Entrance Gate for Your Driveway: Materials & Costs
By Hovenier Hoofddorp · Updated July 31, 2026
An ornamental or entrance gate is often the first thing visitors see at a villa with a driveway — and at the same time a functional part of the boundary. Choices range from a simple manual gate to a fully automated electric entrance gate with an intercom. Prices range from €1,500 for a simple gate to €20,000+ for a premium, automated gate.
What materials are available for an entrance gate?
| Material | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Wrought iron | Classic, ornamental look, very durable; needs periodic maintenance against rust. |
| Aluminium | Rust-free and low-maintenance, lighter and therefore better suited to electric operation; sleek or classic styling possible. |
| Timber | Warm, rural look, matches a timber fence well; needs regular upkeep. |
| Steel (powder-coated) | Robust and modern, wide colour choice; heavier, needs a solid foundation for the gate posts. |
For a villa garden we prefer to match the gate material with the boundary treatment and the driveway paving, so the entrance reads as one coherent whole.
Manual or electric entrance gate?
- Manual gate: the simplest and cheapest option, suited to driveways where getting out to open it is not a hassle.
- Electric sliding gate: ideal for a long driveway or limited space to swing a gate open; needs a straight track along the drive.
- Electric swing gate: a classic look with automation, but needs enough clearance to swing.
- Control: remote control, number-plate recognition, an intercom with camera, or an app connection — we coordinate the motor and electrical connection with a licensed gate installer, while keeping overall management of the whole entrance design.
What Dutch rules apply to an entrance gate?
The same height rules apply as for a boundary fence: permit-free up to 2 metres in the back garden area, a maximum of 1 metre at the front-facade line (so usually also for a gate directly on the street). See our Dutch fence rules guide for the full rules, including the corner-plot exception. We check the rules for your specific address before the design is finalised.
What does an entrance gate cost in 2026?
| Type | Guide price 2026 |
|---|---|
| Simple manual gate | €1,500 – €4,000 |
| Wrought-iron ornamental gate (manual) | €4,000 – €10,000 |
| Electric sliding or swing gate with automation | €8,000 – €20,000+ |
The biggest cost differences come from the drive mechanism, the driveway length (for a sliding gate) and extras such as number-plate recognition or an intercom camera system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for an electric entrance gate?
Usually not, as long as the gate stays within the height rules for boundary structures: 2 metres in the back garden area, 1 metre at the front-facade line. A taller or more prominent gate, or one on a protected townscape, may require a permit. We check this in advance for your address.
What is the difference between a sliding gate and a swing gate?
A sliding gate moves along a track parallel to the boundary and needs no extra swing clearance — ideal for a long, narrow driveway. A swing gate opens like a door and often looks more classic, but needs sufficient clear space on both sides.
Can you handle the electrical connection for the gate?
We coordinate the complete entrance project — gate, foundation and driveway paving — and work with a licensed gate installer for the motor and electrical connection. That gives you one point of contact for the whole project.
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