Country Estate Style Gate with Brick Pillars
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
25-30 hours
Cost
$4,000 - $4,800 *
*Cost breakdown:
Gate: $2,000 - $2,750
The 12’ dual swing gate costs $2,000 with the discount code ALEKO4AVERY. The automatic opener adds an additional $675 (or $750 without the code), and can actually be used on existing gates.Pillars: ~ $2,000
Prices vary by location, but the concrete, block, mortar, and rebar runs around $700 in our area, and the architectural thin brick costs a little less than $1,500 for enough to cover two 6’ pillars.
Living near a well-travelled road, we decided to add a driveway gate to provide security and freedom for the kids and animals on our property.
This cottage-inspired driveway gate project was designed to blend timeless aesthetics with modern functionality. Our search led us to a London style gate featuring ornate old-world aesthetics and a classic black powder-coated finish on galvanized steel from Aleko. The kit we selected included an automatic opener system with remote controls for quick and convenient access.
The Automatic Gate Opener and Controller
Once installed and configured, Aleko’s automatic gate opener has provided reliable and no-maintenance performance for us! We did things a bit out of order and installed the controller on a temporary post while we built the pillars.
Use code ALEKO4AVERY for $100 off gates and 10% off gate openers until June 30!
The installation began with setting the included powder-coated steel posts, ensuring a solid and level foundation for the gate. With the gate installed, we added decorative red brick pillars beside the posts to evoke the warm, traditional look of a countryside estate. These pillars add both structural presence for future fence projects and a classic architectural detail that frames the gate beautifully. To save time and expense we chose to built the structural pillars using concrete blocks, then wrapping them in Old Mill architectural thin brick (we chose the Durango color).
Using Concrete Block to build the Pillars
Building the pillars was much faster and inexpensive using concrete block and wrapping it with Old Mill thin brick. The square pillars end up. using slightly more corners than singles, so make sure you order enough of each!
To complete the look and improve nighttime visibility, we added solar-powered, motion-activated lights on top of each brick pillar. These lantern-style fixtures provide a soft, welcoming glow while remaining energy-efficient and maintenance-free. The end result provides a charming, functional entrance that provides peace of mind and enhances curb appeal with the look and feel of an old world estate.
Installing the Solar Lights
We added solar lights with motion detectors on top of the pillars. These were surprisingly cheap and dead simple to install, with no need for wiring.
Helpful Links
Aleko Driveway Gate and Openers
use code ALEKO4AVERY for $100 off gates and 10% off gate openers until June 30!
Project Breakdown
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Dig post holes - this is so much faster if you have an auger!
Set gate posts in concrete, ensuring they are the correct distance apart and both level
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Install gates* on posts with provided ball bearing hinges
Install the gate openers and controller*
Adjust the gate swing, speed, and delay per the provided instructions
Pair the provided remotes to the controller by following the provided instructions
*You can by the openers separately, but we got ours as a kit. This configuration (12’ double swing London style) currently costs around $2800 on sale, but you can use the discount code ALEKO4AVERY for an additional $100 off gates and 10% off openers until June 30.
As always, check your local building codes, and we recommend using a licensed electrician if you are not comfortable with electrical installations.
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Pour a concrete footer, reinforced with rebar
Lay your block to form the pillar structure
Fill the block with concrete for added strength and durability (optional)
Install the thin brick on the concrete block with thin set mortar. Make sure you get enough corner bricks for your pillar size!
Grout the bricks with Type S mortar
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Install the desired post cap material. We thought about using stone but ended up using repurposed brick that we had on hand.
Attach the solar lights to the top of the pillars, making sure the motion sensor is pointed towards the entrance. Four masonry screws, and that’s it!
At $37 each, these lights are definitely the least expensive part of this project!
