminum. Still, you should note that the associated repair and maintenance costs are also generally higher. If you want detailed information regarding motorized driveway gate installation in LA, you can contact us, and we can give you a free estimate. We can also help you determine the best type of gate suited to your home and your needs.

The curb appeal of metal vs. wood automatic driveway gates.

When it comes to which gates look better, there is no objectively correct right or wrong. Looks are a matter of opinion, and it’s up to you to determine what looks best.

Of course, your choice of material is only one factor determining the overall end result. However, regardless of what you choose, the automatic driveway gate will have an immediate impact on the aesthetics of your home.

Wood gates will provide your home with a more natural look. Some people who are concerned with finding environmentally-friendly solutions for their gates will be pleased to know that we offer high-end fences with reclaimed wood. We have many ideas for indoor and outdoor furniture made from reclaimed wood.

Metal gates admittedly don’t have that warm look that wood has. However, metal gates can come in many designs, allowing you to get creative. You can choose to use spaced iron bars so that you can easily see what’s on the other side of your gate.

Maintenance and durability

We previously mentioned that wooden gates tend to require slightly more maintenance. While that is true, all Harwell gates are treated with a wood stain process.

A solid stain can protect your wooden gate for up to 25 years and only requires a refinish every 7-10 years. This process makes our wooden gates extraordinarily durable and able to withstand exposure to the elements with only basic maintenance on your part. When it comes to durability, we also reinforce our wooden gates with a steel frame that makes the gate even sturdier and prevents twisting or warping.

On the other hand, metal automatic gates are incredibly durable, especially if made from iron.

However, metal gates have an often-overlooked downside. They still rust when close to salty air. If you want the longest lasting option, we recommend stainless steel. While it is more expensive, it’s by far the longest lasting steel frame you can get. Thankfully, Los Angeles doesn’t have the kinds of temperatures that can cause your metal gate to soften. If your gate is exposed to a lot of rain or even water from other sources, such as sprinklers, you should inspect your gate regularly. Be on the lookout for any signs of rust and replace deteriorated bars.

Privacy and safety

Both styles of gates can afford you any level of privacy you desire. You can purposefully decide to leave gaps between the bars or wood paneling so you can see outside your gate. However, if you prefer privacy, you can opt for a taller gate with no gaps. If the wall on your property isn’t tall, you can install a wall topper (which can also be wood, metal, or composite) and extend the height of your wall, giving you even more privacy. All of our gates are highly durable and can withstand strikes from heavy objects and exposure to strong winds.

Things to consider when deciding between metal vs. wood automatic driveway gates. You should not rush into any home improvement project since they all require planning, and it would be best if you tried to integrate them with the other features of your property. Besides considering the factors we already mentioned, here are a few more things you should be mindful of when choosing the right gate for your property:

Aesthetics of your home.

Realistically you will not go wrong whether you choose metal or wood for your gate. Therefore, you could also think about which would integrate better into the other colors of your home. If you already have many wooden elements on the outside of your home, then going with a wood motorized driveway gate is the obvious choice. However, if your home has metal and glass features on the façade, then you can consider a metal gate. You can check out some of our previous projects if you need inspiration.

HOA regulations.

If your house is in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association, there could be regulations to which you must adhere. You should also check with your local fire department to see if there are any security gate access requirements.

Resale value.

In theory, any home improvement can add value to your LA home and help you sell your house faster when the time comes; however, if you want to make a bigger profit, you should follow current trends. Avoid overly complex designs that only you find attractive. Do some research into what features homebuyers are looking for.

Conclusions on metal vs. wood automatic driveway gates

Now that we have looked at the features of both, you should have a good idea of which you prefer: metal vs. wood automatic driveway gate. If you have any further questions, you can contact us, and we would be happy to answer them and give you a free estimate.