The short answer
New swing gates supplied and fitted typically cost £3,000–£7,000, while sliding gates typically cost £4,000–£9,000 because the larger leaf, track or cantilever system and ground works add cost. But the choice is usually driven by your driveway, not your budget: swing gates need level ground and space to open, sliding gates suit slopes and shallow driveways. See the full cost guide for the overall picture and the swing vs sliding guide for how to choose.
When people ask which type of electric gate is cheaper, the honest answer is “it depends on your driveway”. On paper, swing gates tend to come in slightly lower than sliding gates of the same material and size, mainly because sliding gates need a track or cantilever beam and the associated ground works. But a sloped or short driveway may rule swing gates out entirely, in which case the comparison is moot. This guide breaks the two costs down side by side so you can see where the money goes and what would change the figures for your property.
Cost by type at a glance
- Swing gates, supplied & fitted £3,000–£7,000
- Sliding gates, supplied & fitted £4,000–£9,000
- Underground swing motors (pair) £500–£1,200
- Ram / articulated arm motors (pair) £400–£1,000
- Sliding gate track + motor £700–£1,800
- Cantilever sliding (no ground track) premium over tracked
Swing gate costs explained
Swing gates are the most common residential choice where the driveway is level and there is room for the leaves to open. They use either underground motors — buried at the gate hinge for a clean, hidden look — or articulated ram arms mounted on the pillars. Underground motors cost more (£500–£1,200 for a pair) and need a drained pit, while ram arms are a little cheaper (£400–£1,000) and easier to retrofit. Add the gate leaves, control board, safety devices and power, and a supplied-and-fitted pair of swing gates typically lands at £3,000–£7,000. Heavier materials such as hardwood timber or wrought iron push toward the top of that range because they need stronger motors and foundations. Our materials comparison covers how the gate leaf material changes the figure.
Sliding gate costs explained
Sliding gates park along a fence or wall line rather than swinging open, which makes them ideal for sloped driveways (where a swing leaf would catch the rising ground) and for shallow driveways too short for leaves to open. There are two main types: tracked sliding gates run on a ground rail, while cantilever sliding gates are counterbalanced and need no ground track — cleaner but more expensive. The motor and track or cantilever system typically add £700–£1,800 over the gate leaf itself, and the ground works (foundations, drainage, a level run) add labour. A supplied-and-fitted sliding gate therefore typically costs £4,000–£9,000, with cantilever installations and longer runs at the upper end.
| Factor | Swing gates | Sliding gates |
|---|---|---|
| Typical supplied & fitted | £3,000–£7,000 | £4,000–£9,000 |
| Best for | Level driveways with space to open | Slopes & shallow driveways |
| Motor type | Underground or ram arm | Track or cantilever |
| Ground works | Lower | Higher (track / foundations) |
| Space needed | Room to open leaves | Run alongside boundary |
Why your driveway decides the cost
The cheapest gate is the one that suits your driveway without expensive ground works. If your driveway is level with plenty of room, swing gates are usually the lower-cost choice. If it slopes up from the road, swing leaves would jam against the rising ground, so sliding gates become the sensible — and sometimes only — option, even though they cost a little more. A shallow driveway where opening leaves would block parked cars or the pavement also points to sliding. This is why two quotes for the same house can differ: a good installer recommends the type that works for your site, not the cheapest type in isolation. Our swing vs sliding guide explains how to read your own driveway.
What both types share
Whichever type you choose, several costs are common to both: the control board and receiver, the power supply connection, the access control you select, and the legally required safety devices. Automated gates are classed as machinery under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008, so both swing and sliding installations must include photocells, safety edges where needed, correct geometry and force testing — these are not a place to save money. Our safety regulations guide explains what must be included, and the access control guide covers the entry options that add to either type.
Compare electric gate quotes
Swing and sliding gate prices vary with your driveway and specification. Use our service to get matched with an automated gate installer who will survey your site and quote the right type.
Frequently asked questions
Are swing gates cheaper than sliding gates?
On a like-for-like basis swing gates are often a little cheaper, typically £3,000–£7,000 supplied and fitted versus £4,000–£9,000 for sliding gates, because sliding gates need a track or cantilever system and more ground works. But if your driveway is sloped or shallow, sliding gates may be the only practical option regardless of price.
What makes sliding gates more expensive?
Sliding gates have a larger single leaf and need either a ground track or a counterbalanced cantilever system, plus foundations and a level run alongside the boundary. The track or cantilever and motor typically add £700–£1,800 over the gate leaf, and the ground works add labour.
Which gate type is cheaper to run and maintain?
Running costs are similar and low for both — a few pounds of electricity a year. Maintenance is also broadly comparable; both should be serviced annually. Tracked sliding gates can need the track kept clear of debris, while swing gate hinges and rams need periodic checking. See our running and maintenance cost guide.
Can I fit either type on my driveway?
Only if your driveway is level and has room for swing leaves to open clear of cars and the pavement. On a slope or a shallow driveway, sliding gates are usually the sensible choice. A good installer will survey your site and recommend the type that suits it rather than the cheapest in isolation.
Sources & further reading
- DHF (Door & Hardware Federation) — powered gate types and installer guidance
- Gate Safe — automated gate safety awareness and installer training
- GOV.UK / HSE — Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008
- BS EN 12453 / BS EN 13241 — safety in use of power-operated gates
This is general information, not advice for your specific property or installation. Costs vary with your driveway, gate specification and chosen installer. Automated gate work should be carried out by a competent installer who can demonstrate compliance with the safety regulations.