Driveway gates — also referred to as double-leaf gates, swing gates, entrance gates or vehicle access gates — are the primary vehicle entry point in panel fence systems, providing controlled access for cars, trucks, delivery vehicles, agricultural equipment and emergency services. Where a pedestrian wicket handles daily foot traffic, the double-leaf driveway gate handles the heavier, less frequent vehicle movements that require wide clear openings. ULAMEX supplies hot-dip galvanized driveway gates manufactured from 60×40 mm rectangular tube frames with welded mesh infill matching the 3D fence panel design, available in opening widths of 3,000, 4,000 and 5,000 mm and heights matched to all standard fence panel heights.
Construction and Frame Design
Every ULAMEX double-leaf gate is constructed from a welded frame of 60×40 mm rectangular tube in structural steel S235JR, hot-dip galvanized after fabrication per DIN EN ISO 1461. The heavier frame profile compared to the wicket gate (which uses 40×40 mm) is essential to handle the significantly greater leaf width, wind load and operational forces that a driveway gate experiences. For gates wider than 4,000 mm or in high-wind-load environments, 80×60 mm frame tube is available as an upgrade option for enhanced rigidity.
The frame is infilled with welded mesh matching the 3D fence panel specification: mesh opening 50×200 mm, wire diameter 4 mm (standard) or 5 mm (heavy duty), with V-bend reinforcements that reproduce the visual profile of the adjacent 3D fence panels. When both gate leaves are closed, the gate presents an unbroken continuation of the fence line — the visual integration between gate, panels and posts creates a professional, high-quality perimeter appearance.
Each gate leaf is internally reinforced with diagonal bracing (visible or concealed within the frame) to prevent sagging over time. Gate sag — the gradual drooping of the free (latch) end of the leaf due to its own weight — is the most common long-term issue with double-leaf gates, and ULAMEX addresses this through:
- Diagonal brace members welded inside the frame tube structure
- Adjustable hinge systems that allow vertical realignment if any settlement occurs
- Properly specified gate posts with sufficient cross-section and embedment depth to resist the cantilever bending moment of the gate leaf
Standard Dimensions and Opening Widths
ULAMEX driveway gates are manufactured in three standard opening widths, measured as the total clear opening between gate posts when both leaves are fully open:
- 3,000 mm (3 m) — suitable for standard passenger vehicle access, residential driveways and light commercial entrances. Each leaf is approximately 1,500 mm wide. This is the minimum recommended width for comfortable car access with turning clearance.
- 4,000 mm (4 m) — the most popular width for commercial and agricultural properties, accommodating delivery vans, tractors and small trucks. Each leaf is approximately 2,000 mm wide. This width provides comfortable clearance for vehicles with mirrors folded and allows two-way pedestrian passage when one leaf is open.
- 5,000 mm (5 m) — the heavy-duty width for industrial and logistics sites, accommodating full-size trucks, articulated vehicles and wide agricultural equipment. Each leaf is approximately 2,500 mm wide. For openings wider than 5,000 mm, sliding gate solutions are recommended as swing clearance becomes impractical.
Gate heights are matched to the adjacent fence panel height to maintain a flush top line:
- Panel height 1,030 mm → gate height 1,030 mm
- Panel height 1,530 mm → gate height 1,530 mm
- Panel height 1,730 mm → gate height 1,730 mm
- Panel height 2,030 mm → gate height 2,030 mm
- Panel height 2,430 mm → gate height 2,430 mm
Non-standard widths between 2,500 mm and 6,000 mm are available on request. For openings wider than 5,000 mm, ULAMEX recommends consulting our technical team to determine whether a double-leaf swing gate or a sliding gate solution is more appropriate for the site conditions.
Hardware, Locks and Ground Bolts
Each ULAMEX galvanized driveway gate is supplied complete with the following hardware package:
- Heavy-duty adjustable hinges — each gate leaf is hung on two or three hinges (depending on gate height and width), designed to support the full leaf weight plus dynamic forces from wind loading and operational use. The hinges allow vertical, horizontal and rotational adjustment to compensate for post settlement, ground movement and installation tolerances. Hinge capacity is rated for the specific gate size to prevent premature wear and ensure smooth operation over the gate’s full service life.
- Integrated lock mechanism — a key-operated mortise lock or surface-mounted lock that secures both leaves together at the meeting point. The lock engages into a receiver on the passive leaf, holding both leaves firmly closed. For high-security applications, multi-point locking systems are available on request.
- Ground bolts (drop bolts) — the passive leaf (the leaf that is opened second and closed first) is secured to the ground with a drop bolt that engages into a ground socket. This prevents the passive leaf from swinging in the wind when the active leaf is being opened and provides a rigid reference point for the lock mechanism. The ground socket is installed flush with the driveway surface and supplied with a protective cap for periods when the bolt is not engaged.
- Gate stops — rubber or steel stop mechanisms that prevent the leaves from swinging beyond their designed operating arc (typically 90° or 180°), protecting the hinges and adjacent fence components from overextension damage.
- Post caps — weather caps for the gate posts to prevent water ingress and internal corrosion.
All hardware is galvanized or zinc-plated to match the corrosion resistance standard of the gate and fence system. For automated gate operation, the hinge geometry and post specification are compatible with standard electric gate opener systems (linear arm or articulated arm type) — the automation equipment is sourced and installed by a specialist gate automation contractor.
Surface Finish and Corrosion Protection
Driveway gates are available in two standard surface finishes:
- Hot-dip galvanized (HDG) — zinc coating thickness 45–85 micrometres per DIN EN ISO 1461, providing 30–50+ years of maintenance-free corrosion protection in typical outdoor environments (corrosivity category C2–C3 per EN ISO 9223).
- Galvanized + RAL powder coat — duplex system with zinc base coat plus polyester powder coating in RAL 7016 (anthracite grey), RAL 6005 (moss green) or other RAL colours on request. The duplex system provides enhanced corrosion protection and colour aesthetics, with a typical organic coating life of 15–25+ years.
For a professional fence installation, the gate finish should match the adjacent panels, posts and wickets. ULAMEX coordinates finish matching across all system components when ordered together.
Applications of Double-Leaf Driveway Gates
Galvanized driveway gates are specified wherever vehicle access through a panel fence system is required. Typical installations include:
- Industrial and logistics site entrances — wide vehicle access for trucks, forklifts and delivery vehicles, typically combined with a separate pedestrian wicket and security booth.
- Commercial property entrances — professional-appearance entry gates for office parks, retail sites, car dealerships and hospitality venues.
- Residential driveway entrances — secure vehicle access for private properties, housing estates and gated communities. The galvanized + RAL finish provides colour coordination with the property architecture.
- Agricultural and equestrian properties — wide gates for tractors, trailers, combine harvesters and livestock transport vehicles. The robust galvanized construction withstands the demanding conditions of agricultural environments.
- Solar farm and infrastructure perimeters — maintenance vehicle access gates at intervals along the fence perimeter, allowing service vehicles to access the site interior.
- Construction site entrances — temporary or permanent vehicle gates for site access, deliveries and plant movements.
Gate Post Specification
The performance and longevity of any double-leaf gate depends critically on the gate posts. ULAMEX recommends dedicated gate posts with a minimum cross-section of 100×100 mm (or 120×120 mm for gates wider than 4,000 mm) with 2.5–3.0 mm wall thickness. Gate posts must be set in concrete foundations with a minimum depth of 600–800 mm (depending on soil conditions and gate size), using concrete grade C20/25 or higher. The foundation should cure for at least 48 hours before the gate leaves are hung.
Ordering Driveway Gates
When requesting a quotation for galvanized driveway gates, please provide:
- Required clear opening width (3,000 / 4,000 / 5,000 mm or custom)
- Gate height (to match adjacent panel height)
- Surface finish (HDG or HDG + RAL colour code)
- Lock type (standard mortise lock or upgraded multi-point)
- Automation preparation (if electric opener will be fitted)
Combine driveway gates with 3D fence panels, fence posts, clamps and pedestrian wickets for a complete perimeter fence system from a single supplier. ULAMEX delivers all components with consistent galvanized quality and matched RAL finishes across the entire installation.
Request a quote for galvanized driveway gates — from single residential gates to multi-gate industrial fence installations, we supply across Europe with wholesale pricing and full technical support.