Driveway gates have many diverse purposes, from providing your property with security and privacy to enhancing the home’s curb appeal and property value. However, for a driveway gate to effectively fulfil these functions, it needs to be installed with the correct gate height.
So how far off the ground should a driveway gate be? Continue reading, as we discuss the factors that influence gate heights and how to get it right for your property.
Factors influencing gate height
There are certain factors that you’re considering, or concerns that you have, which will impact how high or low you need to have your driveway gate installed. These could include:
Terrain and slope
Driveway gate height can be influenced by the landscape of your property. If your driveway gate is installed on rough terrain or a rising slope, you may need a larger gap underneath the gate so that it can smoothly open and close – without being caught on the ground or damaging the gate. With a larger ground clearance, you may then find that to meet the rules and regulations of gate height in the UK, you will need to minimise the height of the actual gate ‘doors’.
However, those with driveway gates built on a decreasing slope may find that a taller driveway gate provides more security and privacy – and therefore want to maximise the height of the gate ‘doors’ and reduce the amount of ground clearance they have, for what they realistically need.
Security concerns
Security is one the main reasons why homeowners invest in driveway gates – to create a physical barrier, but also deter intruders from accessing the property in the first place. As such, if security is a great concern of yours, then you’ll want to invest in the tallest gate possible for your property. However, rest assured that as long as your driveway gate is there, it is adding a layer of security to your property. A taller gate doesn’t always equate to higher levels of security – especially if you make your gate taller by adding more ground clearance underneath.
Privacy considerations
Like with security, many people also value the privacy that comes with installing a driveway gate on their property. Once again, if this is part of your consideration when purchasing a driveway gate, then you’ll want to invest in the tallest gate you can purchase. However, depending on the style of gate you choose and the terrain it is installed on, taller doesn’t always necessarily mean more privacy.
Aesthetic appeal
Depending on the aesthetics of your property, you may be searching for a certain ‘look’ when it comes to gate height. Some people want to show off the property behind a gate, and here a shorter driveway gate is ideal. However, others may want their property to look like a fortress and ideally prefer a much taller driveway gate to complete the look.
Guidelines for determining gate height
When determining the ideal gate height for your property, you have three overall factors to consider: the industry standard gate height, the legal regulations of gate height, and your own personal preferences (as mentioned above). Once you have found the perfect balance between these factors, you will find the perfect height for your new driveway gate.
Standard heights
In the driveway gate industry, including with us at The Expert Gate Company, we believe that driveway gates should be custom-built to meet the needs of the property. However, that being said, the ‘standard’ driveway gate height in the UK varies anywhere between 3ft and 7ft (roughly 0.9 to 2.1 metres) – in line with legal regulations.
Legal regulations
As with any external structure, driveway gates are still subject to legal regulations. To install your first driveway gate or replace an existing one, without obtaining planning permission, the following conditions must be met:
- If the driveway gate is next to a highway used by vehicles (or the footpath of such a highway), it cannot exceed one metre in height from ground level.
- Anywhere else, the driveway gate cannot exceed two metres in height from ground level.
- If you have a pre-existing gate that already exceeds these limits (with existing planning permission), your new gate cannot exceed the height of its predecessor.
If you would like to install or replace a driveway gate that exceeds these height requirements, then you must first obtain planning permission from your local authority.
Installation consideration
Once you have your ideal driveway gate height in mind, nothing is stopping you from having it installed. However, whilst you can purchase driveway gates and install them yourself, having a professional gate installation done will help you accurately achieve your optimal gate height – including ground clearance and safe opening space.
Maintenance and adjustments
As with anything, maintenance is key to the safety, functionality and aesthetic of your driveway gates. However, it is also important to recognise that your driveway gate’s height may need to be adjusted every now and then – due to changes in terrain, property use or general sagging that comes with time.
If you find any issues with your driveway gate, including its height, contact your supplier and ask them to come and check it out for you. Like installation, when it comes to gate height, it is best to book a professional servicing – rather than attempt it yourself.
Are you searching for the right driveway gate for your property? Check out our blog for driveway inspiration and information, or get in touch with The Expert Gate Company to see how our experts can help.