The Right Stuff: How to Pick the Perfect Material for Your Custom Gate

More Than Just an Entrance

Custom metal gates for driveways are one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your Melbourne property. They act as your first impression, your security barrier, and the feature that sets your home apart.

Quick Material Guide for Custom Metal Driveway Gates:

• Steel - Most durable and cost-effective, weighs ~25 lbs per linear foot, excellent for intricate designs

• Aluminium - Lightweight at ~8.3 lbs per linear foot, corrosion-resistant, perfect for coastal properties

• Wrought Iron - Premium aesthetic with ornate possibilities, heaviest option, ideal for heritage homes

Choosing the wrong material can lead to rust, constant maintenance, or a style that doesn't suit your home. With quality custom gates costing anywhere from $400-$1000 per linear foot, getting it right the first time matters.

Whether you need a sleek sliding gate in Brighton or ornate swing gates in Kew, the material you choose will determine your gate's performance for decades.

I'm Jake Bunston from Make Fencing. With over 7 years of experience designing and installing custom metal gates for driveways across Melbourne, I've seen how the right material transforms a property's security and street appeal. I'm here to help you make the best decision for your home.

A Guide to Materials for Custom Metal Gates for Driveways

When it comes to custom metal gates for driveways, your material choice shapes its performance for the next 20+ years. A decision based purely on price can lead to rust and constant upkeep. The three main options in Melbourne each offer unique benefits: steel for strength, aluminium for lightweight durability, and wrought iron for timeless elegance. Let's explore what makes each material special to find the perfect match for your property.

Steel Gates: The Strong and Versatile Choice

Steel is the workhorse of driveway gates, delivering serious security without compromising on style. Its primary appeal is incredible strength and durability, handling the demands of a busy driveway and Melbourne's weather. We use minimum 1/8" thick material for robust construction that lasts for decades.

From a cost perspective, steel often provides the most value, especially for larger gates. It also offers best design versatility. Whether you want ornate scrollwork for a Victorian terrace or clean lines for a modern townhouse, steel can be shaped to fit. Our plasma cutting technology allows for intricate, unique decorative elements.

For ultimate protection, galvanisation adds a zinc coating to fight rust, while powder coating provides a durable, baked-on finish in a wide range of colours.

Steel gates are heavy (about 25 lbs per linear foot), which adds to their secure feel but requires professional installation with strong 4x4" posts. They are the perfect balance of strength, style, and sensible pricing. For more details, check out our Gates and Metal Fabrication page.

Aluminium Gates: Lightweight and Weather-Resistant

For those in Brighton, Williamstown, or other coastal suburbs, aluminium is an excellent choice. Its lightweight nature (8.3 lbs per linear foot) is gentler on hinges and automation systems, making manual operation effortless.

The standout quality is its natural corrosion resistance. Aluminium forms a protective oxide layer, meaning no rust and no panic if you forget to touch up the paint—a game-changer in salty coastal air. This also makes for low maintenance, as the gates largely look after themselves beyond occasional cleaning.

Aesthetically, aluminium excels at modern, contemporary designs with clean lines and smooth finishes. We use marine-grade aluminium with a minimum 3/16" thickness, ensuring you get lightweight benefits without sacrificing durability.

Like steel, aluminium gates are powder-coated for protection and colour choice. It's the go-to for modern style, minimal fuss, and maximum weather resistance. Learn more on our Sliding Gate page.

Treated Pine Fencing: Natural Charm and Lasting Value

When you want your fence to blend beauty with value, treated pine is hard to beat. Its natural charm and timeless reliability—pressure-treated to resist rot, decay, and insects—deliver long-lasting performance outdoors. For modern builds or classic homes, a treated pine fence offers a warm, wood look, cost-effective installation, and versatile styles and finishes to match your property.

Key Factors for Your Custom Metal Driveway Gate

Beyond material, several practical details ensure your custom metal gates for driveways work perfectly.

• Driveway Size and Gate Width: Your gate must be wider than the driveway opening for comfortable passage. A 10 to 12-foot opening is common, but 12 to 14 feet is better for larger vehicles. For emergency access, some Melbourne councils require a 14-foot opening, so we recommend a 12-foot minimum for all properties.

• Gate Height: Standard heights are 48", 60", and 72". Taller gates offer more privacy and security, while shorter gates create a more open feel.

• Swing vs. Sliding: Swing gates open like doors and need clear space. Sliding gates move along your fence line, making them ideal for sloped driveways or where space is limited.

• Melbourne's Climate and Property Style: Our coastal suburbs benefit from aluminium's corrosion resistance, while galvanised steel suits inland areas. The gate's design should complement your home's Australian architectural style, whether it's a modern townhouse or a heritage property.

• Automation: Automation adds convenience and security. Solar power is an option if your gate gets 4+ hours of direct sunlight; otherwise, a standard power supply is used. Modern batteries last 3-4 years, handling about 300 open-close cycles per charge. All our installations meet strict safety standards. For more on automation, visit our Gate Automation page.

Making the Right Choice for Your Melbourne Property

Choosing the perfect custom metal gates for driveways is about creating an entrance that welcomes you home while keeping your property secure. After helping hundreds of Melbourne families, I know the right gate transforms how you feel about your home.

The Design and Fabrication Process for your Custom Metal Driveway Gate

Our process is designed to bring your vision to life seamlessly, whether you're picturing neat wrought iron for a heritage home in Kew or sleek aluminium for a modern townhouse in Brighton.

Our journey begins with an initial consultation to listen to your goals, style preferences, and budget. This is an honest conversation about what will work best for your situation.

Next is the site assessment. We visit your property for precise measurements and to identify any challenges, like a sloped driveway or limited swing space. These details are crucial for ensuring your gate operates smoothly for years.

The custom design phase is where we create detailed drawings showing exactly how your gate will look. These precise visualisations let you see every detail, and we encourage your feedback to ensure it's exactly right.

Material selection follows, where we confirm the best choice—steel, aluminium, or wrought iron—for your needs, considering Melbourne's weather and any automation requirements.

Our expert fabrication happens at our Melbourne facility. Our experienced team uses advanced plasma cutting and precision welding to craft your gate. Fabrication typically takes 6 to 8 weeks from your deposit.

Professional installation is the final step. Our team ensures perfect clearances (typically 4-6 inches above ground) and smooth operation. If automated, we integrate all systems, test safety features, and ensure you're comfortable operating your new gate. The result is a gate that fits perfectly and operates flawlessly. See examples on our Custom Built Driveway Gates page.

Partnering with the Right Experts for a Flawless Finish

The difference between a gate that lasts a few years and one that improves your property for decades comes down to who builds it. You need a team that understands not just metalwork, but Melbourne's unique challenges, from coastal salt air to our changeable weather.

At MAKE Fencing, we've been perfecting this craft for over 10 years. We've installed gates on heritage properties in Malvern and created sleek modern entries in Docklands, always respecting the home's character.

What sets us apart is our commitment to detail. We use only premium materials, like marine-grade aluminium and hot-dip galvanised steel. Our powder coating process ensures a lasting finish, and our installation standards guarantee reliable operation.

Every gate we create is a custom solution. A sloping driveway in the hills requires a different approach than a flat suburban block. We take pride in understanding these nuances and creating solutions that work perfectly for your situation.

The investment makes sense when you consider the long-term benefits. A complete automated gate installation in Melbourne can range from $8,000 to $25,000, with a typical single swing 12-foot gate averaging around $12,500 fully installed. This investment boosts kerb appeal and security while providing daily convenience.

Beyond the practical benefits, there's something special about coming home to a gate designed just for you. It's the peace of mind knowing your property is secure behind a barrier built to last. We are here to guide you through every step, from choosing the right material to ensuring your gate operates perfectly for years.

Ready to start the conversation about your custom gate? We'd love to hear about your vision.

Get a quote for your custom gate