Finding the perfect gate for your property can be surprisingly tricky, especially if your driveway plot is narrow, sloped, or has an awkward corner that makes standard swing or sliding gates impractical.
Many homeowners struggle with gates that either dominate their frontage, encroach on pavements, or fail to open smoothly because there simply isn’t enough room. This is where around the corner gates provide a highly effective solution.
At Windlesham Gates, we specialise in designing, manufacturing, and installing bespoke electric gates that overcome these challenges while enhancing both security and kerb appeal. With a combination of expert craftsmanship, premium materials such as aluminium or premium timber, and fully integrated automation, we ensure every installation is tailored precisely to your property and lifestyle.
Our sectional sliding gates are engineered to maximise space efficiency, operate seamlessly on tight or irregular plots, and provide the high-end finish our clients expect. In this guide, we’ll explain how they work, what design and material options you have, what costs to expect, and whether an around the corner gate is right for your property.
What Are Around the Corner Gates?
Folding/Sectional Movement
“Around the corner gates” (also called sliding–folding or sectional sliding gates) combine elements of sliding and folding gates. Instead of one rigid leaf sliding in a straight line, the gate is divided into panels that fold or articulate and then slide around a corner (or curve) to stow adjacent to a wall or boundary. The effect is that the gate “turns the corner” as it opens.
Suitable Driveways and Spaces
Around the corner gates are ideal where:
- You don’t have enough linear runback for a conventional sliding gate.
- You have a right‑angle return wall or boundary to one side.
- You have a compact or irregular plot where swing gates would conflict with walls, pavements or landscaping.
- The driveway is narrow or sloping, making swing gates impractical.
Space‑Saving Advantages
- No wide arc swing is required, freeing up usable driveway or frontage space.
- The folding action allows tighter clearances by compressing the panels as they move.
- Because the mechanism “turns the corner”, you can effectively stow the gate adjacent to a wall rather than requiring a long run of space along the driveway.
Benefits of Around the Corner Sliding Gates
Ideal for Short or Sloped Driveways
Because the gate folds and then slides, it doesn’t rely on a long straight runback on level ground. This makes around the corner sliding folding gates particularly suited to properties where depth is limited or the driveway slopes.
Enhanced Security
These gates present a formidable barrier. Unlike simple swing gates that may allow leverage, folding/sectional gates often lock securely along multiple points, making forced entry harder.
Elegant & Unique Design
They are distinctive — and they make a statement. Few homes have these, so they add architectural flair and uniqueness. You can customise them in varied materials, finishes and automation options to match your home.
Material & Design Options
When designing around the corner gates, you have several material choices, each with benefits and trade‑offs:
- Aluminium/aluminium frame with timber inlay — light, strong, low maintenance, and highly customisable in finish and profile.
- Accoya wood — for luxury wooden aesthetic combined with durability (especially in exposed UK climates).
- Timber‑clad steel or aluminium frame — the structural strength of metal with a timber finish to provide warmth and style.
In your internal catalogue, you might link to your Accoya wood/wooden gate posts to reinforce the benefit of wood in demanding gate systems.
How Much Do Around the Corner Gates Cost in the UK?
Price Ranges
Because these gates are highly bespoke and complex in design, costs can vary considerably. As a guide:
- Supply only automatic corner gate/composite options from some UK suppliers span £2,778 to £14,985 depending on size, duty class, finish, and automation.
- Another supplier quotes corner gate prices in a narrower band: £4,048 to ~£8,558 for certain configurations.
- Windlesham’s own offering for sectional/around the corner gates suggests full installation prices from £14,000 – £15,000 (including automation, site works, etc.) for complete systems.
These figures serve as rough benchmarks; the final cost for your property may differ depending on complexity.
Installation Variables
The key variables affecting cost include:
- Complexity of folding & hinge mechanisms, curvature, number of panels.
- Foundation and civil works (concrete pads, retaining walls, underground cabling).
- Automation hardware (motors, control systems, sensors).
- Material choice (e.g. Accoya, aluminium, steel).
- Finish, coatings and custom design features.
- Access, site constraints and labour.
- Safety, compliance and planning considerations.
Because of this complexity, such gates often command a premium over standard sliding or swing gates.
Installation Considerations
Groundwork, Power Access, and Sensors
- Adequate foundations and support posts must be engineered to take the dynamic loads of folding/rolling panels.
- Cable ducting and power supply paths must be planned.
- Sensor placement (photocells, safety edges, loops) must accommodate the movement of folding and sliding segments.
- Panels must fold and lock without interference, so clearances and tolerances must be precise.
Planning Permission and Regulations
- Some installations may require planning permission, especially if the gate alters the appearance of the property front or is in a conservation area.
- Ensure compliance with UK standards (Gate Safe/BS EN 12453/BS EN 12445) covering safety, reversal, sensor integration, etc.
- You may need consent from neighbours if hinges or movement encroach beyond boundaries.
A professional installer will handle these regulatory checks and certification as part of the project.
Are Around the Corner Gates Right for Your Property?
Here’s a quick checklist/mini‑quiz to assess suitability:
Question | Yes → Good sign | No → Might be challenging |
Do you have a right-angle return wall or boundary near your driveway? | ✔ | ✖ |
Is the driveway depth shallow for a straight sliding gate? | ✔ | ✖ |
Do you want a dramatic, bespoke entrance? | ✔ | ✖ |
Can you accommodate robust foundations & cabling works? | ✔ | ✖ |
Are there planning or conservation constraints? | ✔ (if cleared) | ✖ |
If you answered “yes” to most of the left column, an around the corner sliding gate may be a very good fit. Otherwise, a standard sliding or swing gate might be simpler and more cost-effective.
Real Installation Example
In 2024, Windlesham Gates completed a stunning around the corner gate installation in a London town plot. The client had a shallow frontage, eliminating the possibility of a full sliding or swing design. We engineered a sectional folding gate that folded in two panels and then slid around a boundary wall return. The finish combined aluminum frame with Accoya panels, automated with hidden motors, integrated sensors and smart controls.
The result: a striking, functional entrance that added kerb appeal without sacrificing practicality. The gate performs smoothly and securely, even in tight clearance conditions. (You should insert photos and technical details here in your gallery section.)
FAQs about Around the Corner Gates UK
Q: Can I automate around the corner gates?
A: Yes — in fact most are designed to be automated from the outset. Folding panels, sliding runs and motor drives are integrated into the mechanism so the gate opens and closes under full automation, with sensors, control logic, remote access, etc.
Q: How much space do they need?
A: They are engineered to minimise space needs. What is required is an adjacent wall or boundary to fold against, and sufficient structural clearance for the movement. The lateral “runback” is greatly reduced compared to a straight sliding gate, which is why they are so suited to tight sites.
Q: Are around the corner gates safe?
A: Yes — when properly installed with safety sensors (photocells, safety edges, loops) and compliant control systems, they are as safe as other automatic gates. Routine maintenance is important to ensure safety devices function correctly.
Q: Do they require more maintenance than regular sliding gates?
A: Because of the more complex folding and articulation, they may require more careful alignment checks and occasional hinge lubrication. But with professional installation and support, they should perform reliably.
Q: Can they be retrofitted or are they new‑build only?
A: They tend to be more suited to bespoke, ground-up installation rather than retrofitting, because of the structural, civil and mechanical requirements. However, if your site already has a return wall and sufficient structure, a skilled installer may retrofit an around the corner mechanism.
Unlock Space, Security and Style with Bespoke Around the Corner Gates
Around the corner sliding folding gates unlock possibilities where traditional gate designs fail. Their space‑saving, architectural flair and adaptability make sectional sliding gates a compelling choice for compact UK driveways or tricky plots. While the cost is higher due to mechanical complexity, for the right site they deliver unmatched utility and presence.
If you’re considering an around the corner gate for your property and want a tailored cost and design plan, talk to the specialists at Windlesham Gates. Book a free consultation today to explore how we can craft a bespoke folding sliding gate that fits your site perfectly.
