The best gate slat spacing for an aluminium gate is a balanced spacing that gives you strong privacy while still allowing airflow, especially if your driveway entry is exposed to wind. The “right” option depends on where the gate sits, how close you are to the street and whether you want maximum privacy or a lighter, more open look.

When designing a new aluminium driveway or pedestrian gate, slat spacing is just as important as the colour and style. It affects how private your home feels, how the gate handles wind and how clean the front boundary looks from the street. Below, we break down the best spacing choices for different homes and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

If you want to see different slat designs on real properties, browse the Premier Gates Project Gallery.

Why slat spacing matters for aluminium gates

Slat spacing changes three things that homeowners care about most:

Privacy
Tighter gaps reduce sightlines into your yard, entry and windows.

Airflow and wind performance
More open spacing allows wind to pass through, which can improve stability in exposed areas.

Street appeal and visibility
Spacing affects how “solid” the gate looks and how much visibility you have when entering or reversing.

For driveway entries, this choice also impacts automation feel. A gate that catches too much wind can feel heavier in operation and may put unnecessary stress on components over time. If you are planning access upgrades, you can explore options on Accessories and Options.

The best slat spacing options for aluminium gates

1. Tight spacing for maximum privacy

Tight slat spacing is best when you want strong screening from the street and footpath.

Best for:

• Street-facing homes where the yard feels exposed

• Pedestrian gates near public access

• Front yards with windows close to the entry

• Households wanting extra privacy for kids and pets

If your priority is privacy on side access, explore Access Gates for pedestrian and side gate styles that suit tighter slat designs.

2. Balanced spacing for privacy and airflow

Balanced spacing is the most popular choice because it delivers privacy without making the gate feel too visually heavy.

Best for:

• Most suburban driveways

• Homeowners who want privacy without going fully solid

• Entries that are moderately exposed to wind

• A modern look that still feels open and welcoming

If you are planning a full entry upgrade, you can match a slat-style driveway gate with your pedestrian access. Start with Driveway Gates and then pair it with Access Gates for a cohesive finish.

3. More open spacing for windy or exposed entries

More open spacing is ideal when airflow and wind handling are the priority. It can also improve visibility when entering and exiting.

Best for:

• Corner blocks and windy streets

• Large driveway openings

• Coastal or exposed properties

• Homes that want a lighter, more open frontage

If you are automating your driveway gate, this is often a smart option where wind load is a concern. You can discuss access and automation add-ons via Accessories and Options.

Best slat spacing for driveway gates

Driveway gate slat spacing should balance privacy with practical use.

If your driveway is short or your entry is close to the road, tighter spacing can help your home feel more private.

If your entry gets strong breezes, a slightly more open design can improve airflow and reduce wind pressure.

If you are still choosing your gate type, start with Driveway Gates and shortlist designs that suit your frontage and driveway layout.

Best slat spacing for pedestrian gates

Pedestrian gates often feel more exposed than driveway gates because people stand closer to them. That means the same spacing can feel less private on a side gate than it does on a driveway gate.

If your pedestrian gate is near a footpath or side path, tighter spacing usually feels better for privacy and security.

For matching pedestrian access, explore Access Gates and compare how private different slat designs look from close range.

Horizontal vs vertical slats

Both styles work well. The best choice depends on the look you want and what suits your home.

Horizontal slats

Horizontal slats are popular for modern homes. They often create a stronger screening effect and can make the frontage feel wider and more architectural.

Vertical slats

Vertical slats can suit classic facades and can feel lighter depending on spacing. They can also help the gate blend with vertical fencing elements.

To compare both styles on real homes, browse the Project Gallery.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common slat spacing issues are:

• Choosing tight spacing without considering wind exposure

• Choosing wide spacing and then feeling disappointed with privacy

• Not thinking about sightlines from the street and footpath

• Picking a design that looks great online but feels too open in real life

• Forgetting to match driveway and pedestrian access for a cohesive finish

A simple way to avoid this is to decide your priority first. Privacy, airflow, or visibility. Then choose slat spacing that supports that goal.

Installation and planning tips

To get the best result from your slat gate design:

• Consider the angles people view your home from, not just straight-on privacy

• Think about wind exposure across the full driveway opening

• Match the slat direction and spacing across driveway and pedestrian access where possible

• Plan access options early, especially if you want keypads or smart control

You can explore access upgrades and control options on Accessories and Options.

Conclusion

The best gate slat spacing is the one that matches how you live. Choose tighter spacing if privacy is your priority. Choose more open spacing if airflow and wind handling matter most. For most homes, a balanced spacing gives the best mix of privacy, street appeal and day-to-day performance.

Ready to design an aluminium slat gate that suits your driveway and frontage? Contact Premier Gates today for a free quote and advice on the best slat spacing for your home.