Everyone wants to know which is better for their driveway: a single or double swing gate. The answer completely depends on your situation.
The ideal gate configuration is determined after considering many factors including physical restrictions, aesthetics and budget. We have a comprehensive checklist you can download as you are designing your driveway gate, but the following is a good place to start.
Single Swing Gate:
• You only need one automatic opener, so it costs less.
• They require half the hardware (hinges, bolts, hinge posts, etc) compared to a double gate.
• You need more swing distance behind the gate. A 12ft single gate needs 12ft of space behind the gate to swing freely whereas a 12ft double gate would need only 6ft.
• You need a heavier duty post to hang the gate off of since all the weight is on one post.
• We recommend 14ft for the max width for a single swing gate.
Double Swing Gate:
• You need less swing distance behind the gate. A 12ft double gate would need only 6ft whereas a single gate would need all 12ft.
• Double gates can accommodate wider driveway openings than a single.
• These are the traditional look and have a more ‘elegant’ appearance when opening from center.
• Double gates require more hardware (hinges, bolts, hinge posts, etc).
• If automating the gates, it will be more expensive since you will need an opener motor for each leaf.
Slide Gate:
In most cases, residential customers choose swing gates. But, swing gates aren’t always possible. Here are 2 situations where that happens:
1. There isn’t room for the swing gate to open. Slide gates are for very tight/compact spaces where swinging isn’t possible.
2. There’s a huge upward slope going into your driveway. You could still install a swing gate in this case, but it would have to open toward your car as you enter your driveway if you do. If you’re afraid your visitors will misjudge the distance your swing gates open and that they might accidentally hit them, a slide gate would be better.
Curving vs. Straight Driveways:
If the approach to your entry is a straight shot you can use a smaller gate such as a 12′ single if it clears your driveway; if the approach is at an angle or if it curves sharply, consider using a wider bi-parting gate.
Upward Sloping Driveways:
What do you do if your driveway slopes upwards and you don’t have room to slide the gate? Check out this article for some options on that challenge. Hint – you can swing them the OTHER WAY!
More Questions?
We have more resources with more details to help. Check out this checklist to get started.
Many of our clients already have a ranch gate they want to automate. Do you know the biggest problem with automating a ranch gate? Read this article so you don’t make that mistake!
Its a very nice website. Thanks for giving full information about Sliding Gate.
Thanks for checking us out!
I am wanting to use one gate operator to open two 5’x8’ swing gate They weigh about 400 pounds each. Is that possible?
If you have two 5’x8′ leaves where both sides need to automatically open/close, you will need a dual gate operating system.
Hello can you tell me if it’s possible when doing a dual gate, can I have one side open interior towards the house and the other side open exterior away from the house but close together in the middle? Based on our curved entrance I am concerned it would be a problem with our travel trailer.
Thanks for your input.
Interesting question. Yes … this can be done. Thanks for checking in with us!
Thank you for explaining how double swing gates are good if your for driveway openings that are especially spacious. My wife and I are interested in buying an apartment building that we can rent out over the summer, but we want to make sure that our tenants’ cars are protected by a gate at night. We’ll consider finding a gate that will keep our property secure.
Great. I’m glad this was helpful! Wish you the best.
We live in Alaska. Do you suggest a single or dual cantilever slide gate. How low to the ground can we go? We have dogs (one only 25 pounds) and want to keep out critters, like porcupines. Thanks
You can configure about 2″ above ground to keep dogs in and porcupines out. Single vs dual depends on width and what you want to spend. Contact a local gate installer to discuss what your operator options are. At some point in width, it may make more sense to go to a double. But, it is going to depend on what you have access to as far as operators there. Hope that helps a little. Thanks for reaching out to us!
Thank you for explaining how double gates will provide you with a larger opening when compared to single gates. My brother recently purchased an RV so that he could go on fishing trips with his two sons during the summer, but he would like to be able to easily enter and exit his property with it so that he can purchase fuel when necessary. I think a quality gate would allow him to safely store his RV while still allowing him to use it without any problems.
Sounds like a great plan to me! I think I originally misunderstood your comment. I think a quality gate is a great idea.
I like that you said a double swing gate would look more elegant since they open from the center. My best friend and I are thinking of having a resort made soon. If we ever continue with this business venture, I’ll definitely make sure our resort has a double swing gate to welcome our guests. Thanks for this.
Sounds great! Very cool. You should send us pictures if/when you proceed. Thanks for reaching out to us!
Thank you for this write up. I appreciated the write up and think I’ll go with a double swing gate. This slide gates are awesome if you have the space along the fence, I wish I did. I’m getting a local builder (www.vigates.com) to build the gate, do you recommend any installers in Canada?
Thanks for reading! I don’t have any knowledge of installers in Canada. Maybe your local builder will know someone. Best to you!
hi. how about a 3.6m wide gate, should I use 1 or 2-door gate?
Thank you!
Very generally, we start suggesting a double swing gate vs a single swing gate around 14’W. But, that depends on the gate design, driveway configuration, wind load in area, etc. Thanks for commenting on our article!
Thank you for this! What size post would support a 12’ wooden board in board gate?
I’m not sure I understand your question, but most of our posts are 4×4 or 6×6.