Swing Driveway Gates in Melbourne: Single and Double Swing Gates, Styles and Automation

A swing gate is the classic driveway gate. It hinges off a post or pillar and opens like a big door, either as one wide leaf or as a matching pair that meet in the middle. For many Melbourne homes, from period brick houses to new builds, a well-made swing gate is still the simplest way to close off the driveway.

At Latitude Fencing & Gates we design, build and install custom swing gates across Melbourne, manual or automated, and we match them to your front fence. This guide covers when a swing gate makes sense, the styles that work well, what to know about automation, and the questions we ask on site.

When does a swing gate make sense?

Swing gates suit driveways where there is clear, fairly level space behind the gate for the leaves to open into. They are a good fit when:

• there is no room along the fence line for a sliding gate to run back,

• you want a symmetrical double gate that frames the driveway and the house,

• the gate sits between existing brick or rendered pillars, or

• you want a straightforward gate that can be automated now or later.

If your driveway is short, steep at the entrance, or the car parks close behind the gate, a swing gate may not have room to open. In that case a sliding or telescopic gate or a bi-fold gate can be the better answer. Bi-folds are a Latitude specialty: they fold in half as they open, so they need far less swing room than a standard pair.

Single swing or double swing?

Single swing gates

A single leaf is neat and simple, with one hinge side and one motor if automated. It works well on narrower driveways and side driveways, as long as there is room for the full leaf to swing back.

Double swing gates

A pair of leaves splits the opening in two, so each leaf is shorter and needs less swing room. Double swing gates suit wider driveways and give that balanced, formal look many Melbourne homeowners love on a brick or rendered front fence.

Popular swing gate styles

Because we make each gate to measure, the infill can match almost any front fence:

• Aluminium horizontal slats for a clean, modern look with a choice of gaps for privacy or airflow. See our aluminium horizontal slat fences.

• Vertical slats, battens and blades for a taller, contemporary feel. See aluminium vertical slat fencing.

• Timber-look aluminium for the warmth of timber without the staining and upkeep.

• Real timber for a natural finish. See our timber gates.

• Tubular steel for a traditional, see-through gate that suits period homes. See tubular steel fencing.

Colour matters too. Our fencing colours guide is a good place to start.

Automating a swing gate

Swing gates are easy to automate, and older manual gates can often be automated too if the frame and posts are sound. The main motor types are:

• Arm-style (articulated or linear) motors, mounted on the post or pillar and fixed to the back of the gate leaf.

• Ground-mounted motors that sit low at the base of the gate, a tidy option where the pillars are not suited to an arm motor.

• Underground motors hidden below the hinge, for a very clean look on high-end entries.

The right choice depends on the pillar size, the gate weight and width, how far the gate needs to open and the look you want. We also plan the power supply, a manual release for blackouts, and safety devices such as photo-electric beams so the gate stops or reverses if something is in its path. Remotes, keypads and intercoms can be added to suit the household. Learn more about our automatic driveway gates.

What we check at the site measure

Every swing gate is different, so we start with a free site measure. We look at:

• Swing room and slope. The driveway behind the gate needs to be clear for the leaves to open. If it rises behind the gate, the leaves can hit the ground, so we check levels carefully.

• Which way it opens. Driveway gates are normally designed to open into the property, not out over the footpath or nature strip.

• Posts and pillars. Existing brick or rendered pillars need to be strong enough for the gate and motor. If not, we can allow for steel posts.

• Matching the fence. We line up heights, slat gaps and colours with your existing or new front fence, and a matching pedestrian side gate if you want one.

• Power and access. Where the power can come from for a motor, and how you would like to open the gate.

From there we prepare a written quote for your gate. Our workmanship is backed by a 5-year warranty.

Frequently asked questions

Are swing gates better than sliding gates?

Swing gates suit driveways with clear, level space behind the gate. Sliding gates suit sites with room along the fence line but little room behind. We will tell you what works best after we see your driveway.

Can my driveway gate swing out over the footpath?

Driveway gates are normally designed to open into the property so they do not swing over the footpath or nature strip. If space inside is tight, we can suggest a bi-fold, sliding or telescopic gate instead.

Can you automate my existing swing gate?

Often, yes, if the gate and its posts are in good condition and suit a motor. We will check the gate, hinges, posts and power at the site measure and let you know.

What happens to an automatic swing gate in a blackout?

Gate motors have a manual release so the gate can be opened by hand during a power outage, and battery backup can be discussed at the quote stage.

How much does a swing gate cost?

Every gate is made to measure, so the cost depends on the width, material, infill style, posts and automation. Latitude quotes after a free site measure, so you get a clear price for your actual driveway.

Get a quote for your swing gate

Thinking about a new swing gate, or automating the one you have? Book your free site measure and quote at latitudefencing.com.au.