Gate Installation Houston: Driveway, Iron & Automatic Gates From 16 Local Installers

Planning a new driveway gate, a wrought iron walk gate or an automatic gate with a keypad? This guide covers gate installation in Houston: which local companies build and install gates, what a new gate costs in 2026, how to choose between slide and swing, which opener and safety features to ask for, and what the City of Houston and your HOA may require before the first post goes in.

Repairior’s editorial team built this list from the Houston gate and fence companies in our directory and checked each one against its own listing and public customer feedback. No company paid to appear here. If your existing gate is broken rather than missing, our Houston gate repair guide is the better place to start.

16 Gate Installation Companies in Houston, TX

Houston gate companies fall into three groups, and the right one depends on the gate you want:

• Automatic gate and access specialists install operators, keypads, intercoms and card readers on new or existing gates.
• Iron works and welding shops design, fabricate and hang custom wrought iron driveway and walk gates.
• Fence contractors build the gate as part of a new cedar, iron or steel-post fence line.

See every gate company in Houston, TX →

Which Houston Gate Installer Fits Your Project?

A shop that welds custom iron all week is not always the best call for wiring a card reader at a business entrance, and an access-control specialist may not build a cedar fence. Use this table to narrow your shortlist.

Company	Best for	Worth knowing
Menking Gates and Access Control	Automatic gates and access systems	Homes, ranches and commercial sites; listed as open 24 hours
Access Pro Gate Company	Custom automatic swing and sliding gates in north Houston	Built a dual-swing wood ranch gate between brick pillars with an operator
Stunning LLC	Wrought iron driveway and breezeway gates	Women-owned; replaces rotted wood gates with flat-top iron
Whitney’s Custom Iron	Custom iron driveway and walk gates	Packard St, northwest Houston (77040); designs gates with the customer
Spectrum Automatic Gate Services	Automatic gate specialist work	Homes, gated communities and commercial properties
Rampart Welding Services, Fence and Access	Iron gates plus operators and keypads	Gulfton area (77081); welding, fences and access systems
Advanced Fences	Electric driveway gates with a new fence	Driveway gate installation is its most common job
Alvarado Fencing Company	Heights and inner-Loop homes and townhomes	Gates designed around older bungalows and new construction
Houston Texas Fence Inc	Security gates in west Houston	Glencairn area (77084); measures and recommends a gate system
Slater Gate & Fence	Automatic driveway and commercial access gates	FM 529 (77041); large amount of work in Harris County
Reed Ironworks	Custom iron gates built to match the house	Veteran-owned; follow-up service on gates it installs
Gate Openers Direct	Choosing and installing gate operators	Showroom on Blalock Rd; carries FAAC and Viking; same-day installs mentioned
Houston Automatic Gates	New iron driveway gates and HOA entrances	Acres Home (77091); magnetic locks and parking access
Automatic Gate Company	New automatic gates after storm or vehicle damage	Oak Tree Dr (77080); helps with insurance adjusters
Houston Security Gates	Security gates, openers and parking access	Nunn St, southeast Houston (77087); welding repairs too
Holliday Door & Gate Systems	Commercial gate systems and ongoing maintenance	Griggs Rd (77023); some clients for more than ten years

How Much Does Gate Installation Cost in Houston?

Gate pricing swings widely because you are really buying three things: the gate, the operator that moves it, and the access devices that tell it when to open. National cost data from LawnStarter’s 2026 automatic driveway gate guide gives a realistic starting point for Houston projects.

Item	Typical 2026 cost	Notes
Installed automatic driveway gate	$1,525–$5,135 (average about $3,140)	Average example is a 16 ft wood gate with sensor and keypad
Vinyl gate	$475–$3,300	Gate only
Wood gate	$575–$6,250	Gate only; cedar is common in Houston
Steel gate	$875–$6,250	Gate only
Wrought iron gate	$875–$6,300	Gate only; custom designs sit at the top
Aluminum gate	$2,175–$6,300	Gate only; light and rust resistant
Gate opener (operator)	$625–$4,750	Not included in gate prices
Keypad	$250–$650	Code entry for guests and deliveries
Safety or vehicle sensor	$250–$1,250	Photo eyes, edges, loops or radar
Intercom	$675–$4,500	Phone, video or app-based entry
Labor	$30–$80 per hour	Same rate for manual and electric gates

By gate type, swing gates range from about $500 to $8,500 and sliding gates from about $1,050 to $5,200, according to the same source. A small manual vinyl walk gate can come in under $500, while a large sliding aluminum gate with full access control can pass $9,000.

What pushes a Houston gate quote up

• Custom fabrication. Hand-designed wrought iron, scrolls and finials cost more than stock panels.
• Width and weight. A 20 ft double driveway gate needs a heavier operator than a 12 ft single leaf.
• Power. Running a new 120V circuit to the gate post adds electrical work; solar or low-voltage setups can avoid trenching.
• Site work. Clay soil, slopes and long concrete footings add labor. Houston’s expansive clay is one reason installers set deep posts.
• Access control. Card readers, video intercoms, phone-entry systems and magnetic locks each add to the bill.

How to save without cutting corners

• Add the gate while a new fence is going in. Fence contractors such as Advanced Fences, Alvarado Fencing Company and Houston Texas Fence Inc can quote both together.
• Choose an operator sized for the gate, not the biggest model on the shelf. Gate Openers Direct is known for steering customers away from equipment they do not need.
• Get two or three written quotes that list the gate material, operator model, safety devices and warranty line by line.

Swing vs. Slide: Choosing the Right Driveway Gate

The single biggest design decision is how the gate moves. Your driveway layout usually makes the choice for you.

Factor	Swing gate	Slide gate
Space needed	Clear arc inside the property for each leaf	Straight run along the fence at least as long as the opening
Driveway slope	Hard on uphill driveways; leaves may drag	Handles slopes better with a level track
Look	Classic, works well with ornate iron and brick pillars	Clean and modern; common at businesses and HOAs
Wind	Large solid leaves catch Gulf Coast wind; magnetic locks help	More stable when closed, less wind load on hinges
Maintenance	Hinges, arms and stops	Track, rollers and chain or rack; keep the track clear
Price range	About $500–$8,500	About $1,050–$5,200

Houston Automatic Gates, for example, fits heavy magnetic locks to new iron driveway gates because they help in windy conditions. If your lot is narrow, a single swing leaf or a cantilever slide gate may be the only option, so have the installer measure before you fall in love with a design.

Which material holds up best in Houston?

• Wrought iron and steel: strong and secure, but needs a good primer and paint because humidity speeds up rust. Ask about powder coating.
• Aluminum: light, rust resistant and easy on operators. A good fit for long slide gates.
• Cedar and wood: warm look that matches privacy fences. Seal it and plan for re-staining every few years.
• Vinyl: lowest maintenance for walk gates, less common for large automatic driveway gates.

Automatic Gate Installation: Openers, Safety and Access Control

Adding a motor turns a gate into a machine that can injure people, so the operator and the gate have to meet recognized safety standards. Ask every installer how the system will comply.

UL 325 and ASTM F2200 in plain language

• UL 325 is the safety standard for vehicular gate operators. It requires monitored entrapment protection, meaning the gate must stop and reverse if something is in its path. Photo-eye sensors and contact edges are the common devices.
• ASTM F2200 covers how the gate itself is built: limits on openings that could trap a hand or a child’s head, covered rollers on slide gates, and positive stops.
• A pedestrian should never have to walk through the vehicle gate. Plan a separate walk gate if people use the entrance on foot.

Features worth paying for

• Battery backup. Hurricane and storm outages are a fact of life in Houston. A backup lets the gate cycle without grid power.
• Manual release. Know how to open the gate by hand if the battery dies.
• Vehicle loop or exit sensor. Lets cars leave without a remote and helps stop the gate from closing on a car.
• Keypad, intercom or app control. Useful for deliveries, guests and service crews. Commercial sites often add card readers and phone-entry systems.
• Brand support in Houston. Operators from LiftMaster, FAAC, Viking and similar brands have local service companies, which matters when you need parts later. Our LiftMaster gate repair guide lists who services those units.

Permits, HOA Rules and Deed Restrictions in Houston

Houston has no traditional zoning, but that does not mean anything goes. Check three things before you sign a contract.

1. City of Houston fence permit. The Houston Permitting Center requires a permit for a new or replacement fence, for fences of any material over 8 feet above grade, and for masonry or concrete fences at any height. Plan review and inspection apply, permits are valid for six months, and processing takes about 10 days. A gate that is part of a new or replacement fence is usually covered by that permit, so confirm with your installer or call the Permitting Center at 832-394-9000.
2. Electrical work. Running a new circuit to a gate operator is electrical work. In Texas, electricians are licensed by TDLR, so ask whether the installer uses a licensed electrician for the power run.
3. HOA and deed restrictions. Many Houston subdivisions control fence height, materials, colors and front-yard gates through deed restrictions. Get written HOA approval before fabrication starts. Outside city limits, Harris County and suburban cities have their own rules.

Also call 811 before digging post holes. Texas law requires a utility locate request before excavation, and gate footings often run close to gas, water and fiber lines along the driveway.

The Gate Installation Process, Step by Step

1. Site visit and measurements. The installer checks the opening width, slope, soil, power source and how the entrance is used, as Houston Texas Fence Inc describes doing before recommending a system.
2. Design and quote. You choose material, style, swing or slide, operator and access devices. Ask for drawings on custom iron.
3. Approvals. HOA approval and any City of Houston permit are handled before fabrication.
4. Fabrication. Custom iron or welded steel gates are built in the shop. Stock gates arrive faster.
5. Posts and footings. Posts or columns are set in concrete and allowed to cure before a heavy gate is hung.
6. Hanging and operator install. The gate is hung, the operator mounted, limits set and safety devices tested.
7. Walkthrough. You learn the manual release, battery backup, remote and keypad programming, and maintenance schedule.

How long does it take?

A stock gate with a standard opener can go in within a day or two once posts are ready, and Gate Openers Direct customers mention same-day delivery and installation of operators. Custom wrought iron usually takes longer because of design and fabrication, and permits add about 10 days of city processing when required.

How to Choose a Gate Installation Company in Houston

• Ask who does what. Some companies fabricate, install and wire everything in-house. Others subcontract the iron or the electrical. Both can work, but you should know who is responsible.
• Get the operator model in writing. A quote that just says “automatic opener” is not enough. Ask for the brand, model, duty rating and battery backup.
• Confirm safety devices. Ask how the system meets UL 325 entrapment protection and which sensors are included.
• Check after-install service. Reed Ironworks and Holliday Door & Gate Systems, for example, are noted for servicing gates long after installation.
• Read the warranty. Separate warranties usually cover the gate, the operator and the labor.
• Compare at least two written quotes. Use the free quote form to reach several Houston gate companies at once.

How to Get a Free Gate Installation Quote in Houston

1. Measure the opening and note the driveway slope and where power is available.
2. Take photos of the entrance from the street and from inside the property.
3. Decide on manual or automatic, swing or slide, and the look you want.
4. Send one request through Repairior with your ZIP code, photos and timeline.
5. Compare written quotes on material, operator, safety devices, warranty and schedule.

Already have a gate that will not open or close? See our guides to automatic gate repair in Houston and driveway gate repair in Houston, or browse automatic gate companies in Houston.

Gate Installation Houston: Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to install a gate in Houston?

An installed automatic driveway gate typically costs $1,525–$5,135, with an average near $3,140. A manual walk gate can cost a few hundred dollars, while a large custom iron or sliding aluminum gate with access control can reach $9,000 or more.

How much does a wrought iron gate cost in Houston, TX?

A wrought iron gate itself runs about $875–$6,300 before the opener. Custom designs, wider driveways and powder-coated finishes sit at the higher end. Add $625–$4,750 if you want it automated.

Do I need a permit to install a gate in Houston?

The City of Houston requires a permit for new or replacement fences, fences over 8 feet, and masonry or concrete fences at any height. A gate installed as part of that work typically falls under the fence permit. HOA approval and deed restrictions may apply even when the city does not require a permit.

Is a slide gate or a swing gate better?

Choose a swing gate if you have room for the leaves to open inside the property and a fairly level driveway. Choose a slide gate for sloped driveways, tight front yards, heavy commercial use or very wide openings, as long as you have a straight fence run for the gate to slide along.

Can I add an automatic opener to my existing gate?

Often yes, if the gate is sturdy, swings or slides freely and is the right weight for the operator. An installer will check the hinges, posts and gate construction first; a sagging or rusted gate may need repair or replacement before automation.

What happens to an electric gate during a power outage?

With a battery backup, most operators keep cycling for a while without grid power. Without one, you open the gate with the manual release. Ask for a battery backup on every Houston install given storm outages.

How long does gate installation take?

Installation itself usually takes one to two days once materials and posts are ready. Custom iron fabrication and permit review add time, so plan for several weeks on fully custom projects.

Who installs gate openers in Houston?

Automatic gate specialists such as Menking Gates and Access Control, Spectrum Automatic Gate Services, Gate Openers Direct and Automatic Gate Company install operators, keypads and access systems on new and existing gates.

Conclusion

A well-built gate adds security, privacy and curb appeal, and in Houston it also has to handle humidity, clay soil and storm outages. To recap:

• Budget roughly $1,500–$5,100 for a typical installed automatic driveway gate, more for custom iron.
• Let your driveway decide between swing and slide, and pick a material you are willing to maintain.
• Insist on UL 325 entrapment protection, a battery backup and the operator model in writing.
• Check City of Houston permit rules and HOA restrictions, and call 811 before digging.
• Compare at least two written quotes from the installers above.

About This Guide

Editorial policy

This guide was written by Reylina U and fact-checked by the Repairior Editorial Team. We build each list from businesses in our Houston directory, verify services against each company’s own listing and public customer feedback, and update guides when details change. Businesses cannot pay to be included or ranked in this article.

Content transparency

Cost figures are national estimates from the source cited below, not quotes. Services, hours and prices can change, so confirm details with each company before you book. Repairior earns revenue from optional business plans, which do not affect which companies appear here.

About the author

Reylina U is part of the Repairior Editorial Team, which researches local repair and installation services across Houston and other US cities. We review business listings, service areas, licensing information and customer feedback to help homeowners and property managers find dependable pros and compare free quotes.

Helpful resources: City of Houston residential fencing permits, UL Standards (UL 325), ASTM F2200, TDLR electrician licensing, Texas 811 and LawnStarter automatic driveway gate cost data.