An automatic gate is two projects in one: the gate and the opener that moves it. A good gate with the wrong operator will stall, and a good operator on a sagging gate will burn out. Planning the opening, the power, the access controls and the safety features up front is what keeps the gate working for years.
Swing or slide
Swing gates open like doors and need clear space to swing in or out. They suit driveways with room and a level approach. Slide gates roll along the fence line and need room beside the opening, which makes them common on steep, narrow or busy drives. Tell us about your driveway, slope and where the gate would sit.
The operator
The operator is sized to the gate's weight, width and how often it will be used. Heavier iron or wood gates need stronger operators and sturdy posts. Ask about the brand, the warranty, battery backup so the gate works in a power outage, and a manual release.
Power and wiring
Operators need power, either from a nearby outlet or circuit, or from solar. Ask what the install includes: trenching, conduit, wiring, an electrician if needed, and the cost of each. Power is often the biggest variable in an automatic gate quote.
Access: remotes, keypads and more
Common options are remotes, a keypad, an intercom or call box, a smartphone app, and a way for deliveries and emergency vehicles to enter. Ask which is included, and what happens if a battery dies or the power goes out.
Safety features
Gates can injure people and pets and damage cars. Automatic gate operators have safety standards, and good installs include sensors that stop and reverse the gate when something is in the way. Ask what safety sensors are included and how they are tested.
HOA and city rules
Many HOAs review gate style, height and color before they are installed. Texas law also allows an association to require a driveway gate to be set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way where a driveway meets a laned roadway, under Texas Property Code Section 202.023. Check your guidelines in our HOA fence rules directory and ask the city or county whether a permit applies.
Cost
Automation starts at about Starting at $2,000 installed, on top of the gate. A double drive gate itself runs about $500-5,000 depending on size and material, as of September 2026. Power, trenching, access controls and gate weight move the total. We price the gate and the operator as separate lines so you can compare.
How an estimate works
- 1Tell us about the job
Call, text or book online. Include your street or community.
- 2We look at the site
We check the fence line, grade, gates, access and any HOA or city needs.
- 3You get an itemized estimate
Material, height, gates and scope in writing.
- 4Approval and scheduling
If your HOA or city needs to approve the fence, that comes first. Most fence projects take one to two days once scheduled, and pool fences one to three days.
- 5Build and final walk-through
We install, clean up and walk it with you.
What to ask on the estimate
- Swing or slide, and clearance
- Operator brand, size and warranty
- Power source, trenching and wiring
- Remotes, keypad or app
- Safety sensors and manual release
- Battery backup
- HOA approval and any setback rule
Compare this with the parent site's materials and styles pages at 76fence.com/katy, and see what a fence costs in Katy.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an automatic driveway gate cost in Katy?
Should I choose a swing or slide gate?
Will an automatic gate work in a power outage?
Can you add an operator to my existing gate?
Do I need HOA approval for an automatic gate?
What safety features should an automatic gate have?
Last reviewed September 2026. Local rules and prices change; confirm details with 76 Fence, your HOA and your city or county.