By Gatemaster Australia

11/19/2025 When it comes to securing your home or business in Australia, the front gate is often the first thing people notice. It needs to look good, offer security, and, crucially, stand up to our notoriously harsh weather, from scorching sun to coastal salt spray. That’s why aluminium has become the go-to material for entry systems across the country. Selecting the right type, however, be it a slider or a swinger, requires a bit of fair dinkum thought.

Why Aluminium is a Great Mate for Aussie Conditions

Aluminium is a fantastic material for outdoor structures in Australia because it naturally resists corrosion. Unlike steel or wrought iron, you don't have to worry about the 'rust monster' having a go at it, especially in beachside suburbs where salty air chews through unprotected metals. The lightweight nature of aluminium also makes it ideal for automated systems, placing less stress and wear on the motor and hardware over the long haul.
The gates are typically finished with a high-quality powder coating, which provides a long-lasting, vibrant colour that won't peel or fade in our strong UV rays. This means less time spent on upkeep and more time enjoying your backyard or the footy.
Comparing Your Driveway Options
The biggest decision you'll face when getting a new entry system is choosing the gate's movement style. This choice is usually determined by the layout of your driveway and the space you have available.
Aluminium sliding Gates
Aluminium sliding Gates are a champion choice for blocks with limited space or tricky terrain.

• Space Efficiency: They run along a track parallel to your boundary fence, meaning they don't require any clear space in front of or behind the gate to open. This makes them perfect for short driveways, properties right on a busy street, or when you have limited clearance behind the gate.
• Ideal for Slopes: If your driveway is on an incline or a slope, a sliding gate system handles this unevenness beautifully because it travels horizontally. A swing gate, by contrast, would likely snag or require awkward, custom-made hinges.
• Security: Due to the track and roller system, a quality sliding gate is generally harder to force open, offering a robust layer of security for your property.

Aluminium swing Gates
The classic Aluminium swing Gates provide a more traditional and often more aesthetically symmetrical entry.

• Aesthetics: A pair of swing gates opening inwards provides a stately, classic look that suits many heritage and larger residential properties.
• Installation Simplicity: In general, swing gates involve fewer complex mechanical parts than their sliding counterparts. This can sometimes make the initial aluminium Gates installation simpler and slightly less costly on flat ground.
• Clear Driveway: If your driveway is long and flat with plenty of room for the gate to swing inwards without obstructing vehicles or foot traffic, a swing gate is a clean and reliable option.

What to Consider for Installation
Regardless of whether you choose a sliding or swing style, proper aluminium gate installation is critical for both function and safety. Getting this wrong can lead to costly repairs down the track, and in some cases, it can be downright dangerous.
Here are a few practical tips for getting the job done right:

1. Check Local Council Rules: Before any work starts, contact your local council. They have specific rules about front fence and gate height, boundary setbacks, and how gates can open (they must not swing out over public footpaths).
2. Ensure a Solid Foundation: For sliding gates, a concrete strip or sunken beam is necessary to ensure the track is level and stable. The motor pad must also be set correctly. For swing gates, the posts must be securely concreted and strong enough to support the weight and movement of the gate over the years of use.
3. Prioritise Safety Features: If you are automating the gate, which is a popular choice for convenience, you must install safety features like photo-electric sensors that stop the gate from closing if an obstruction (like a car or a person) is detected.

Final Thoughts