
When choosing between different types of gates, deciding between electric and manual options is more than a matter of convenience; it is about accessibility and security. For those with mobility or disability challenges, families with young children or residents in areas where safety is an issue, the right choice can transform your garden into a sanctuary.
In this guide, we will explore how electric and manual gates compare and provide some exciting garden gate ideas.
Overview of garden gates
UK garden gates have an interesting history, evolving from simple wooden structures to keep livestock in and people out, to ornate wrought iron and modern automated gates and fencing we see today. Traditional gates, which were common in earlier times, might look out of place in front of a modern house, emphasising the significance of matching the gate style with the overall property ambiance. The earliest known garden in Britain dates back to Roman times but it was during the Victorian era that garden gates and gated boundaries became a status symbol that reflected the taste of the homeowner or landlord.
Today gates serve several functions:
- Control access - from the road
- Mark an entrance - they mark the entry to your property
- Privacy – provide privacy and seclusion that homeowners need
- Security - Enhance all aspects of security
Gates and fences are available in various types with unique features and benefits. There are traditional swing gates, with hinges on one side, opening like a door or sliding gates, which move horizontally for a fantastic space-saving solution and automatic gates offer convenience and enhanced security, often remotely.
Garden gates are an essential aspect of a property’s make-up. They reflect your style and the architectural integrity of your home while fulfilling your practical needs.
Definitions for manual gates and electric gates
Wooden gates in gardens are a charming and functional feature of British homes, here is a definition for both manual and electric types of garden gates:
Manual gates definition


Manual gates are a traditional choice when choosing garden gates. They are operated by hand and range from rustic wooden garden gate designs to ornate ironwork. Manual gates are cost-effective and straightforward, easy to operate, and offer reliability without the need for a power source. Double swing gates are another type of manual gate, ideal for properties with wider entrances.
Electric gates definition


Electric gates represent modern convenience, opening and closing at the touch of a button on your remote or swipe of a card in more commercial circumstances. They also provide enhanced security features, such as intercom systems and automatic locking mechanisms, for those who require maximum efficiency when choosing garden gates. Bi fold gates are another type of electric gate, known for their compact design and quick opening mechanism.
Table comparing manual gates vs electric gates
Below we analyse fifteen different features to expect from garden gates and compare the ability of manual gates vs electric gates to deliver these features:
Feature | Manual gates | Electric gates |
Cost-effectiveness | ✅ | |
Lower maintenance | ✅ | |
Aesthetic value | ✅ | ✅ |
Ease of use | ✅ | ✅ |
Enhanced security | ✅ | |
Durability | ✅ | ✅ |
Energy efficiency | ✅ | |
Customisation options | ✅ | ✅ |
Automation features | ✅ | |
Ease of Installation | ✅ | |
Safety of use | ✅ | |
Remote access | ✅ | |
Speed of operation | ✅ | ✅ |
Integration in a smart home | ✅ | |
Manual override options | ✅ |
1) Cost-effectiveness
There is little doubt that manual gates are more cost-effective initially than their automatic counterpart but over the long-term electric gates may prove cost-effective in ways you would not expect. For instance, electric gates will act as an intruder deterrent and if you combine their effectiveness with a robust material like metal or composite then the initial cost is cancelled out over time.


2) Maintenance
Electric gates that have covered automated systems are generally considered low maintenance as the parts are protected from the elements. Electric gates at the upper end of the scale are usually supplied with service agreements that activate if you have problems. Manual gates require maintenance, but it is much more low-level and cheaper if you DIY it!
3) Aesthetic value
Aesthetic appeal is generally top of the list when choosing garden gates. Manual and automated gates have positives and negatives in the aesthetic appeal stakes. It is a case of taste, what you prefer and what you consider will enhance the appeal of your home and outdoor space. We have a selection of garden and side gates that will blend seamlessly into your landscape and will match other garden buildings.
4) Ease of use
This is a big consideration, both electric and manual gates are easy to use in different ways. Depending on your needs, a manual garden gate might prove easier to use than an electric garden gate because there is no messing around with electrics and control pads. If you prefer the modern technical option, an electric garden gate is the way forward, and easy to use, just wave your remote, and you are in!
5) Enhanced security
When enhanced security is high on your agenda, electric gates provide automation that will put off an intruder. Automated gates offer an additional layer of security, choosing electric garden gates can tick all the boxes by providing a quick-to-open and close and secure barrier even when you are not at home. If you like the manual option, you can add a trellis to provide added height and some instability that the police say thieves find off-putting. Estate gates, available in metal, timber, and aluminium designs, are also a high-security option that ensures extra privacy and is difficult to scale or climb over.
6) Durability
Durability is a hallmark of both manual and electric gates. Metal electric gates and pressure or dip treated wooden gates are made from robust materials designed to withstand the elements we are presented with in the UK, and both serve as long-term investments for your home offering durability for your points of entry.


7) Energy efficiency
Manual gates are the obvious choice for energy efficiency, but these days, modern electric gates are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Some automated gates use minimal power and can be connected to a renewable power source such as solar power, which is useful if you live off the grid or just want to be careful with your energy consumption.
8) Customisation options
The customisation options for manual and electric gates are extensive. From the choice of material to bespoke design features and operational extras. You can customise your garden gate to suit your needs and preferences. Gates can be designed to blend in with your garden fence panels or garden sheds, if your budget allows, the design options are infinite.


9) Automation features
Automation only applies to electric gates unless you are going to pay someone to open and close your manual garden gate for you. Automating electric gates can be as simple as adding an electric kit or choosing an automation company to install a security system for you. Automation features can be as complicated as installing a remote option such as a smartphone-controlled push button for your gates or garage door or as simple as a button inside the boundary that closes the gate when you have your hands full.
10) Ease of installation
Manual gates are less complicated to install than electric gates (although some electric kits are easy to use and comparatively inexpensive). They do not require a power source or complex machinery, making the installation process quicker and less expensive. However, if you are set on an automated gate, they are easy to install if you know how. If you do not know how, it is always safer (and cheaper overall) to seek professional advice.
11) Safety of use
Both manual and electric gates are safe in their own way. Electric gates are designed with safety features that make them ideal for adults with mobility or disability issues. Sensors and auto-reverse features prevent accidents and aid safe operation. Small children will get their fingers caught no matter how hard you try to protect them. A manual garden gate is less likely to scare them though if they do insist on pushing their fingers into small holes.
12) Remote access
This is only available with high-end electric gates. The ability to open your garden gate on approach is a classy touch. Remote access keeps you out of the elements, meaning your hair and shoes stay looking perfect for longer.
13) Speed of operation
Manual gates offer just as speedy access as electric gates, especially if your hands and arms are without problems. However, electric gates have the upper hand on the speed of operation, especially if you have remote access and can open the gate remotely moments before you reach the house. Electric gates open and close much faster than manual gates, which is especially useful for driveway gates that open into high-traffic situations like main roads or busy urban areas. Standard sliding gates, however, tend to operate at a slower speed compared to other gate types.
14) Integration in a smart home
If you are a techie, then choosing an electric gate will be on your must-have list. If you already have a smart home, electric gates offer smooth integration into your futuristic set-up. Think of it this way: You can open your gate, turn on your lights, ramp up the heating, and turn on your dinner all from the comfort of the fast train home by activating an app. That sounds great until the Wi-Fi is down, or the power is down!


15) Manual override options
Both manual and electronic gates come with a manual override option. Override options are as basic as ensuring your manual gates work by maintaining the hinges and handles or ensuring the electrical garden gate can be opened or closed during power outages or technical issues by installing a manual override option. Sometimes manual options seem like the easiest way forward but whatever way you choose to open your garden gate has to be the best choice.
Factors to consider when choosing different gate types
When choosing garden gates, many factors come into play to make sure your choice not only enhances the beauty of your landscaping in your garden or outside space but also serves its functional requirements effectively. Let us look at the factors in detail:
Size and layout of your garden
The size and layout of your outdoor space is an important factor in choosing the types of garden gates that will work best in your home. A large garden would benefit from a grand entrance, while a cosy patio or city garden would profit from a more modest or lowkey garden gate like a contemporary lap gate. Consider the proportion of the gate to the garden’s size and consider the ease with which your garden gate can be integrated into the local landscape. For larger gardens, a double gate is a suitable option, offering the flexibility to open both sides or just one side at a time.
Privacy and security needs
Your desire for privacy and security will influence your choice of garden gates. If seclusion is a priority, a tall, solid gate is a great choice. For heightened security, electric gates with advanced features like automation, keypads, and intercoms could answer your problem. Cantilever gates are also a secure option for wider openings.
Budget constraints
Budget is a key consideration for most people. Manual gates are typically less expensive upfront, but remember to factor in the long-term costs, such as maintenance and potential upgrades, when choosing your front or side gate. Electric gates, while initially more costly, may offer value over time due to their durability and low maintenance needs. Pedestrian gates are also a cost-effective option, easy to install, and available in various styles.


Local climate and durability
The climate or weather conditions where your garden is situated will directly impact your gate’s material and the way it operates. In harsh or extreme weather conditions, robust materials like composite, dip-treated or pressure-treated wood can better withstand the elements. While there may not be many areas in the UK that get extreme heat, climate change means that electric gates and their working components must be safeguarded against high temperatures to aid their continued efficiency. Additionally, driveway entrance gates, whether swing or sliding, should be durable enough to handle various weather conditions.
Do Buy Fencing Direct sell electric gates?
Our gates are manufactured by leading UK manufacturers, Forest Garden and Readymade Gates. None of our range are supplied as electric gates. It is more typical for driveway gates to be electronic than garden gates. Irrespective, if you wish to add electric functionality to manual gates you can buy kits, which convert your gate from manual to electric.
Final thoughts about different types of garden gates
By weighing up the factors noted above, you can choose the gate types that complement your home and stand the test of time (and weather), providing the perfect balance between looks, functionality, and durability. Whether you choose the traditional charm of a manual garden gate or go with the modern convenience offered by an electric gate, your choice should reflect your personal style, and practical needs and stay within budget to qualify as the formula for the perfect purchase.
Contact us
We want to discuss electric vs. manual gates with you and provide all the information you need to make the right decisions about different gate types. Buy Fencing Direct has many garden gate options made from sustainable materials, as well as useful accessories and fixings to automate your manual gate. Choose our eco-logical wooden gates, metal gates, and side gates for a combination of durability and style.
Do you want to chat about our gates range? Why not call us at 0333 003 0515? Alternatively, you can email us through our contact page. Real-time conversations are available when you click the pop-up at the bottom left corner of any page.