Tailored Entrances: The Benefits of Bespoke Metal Gates
- Jake Bunston
- Oct 1
- 8 min read
Why a Custom Gate is More Than Just an Entryway

Made to measure metal gates offer the perfect solution for Melbourne homeowners who want a custom entrance that perfectly fits their property while delivering improved security and stunning kerb appeal. Here's what you need to know:
Key Benefits of Made to Measure Metal Gates:
Perfect Fit - Custom dimensions for any driveway, including sloping or awkward spaces
Improved Security - Stronger materials and custom security features like keypads and intercoms
Unique Style - Laser-cut designs, powder coating colours, and architectural integration
Increased Property Value - Premium materials and craftsmanship that boost your home's appeal
Long-lasting Durability - Galvanised steel or aluminium construction built for Melbourne's climate
Your entrance gate isn't just a barrier - it's the first impression visitors get of your property. Whether you live in a Victorian terrace in Brighton or a modern townhouse in Preston, a bespoke metal gate becomes an architectural statement that reflects your style while providing the security and functionality your family needs.
Unlike standard off-the-shelf options that come in limited sizes and generic designs, made to measure metal gates are crafted specifically for your property's unique requirements. From matching your home's architectural features to handling challenging driveway layouts, custom fabrication ensures a flawless finish that adds real value to your investment.
I'm Jake Bunston, Director at Make Fencing, and over the past decade I've helped hundreds of Melbourne homeowners create stunning made to measure metal gates that perfectly balance style, security, and functionality. From our initial consultation through to professional installation, we'll guide you through every step of creating your ideal entrance solution.
The Best Advantages of Made to Measure Metal Gates
When you're looking to improve your property's entrance, made to measure metal gates deliver advantages that off-the-shelf options simply can't match. Your gate should do more than just swing open and closed, it should perfectly complement your home while providing the security and style your family deserves.
Perfect Fit and Flawless Aesthetics: Why Customisation Matters
Picture this: you've found what seems like the perfect gate at your local hardware store, only to find it doesn't quite fit your driveway opening. Maybe there's an awkward gap on one side, or perhaps your sloping driveway makes standard gates look wonky and unprofessional. Sound familiar?
Standard gates come with serious limitations. They're designed for "average" properties - but let's be honest, there's nothing average about your home. Whether you live in a charming Victorian terrace in Brighton with its unique architectural details, or a sleek modern townhouse in Preston with contemporary lines, your entrance deserves better than a one-size-fits-all solution.
This is where made to measure metal gates truly shine. Our team takes precise measurements of your specific space, accounting for everything from sloping driveways to unusual width requirements. We consider your home's architectural style, your personal preferences, and any challenging aspects of your entrance.
The result? A gate that fits like it was always meant to be there. No awkward gaps, no compromise on style, and no settling for "close enough." Your gate becomes a seamless extension of your property's character, whether that's ornate traditional styling or clean minimalist lines.

When your gate fits perfectly and matches your home's style, it doesn't just look better - it actually increases your property value. A well-designed custom gate creates that crucial first impression that tells visitors they're entering somewhere special. Find our custom entry gates to see how personalised design makes all the difference.
Choosing Your Material: Steel vs. Aluminium for Melbourne Homes
Living in Melbourne means your gate needs to handle everything from scorching summer days to winter downpours, sometimes all in the same afternoon! The material you choose for your made to measure metal gates makes a huge difference in how well they'll perform over the years.
Steel gates are the powerhouse option. They're incredibly strong and provide excellent security, perfect if you want that solid, reassuring presence at your entrance. When we use galvanised steel (where the steel gets a protective zinc coating), then add powder coating on top, you get a gate that's built to last decades. This combination gives you that classic wrought iron look without the constant maintenance headaches.
If you would like to dig into the science behind these finishes, see galvanising and powder coating.
Aluminium gates take a different approach. They're naturally rust-resistant, making them brilliant for Melbourne's unpredictable weather and especially good if you're near the coast where salt air can be tough on metals. Aluminium is lighter than steel but still surprisingly strong, and it requires very little maintenance to keep looking great.
Both materials work beautifully with Melbourne's climate when properly treated. The key is choosing quality materials and expert fabrication, something we've been perfecting for over a decade. Whether you go with steel for maximum strength or aluminium for lightweight durability, you'll get a gate that handles whatever Melbourne's weather throws at it.
Learn about our gates and metal fabrication process to find how we ensure your gate stands up to Australian conditions.
Designing Your Ideal Made to Measure Metal Gate: Style and Security
Designing your perfect made to measure metal gate is where creativity meets practicality. This is your chance to create something that's uniquely yours while ensuring your family's security.
The design possibilities are virtually endless. Laser-cut inserts can feature anything from neat botanical patterns to bold geometric designs. If privacy is important, we can incorporate privacy screens directly into the gate design. For a more open feel, we might suggest decorative panels that provide visual interest while maintaining sightlines.
Security doesn't mean sacrificing style. Modern security locks can be seamlessly integrated into beautiful designs. Keypad entry systems eliminate the need for keys while providing convenient access control. Intercoms let you screen visitors before opening the gate, and everything can be designed to complement rather than dominate your gate's appearance.
Whether you're drawn to intricate, ornate designs that echo classical architecture or prefer sleek, minimalist lines that suit contemporary homes, our skilled craftsmen can bring your vision to life. The goal is creating a gate that feels like it was always part of your property's original design.
Your gate should match your property's personality perfectly. A grand heritage home might call for elaborate scrollwork and traditional proportions, while a modern family home might suit clean lines with subtle decorative elements. Explore our automated gate systems to see how technology can improve both style and functionality.
The Customisation Process Explained: From Concept to Installation
Creating your made to measure metal gates follows a proven process that takes the stress out of what could be a complex project. As Jake, our Company Director, often says, "Great gates start with great communication."
It begins with our initial consultation where we listen to your ideas, understand your needs, and assess your property's unique requirements. We'll discuss everything from your style preferences to security needs, and identify any challenges like unusual terrain or specific access requirements.
Next comes precise site measurement. Our team visits your property to take detailed measurements and assess factors like ground conditions, existing structures, and the best approach for installation. This attention to detail ensures your gate will fit perfectly and function smoothly for years to come.
Design collaboration is where your vision becomes reality. We create detailed CAD drawings that let you visualise exactly how your gate will look. This collaborative approach means you can make adjustments before fabrication begins, ensuring the final result exceeds your expectations.
Our expert fabrication process combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques like precision welding and laser cutting. Every gate is built using premium materials and receives high-quality finishes that protect against Melbourne's changeable weather while looking stunning.
Finally, professional installation ensures everything comes together perfectly. Our experienced team handles every aspect, from site preparation to final adjustments, leaving you with a beautiful, secure, and smoothly operating entrance.
Making the Right Choice for Your Property
When you're ready to invest in a made to measure metal gate, the decisions you make will shape how your entrance looks, functions, and protects your property for years to come. Let's explore the key choices that will help you create the perfect entrance solution.
Swing vs. Sliding Gates: What's Best for Your Driveway?
Picture this: you're pulling into your driveway after a long day, and your gate glides open smoothly to welcome you home. Whether that gate swings neatly inward or slides gracefully to one side depends on your property's unique layout and your personal preferences.
Swinging gates bring that classic, welcoming charm we all recognise. They operate just like a traditional door, pivoting on hinges to create an entrance that feels both grand and familiar. You can choose a single panel for a streamlined look, or go with double panels that meet in the middle for a truly impressive entrance statement.
The beauty of swinging gates lies in their timeless appeal and typically lower installation costs. They're also more forgiving if your driveway has slight slopes or uneven terrain. However, they do need plenty of clearance space to swing open. If you've got a short driveway, steep upward slope, or beautiful garden beds flanking your entrance, a swinging gate might not be practical.
Sliding gates are the space-saving heroes of the gate world. Instead of swinging into your driveway or onto the footpath, they glide smoothly along your fence line. This makes them perfect for properties where space is at a premium or where obstacles would interfere with a swinging motion.
Beyond saving space, sliding gates often provide improved security since they're much harder to force open than swinging alternatives. The trade-off is that you need sufficient clear space along your fence line for the gate to slide into when open, and the track needs to stay free of leaves and debris.
For properties with really tight spaces, we offer some clever sliding solutions. Telescopic gates feature multiple panels that stack neatly behind each other, dramatically reducing the space needed for retraction. Bi-parting gates split the difference by having two panels that meet in the centre and slide in opposite directions. And for driveways with gravel, drainage issues, or uneven surfaces, cantilever gates eliminate the need for a ground track entirely by using a clever support system.

The right choice for your Melbourne home depends on your specific situation. During our consultation, we'll assess your driveway layout, available space, and aesthetic goals to recommend the perfect solution. Whether you're dreaming of a grand swinging entrance or a sleek sliding system, we'll help you find the ideal match.
Ready to explore your options? Check out our custom built metal gates to find the perfect style for your property.
The Value of Professional Craftsmanship for Made to Measure Metal Gates
Here's the thing about made to measure metal gates: they might look straightforward, but they're actually complex pieces of engineering that serve as your property's first line of defence. While you might tackle a weekend garden project yourself, custom metal gates demand the expertise that only comes from years of specialised experience.
At Make Fencing, our skilled artisans have spent over a decade perfecting their craft. We understand that metal is wonderfully malleable, allowing us to shape it into virtually any design you can imagine. But this flexibility requires precision welding, proper structural calculations, and specialised tools that most DIY enthusiasts simply don't have access to.
The hidden costs of DIY gate projects can be eye-watering. What starts as a money-saving exercise quickly escalates when you factor in tool rentals, multiple material runs, and the inevitable mistakes that come with learning on the job. Even worse, poor welding or inadequate structural support can lead to gates that sag, bind, or fail completely over time.
When security is on the line, there's no room for compromise. A poorly constructed gate essentially hangs out a welcome sign to intruders, completely defeating its primary purpose. Professional installation ensures your gate not only looks stunning but provides the robust security your family deserves.
Jake, our Company Director, personally oversees every project to ensure it meets our exacting standards. From the initial design consultation through to final installation, we're committed to delivering a gate that will serve your property beautifully for decades to come. Our handcrafted gates use premium materials, precision welding techniques, and durable powder coat finishes that stand up to Melbourne's changeable weather.
Yes, professional installation of made to measure metal gates represents a more significant upfront investment than basic off-the-shelf options. While general fence installation in Melbourne ranges from $70 to $200 per linear metre, custom metal gates involve complex design, fabrication, and installation processes.
However, when you consider the improved security, superior aesthetics, increased property value, and decades of trouble-free performance, it's an investment that pays dividends year after year.
You won't lose sleep worrying about repairs, rust, or regret when you choose professional craftsmanship. Instead, you'll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your entrance is built to last.
Ready to create your perfect entrance? Contact us for a quote! We MAKE Fencing Solutions To Your Satisfaction.




