You also need to factor in the cost of:

Installation

The cost of a professional installation will depend on the:

• size of the gate (and therefore the time and number of people required to install it)
• Any building works needed to lay the track and build or move pillars or posts.
• Safety devices
• Moving anything that's in the way
• Driveway surface work
• Loop detectors
• Access control systems

Cost of the gate opener, mechanisms and control systems

Cost estimates for sliding gates range from £600 to £1,500. According to checkatrade the labour cost (per hour) can range between £35 - £65.

Preparatory works

These will be necessary if you need to:

• level the driveway to lay tracks 
• install supports such as for the electric gate opener
• install service connections (e.g., electricity) to the gate area

Again, these costs can vary greatly, and will depend on the extent of the work required. Prep works are normally included as part of the installation costs when you get a quote.

Checkatrade estimates:

• £500+ for additional groundworks
• £600+ for an electricity supply to the gates

The gate installer should instruct the prep works and/ or check that they meet the necessary requirements.

Obtaining planning consents

Consent will only be necessary in certain cases and will depend on:

• the height of your electric gates
• the proximity of your entrance to a public road or neighbouring private property

Use your local authority/council website to check requirements and get information on costs.

Ongoing servicing and maintenance

This one is self-explanatory, but it's still important, particularly if you decide to install a tracked sliding gate. The tracks will need to be checked periodically to ensure the wheels and any rollers operate smoothly. Estimates start from £150 - £300 per year for gate servicing contracts.

The intended use of your sliding gate will also influence the cost of installation. Why? Read our section on gate motors below.

Choosing the right equipment for your automated gates

Now you have an idea of costs, let's look at how to choose the right equipment for your individual requirements.

Gate openings

There are different types of sliding gates available. They include:

• tracked gates
• telescopic sliding gates
• cantilever gates

Telescopic sliding gates need a track for each leaf, just like for single leaf gates. The gates are supported by wheels which sit on a track. There's also a toothed rack mounted along the bottom of the gate and a cog on the motor output shaft. The cog is meshed with the rack so that when the motor turns, the gate moves along the track.

Telescopic gates have more than one gate leaf. The gate nearest the motor is moved in the usual way while the remaining gate leaves are moved by cables and pulleys. The only difference is they stack behind each other as they open. This means they need less space to the side of the entrance than tracked or cantilever gates do for the same width of entrance. It also makes them a good option for people with limited space.

A single sliding gate (on a track) is usually the most cost-effective option to install. We'll discuss when cantilever gates are suitable below.

Gate motors

There is only one type of gate motor that is used for a sliding gate. The choice of suitable motor is determined by:

• the gate weight (this will influence the power output you need) 
• how often you need the gate to open and close on a daily basis (the work cycle)
• how fast you want the gate to open 

Residential sliding gates usually have a lower work cycle than commercial applications.

Aluminium gates are lighter, and they will last much longer so they will cost practically nothing to maintain for years. They are also lighter so they need less powerful motors to move them. You can find more information on aluminium gates here and about choosing the best gate motor for you here.

Cantilever gates

A cantilever gate is the best option for people with a sloping driveway or a site or road surface that is uneven. Why?

A cantilever gate does not use a track. Instead, a counterbalance section allows the gate to run on rollers at one side of the entrance. Standard sliding gate motors are used to slide the gate open and shut. This means that a cantilever gate can be installed on sloping driveways as it doesn't need to run on an angled track. is on a slope.

It also means you do not need to worry about keeping the track clean of any gravel, mud or other items that could hinder the operation of the gate.

You can read about more benefits of having cantilever gates here.

Other FAQs about the cost of electric sliding gates?

Here are some more questions that we get about automated gates:

Are automatic gates worth it?

Absolutely. Here are some more benefits of electric gates.

What are the cheapest electric gates in the UK?

PVC gates are the cheapest option but they look cheap and they're not as strong as other gates. When its comes to automatic driveway gates, you really do pay for what you get so it's worth spending a bit more to get the best you can.

What can cause an electric gate to stop working?

Some reasons include:

• power supply issues
• objects on the sliding gate track
• faulty control system, safety sensors or gate motor

To avoid this happening at a critical time, it makes sense to have any electric gates serviced regularly.

Expert advice on buying sliding gates

If you'd like some help with choosing the right sliding gates for you, contact the team at Gate Automation Supplies. We can help you find the perfect solution for your home or work site. Call us on 03300 883 890 for free advice today.