Discover a comprehensive range of aluminium, steel and hardwood designs that raise kerb appeal and improve security. Our team matches each solution to your property and driveway, advising on suitable systems for daily use.
Every project includes proposal visuals, a detailed site survey and professional installation. Expect neat integration with existing boundaries and years of dependable, quiet operation.
From intercoms and automation to safety and access controls, we specify each element for UK conditions. Enjoy clear pricing, ongoing support and a finished gate that fits your home and style.
Secure, stylish electric gates tailored to your home and driveway
Give your home a smart entrance that combines robust security with considered design. National Electric Gates offers bespoke solutions that suit your property’s style and daily routines.
Specify a gate that matches your driveway sweep and parking layout for smooth, reliable operation. Our team advises on wind exposure, pedestrian routes and vehicle clearance so the finished solution works first time.
Select from a wide range of materials and finishes to complement brick, stone or rendered boundaries. Preview visuals let you confirm colour, infill and style before fabrication to remove uncertainty.
- Remotes, keypads and intercoms for everyday convenience.
- Integrated lighting and safety indicators to enhance night-time protection.
- Engineered posts and frames for long-term durability and consistent performance.
| Feature | Benefit | When to choose |
|---|---|---|
| Automated gate operator | Smooth, remote access | Frequent vehicle use |
| Custom finish | Blends with property facade | High kerb appeal required |
| Safety devices | Compliant, secure operation | Narrow driveways or pedestrian routes |
Residential electric gates: types, materials and designs for every property
A carefully chosen gate matches site constraints, weather and daily use. Consider the arc, the available clearance and how much maintenance you want.
Sliding, swing and cantilever systems explained
Sliding gates save space where a swing arc is not possible. Swing gates give a classic look when there is room to open inwards or outwards.
Cantilever systems remove the need for a ground track and suit uneven or obstructed thresholds. Each type handles traffic and wind differently, so choose to match usage patterns.
Materials: aluminium, steel and hardwood options
Aluminium offers low-maintenance, modern profiles; steel gives traditional robustness. Hardwoods such as Iroko, Oak and Cedar add warmth and premium grain to a driveway gate.
Practical choice and bespoke design
Close-boarded timber can act as a sail in strong winds, so reinforced centre rails and stronger frames are often required for automated use.
- Match weight and width to the correct operator and hinges.
- Consider ground levels, drainage and pedestrian access.
- Choose infill and finish to control wind loads and longevity.
Automation, motors and access control that make life easier
Smart operators, reliable controls and clear safety gear make day-to-day use simple and secure. Choose the right combo to suit your material, site and how often the opening is used.
24v or 230v — match power to material and duty
24v units often suit lighter metal frames and electric sliding arrangements that see frequent use. They run smoothly and support soft‑start features for long life.
230v gives higher torque. It is recommended for close‑boarded timber and swing gates with large surface areas where wind creates a sail effect. This choice helps the system last for years.
Underground versus above‑ground operators
Underground operators hide mechanisms for a neat look and work well where aesthetics matter. Above‑ground arms or gearboxes are easier to service and adjust through the seasons.
Decide by weighing maintenance access, visual preference and site drainage. Cantilever or track‑on‑ground sliding systems should use rated racks and motors for debris and wet weather.
Intercoms, smart entry and perimeter reinforcement
GSM intercoms suit sites where running cables is difficult. Wired systems can offer rock‑solid reliability, while remotes, keypads and app access give layered convenience.
Pairing fixed bollards with a sliding system creates a strong perimeter that still allows smooth operation. Include photocells, safety edges and manual release to keep use safe and compliant.
| Component | Best for | Key benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 24v operator | Light metal, high cycle | Soft start, energy efficient |
| 230v operator | Timber, heavy leaves/wind | Higher torque, longer service life |
| Underground motor | Swing with clean look | Discrete appearance, protected unit |
| Above‑ground arm | Easy access sites | Simple servicing, adjustable |
Safety, compliance and long‑term maintenance you can trust
Begin with a qualified risk assessment aligned to Gate Safe and the Door & Hardware Federation. An installer will map crush, shear and impact hazards on your site so the system can be engineered for compliant operation.
Professional risk assessments and testing
Pressure and force testing are carried out at commissioning to ensure opening and closing forces meet permitted thresholds. Stop and return logic is checked so the gate behaves predictably in all conditions.
Safety devices and warning systems
Fit safety edges where entrapment risks exist, especially gaps below 500 mm, and wire them to the controller so motion stops and reverses on contact. Install photocells—often four in domestic setups—to create an invisible safety envelope across the travel path.
Servicing, training and ongoing checks
Provide clear user training and documentation, showing manual release, daily checks and safe use. Establish a proactive maintenance plan to inspect rollers, hinges, tracks, seals and control enclosures and replace wear parts before they fail.
- Use flashing beacons and audible alerts to increase awareness when the gate moves.
- Log servicing intervals and note seasonal effects such as ice, leaves and debris.
- Avoid DIY work on safety-critical components; always use qualified engineers.
| Action | Why it matters | When to do it |
|---|---|---|
| Risk assessment | Identifies hazards and compliance needs | Before design and installation |
| Pressure testing | Ensures safe operating forces | At commissioning and after major works |
| Routine service | Prevents failures and extends life | Annual or as recommended |
From quotation to installation: a smooth, expert service across the UK
Start your project with a friendly consultation that maps budget, style and practical needs. We show options and initial visuals so you can see how a gate will sit with your home before any decisions are made.
A detailed site survey follows. This confirms measurements, ground levels, power routes and pillar condition so the system is tailored precisely to your location.
Our installation phase is planned to minimise disruption. Engineers coordinate groundwork, power provision and operator mounting and then commission the system with full safety checks.
Service, handover and ongoing support
- Clear installation schedule and single point of contact for the project.
- Compliant commissioning: force settings, photocell alignment and manual release checks.
- Full handover covering everyday use, service intervals and seasonal checks.
- Responsive aftercare and maintenance for home and business properties.
Areas we serve
We operate across Central England and beyond, including Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire, Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire, Buckinghamshire, Peterborough, Birmingham, the Midlands, Leicestershire, Hertfordshire and North London.
| Stage | What we do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation & visuals | Design options and in‑situ previews | Helps you choose the right gate and finish |
| Site survey | Measurements, power and foundation checks | Ensures the system fits and performs |
| Installation & commissioning | Groundwork, operator fit and safety testing | Delivers compliant, reliable operation |
| Aftercare | Maintenance, software tweaks, warranty support | Keeps your entrance working long term |
Ready to enhance your property with automatic driveway gates?
Make daily access simpler and safer with a gate system designed for your driveway and lifestyle. Speak to our specialists to compare swing, sliding or cantilever choices and find the right operator, control and finish.
We provide quotations with visuals, a site survey and full installation and commissioning so you see the design in context before work starts. Ask about GSM intercoms, bollard options and the correct motor for timber or metal frames.
Request a quote now and protect your entrance with reliable security and a practical maintenance plan that keeps movement smooth. Learn more about how electric gates perform compared with manual units.