A new electric gate needs to look right, but appearance is only one part of the decision.
Driveway layout, available space, ground levels, privacy, vehicle movement, access control and automation all influence which system will work best.
Whether you already know exactly what you want or are still exploring the options, our team can help you choose a gate that suits both your property and the way you use it.
For automated gates, the structural frame is typically fabricated from steel to provide the strength, rigidity and long-term reliability needed for daily electric operation.
The part you are mainly choosing is the infill material fitted within that structural frame to create the look, privacy and finish you want.
For a more traditional or architectural entrance, the gate can remain predominantly metal rather than using solid infill panels. This may include vertical metal bars, decorative steelwork, scrolls, rails or other bespoke fabricated details.
Best for:
Traditional entrances, larger estates and homeowners who want a bespoke design without full screening.
Composite boards provide a timber-style appearance with less maintenance than natural wood.
Best for:
Homeowners who want the warmth of a timber-style gate without the same level of upkeep.
Aluminium is one of the most popular choices for modern automated gates because it is relatively lightweight, durable and low-maintenance.
Best for:
Homeowners wanting a modern, low-maintenance gate with strong privacy options.
Timber provides a warmer, more traditional appearance while the metal frame underneath provides the structural strength required for automation.
Best for:
Traditional homes, estates and properties where a natural finish is important.
Every CM's gate is bespoke. The examples below are a starting point rather than a fixed catalogue.
You can bring us a sketch, an architect’s drawing, a photo of another gate you like or simply an idea of the style you want. Our team will develop it into a gate that suits your entrance, structure and automation requirements.
Before fabrication, we provide a final technical drawing and visual mock-up so you can review the shape, proportions, infill and overall appearance of the gate before it is made.
Imagine arriving home to a well lit entrance that looks great, feels safer, and works effortlessly with your gate.
With our integrated lighting, everything is installed at the same time as your gate. There is no need to bring in another electrician, no extra disruption, and no complicated setup.
Your driveway lights and gate work together, all controlled from one simple app.
It is a smarter, cleaner, and more convenient way to complete your entrance.
Low voltage lighting installed as part of your gate project means no extra contractors, less disruption, and a safer setup.
The best gate type depends on your driveway layout, gradient, entrance width, side space and how you want the gate to operate.
Swing gates suit many traditional driveways, sliding and cantilever gates work well where opening space is restricted, and bi-fold gates can be useful for tighter entrances.
You do not need to decide this before contacting us. We can assess the entrance and recommend the most suitable option.
Yes. You can send us a sketch, architect's drawing, photograph or an example of another gate you like.
Our team can then develop the idea into a bespoke gate that suits your entrance, structure, automation and preferred style.
Neither is automatically better. Swing gates are often ideal where there is enough clear driveway space, while sliding gates can work particularly well on wider entrances, restricted driveways or certain sloping sites.
The best option depends on the layout of the property and how the entrance is used.
Gate weight matters because the hinges, rollers, foundations and motor all need to be sized correctly for the finished gate.
A heavier gate is not necessarily a problem if it is designed properly, but the frame, infill, automation and wind exposure should be considered together from the beginning rather than choosing a gate first and adding a motor afterwards.
Yes, but the gradient can affect which gate type is most suitable.
Swing gates can be restricted by steep rises behind the entrance, while sliding or cantilever gates may work better in some situations. We assess the levels, available space and vehicle movement before recommending the system.
Wind can place significant loads on large gates, especially solid or full-privacy designs.
In exposed locations, we consider the gate size, infill, structure, hinges, automation and surrounding environment so the system is designed to cope with the conditions rather than simply fitting a larger motor.
That depends on the type of gate.
Swing gates need enough clear space for the leaves to open, while sliding and cantilever gates need sufficient run-back space alongside the entrance.
We measure the opening, driveway depth, side space and vehicle movement during the design process.
Potentially, yes, but full-privacy gates catch considerably more wind than open designs.
For exposed sites, the gate structure, infill, foundations, hinges and automation all need to be designed around the additional wind loading.
Sometimes a semi-private design may provide a better balance between privacy and long-term reliability.
In many cases, yes. We first assess the gate structure, hinges, movement, alignment and overall condition to make sure it is suitable for automation.
If the existing gate is not structurally suitable or cannot be automated safely, we will explain the alternatives.
A properly designed electric gate should include appropriate safety measures based on how the entrance is used. We consider potential crushing, trapping and impact areas and specify suitable safety devices to reduce risk around vehicles, pedestrians, children and pets.
Regular servicing is also important to make sure those safety systems continue to operate correctly.
Yes. For bespoke gates, we can provide a final technical drawing and visual representation of the proposed design before fabrication.
This allows you to review the proportions, shape, infill and overall appearance before the gate is manufactured.
The exact safety setup depends on the gate and entrance. Typical measures can include safety edges, photocells, obstacle detection, force limitation, protected operating zones and warning devices.
The system should be designed around the actual risks at the property rather than using the same safety arrangement for every gate.
Yes. Annual regular servicing helps maintain the mechanical components, automation and safety equipment and can identify wear or developing faults before they turn into breakdowns.
The recommended frequency depends on how often the gate is used and the system installed.
CM GATES & BARRIERS LTD is registered as a limited company in Scotland under company number SC591844
Registered Address: 4 Polbeth Industrial Estate, Polbeth, West Calder, Scotland, EH55 8TJ