A gate costs anywhere from $150 for a simple pedestrian fence gate to $5,000+ for a large automated sliding driveway gate in Australia (2026). As a rough guide: fence and side gates run $150–$800, single swing driveway gates $600–$2,500, double or sliding driveway gates $1,500–$5,000, and adding automation (a motor and remotes) is a $1,000–$3,000 add-on. You can cut the cost significantly by buying the gate frame, hardware and motor supply-only and building or fitting it yourself. Below we break down what each gate type costs and where the money goes.
Gate cost by type
| Gate type | Typical installed cost | Supply-only (materials) |
|---|---|---|
| Pedestrian / side fence gate | $300 – $800 | from ~$90–$250 (frame + hardware) |
| Single swing driveway gate | $600 – $2,500 | $400 – $1,500 |
| Double swing driveway gate | $1,200 – $4,000 | $800 – $2,500 |
| Sliding driveway gate | $1,500 – $5,000+ | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| Automation add-on (motor + remotes) | $1,000 – $3,000 | motor kits from ~$900 |
At Top Class Fences, supply-only gate components start from around $91 for a timber gate frame, $121 for a 1.8m Colorbond gate frame, and $898 for a Filo400 sliding-gate motor with two remotes — so a DIY driveway gate can cost a fraction of a fully installed, automated one.
What affects the cost of a gate?
1. Gate type and size
A small pedestrian gate is the cheapest. Costs climb with width and height — a double driveway gate uses roughly twice the material of a single, and sliding gates need a longer frame plus a track.
2. Material
- Colorbond® steel — durable, low-maintenance, matches Colorbond fencing; mid-range cost.
- Timber — warm, classic look; economical to build, needs occasional maintenance.
- Aluminium / tubular steel — used for pool-style and security gates.
3. Swing vs sliding
Swing gates are simpler and cheaper for narrow driveways. Sliding gates suit wide or sloped driveways and where there’s no room for a gate to swing — but they cost more (track, rollers, heavier frame).
4. Automation
Adding a motor, remotes and safety sensors turns a manual gate into an automatic one. A motor kit like the Filo400 is the core cost; wiring, a keypad or intercom, and installation add to it.
5. Hardware
Hinges, latches, drop bolts, wheels and gate stops all add up — heavy driveway gates need heavier-duty hardware than a garden gate.
6. Site and installation
Sloping ground, the type of posts, and whether you’re fitting to existing fence posts or setting new ones all affect the labour portion.
Manual vs automated: is a motor worth it?
A manual gate is far cheaper up front and perfectly fine for a side gate or a driveway you don’t use often. Automation adds convenience and security for a main driveway — you open it from your car with a remote. Budget an extra $1,000–$3,000 for the motor, remotes and install on top of the gate itself.
DIY vs paying for supply-and-install
Gates are one of the most DIY-friendly parts of a fencing project when you start from a pre-made frame. Buy a Colorbond or timber gate frame, add your infill (sheets or palings to match your fence), fit the hardware, and you’ve saved most of the labour cost. Even automation is DIY-able for a confident handyperson with a plug-and-play motor kit.
For heavy automated driveway gates, or where the gate ties into a security or intercom system, it’s worth getting a professional to install and commission it.
How to reduce your gate costs
- Buy the frame and hardware supply-only — a pre-made gate frame plus your own infill and labour costs far less than a custom supply-and-install gate.
- Match the gate to your existing fence — a Colorbond gate frame filled with matching sheets blends straight in and avoids a custom fabrication charge.
- Choose swing over sliding where the driveway allows — less hardware, lower cost.
- Add automation later — install a manual gate now and retrofit a motor when budget allows.
- Get 2–3 quotes for any installed work.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a driveway gate cost in Australia?
A single swing driveway gate typically costs $600–$2,500, a double swing gate $1,200–$4,000, and a sliding driveway gate $1,500–$5,000+ installed in 2026. Automation adds $1,000–$3,000.
How much does it cost to automate a gate?
Budget $1,000–$3,000 for a motor, remotes, sensors and installation. Supply-only motor kits (like the Filo400 with two remotes) start from around $900.
Is a sliding or swing gate cheaper?
Swing gates are usually cheaper for narrow driveways. Sliding gates cost more but suit wide or sloped driveways and tight spaces where a gate can’t swing.
Can I build my own gate to save money?
Yes — starting from a pre-made Colorbond or timber gate frame, adding matching infill and hardware is a common DIY job that saves most of the labour cost. Buy the frame, hardware and (optionally) a motor kit supply-only.
What’s the cheapest type of gate?
A simple timber or Colorbond pedestrian/side gate is the most economical, starting from around $90–$250 in materials supply-only.
Ready to price up your gate?
Whether you want a simple side gate or an automated driveway gate, Top Class Fences supplies Colorbond and timber gate frames, sliding-gate motors, and all the hardware across Brisbane and Queensland — at genuine supply-only prices. Prefer to pick up and save on labour? Collect from our North Maclean » or Brendale » yards. Get a free quote ».
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Note: Prices are indicative ranges for Australian residential gates and may vary by material, size, automation, site conditions, and contractor.
