ALEKO 12x6 feet Paris Single Swing Driveway Gate, Anti-Rust Galvanized Steel Security Fence Barrier - DG12PARSSW

Why I chose the Paris gate

I wanted the classic wrought-iron look at my driveway without commissioning a custom build, and the Paris gate promised that aesthetic in a packaged kit. It’s a 12x6-foot single swing design built from galvanized steel with a powder-coated finish, and it ships with two gate panels (that you join together), two 8-foot posts, and hinge J-bolts. On paper, it checks a lot of boxes: traditional styling, rust protection, and compatibility with common single-swing openers. In practice, it delivers a handsome entrance, but it demands careful installation and a few workarounds to shine.

Design and build

Visually, the Paris gate pulls off the wrought-iron vibe convincingly. The slender pickets, arched top, and decorative pattern read much pricier than its actual cost. The powder coat is even and, after months of sun and rain, has resisted chipping and corrosion. The underlying steel is fully galvanized, which is the right call for long-term outdoor use.

This is not a lightweight gate. The steel sections are substantial, and once you bolt the two halves together, you’re dealing with a heavy single leaf that will stress your hinge posts if they’re not properly set. That heft does translate to a reassuringly solid feel once installed, but it also exposes any weakness in the foundation or hardware alignment.

The included posts are 8 feet tall, 3.5 x 3.5 inches. They’re adequate if they’re set deep with a generous concrete footing, but they are at the lower threshold for a single 12-foot leaf. If your soil is soft, your driveway slopes, or you plan to automate the gate, plan for oversized footings and consider reinforcing.

Installation experience

The gate arrives crated as two main panels plus the posts and hardware. The two-panel design makes shipping manageable, but it also means you’ll be joining the halves at the center with brackets. Out of the crate, the welds on my unit were functional but not boutique-clean; a few spatter points and some uneven grind marks that you won’t notice from the street.

Setting posts is where the project succeeds or fails. I excavated to 42 inches for each post, poured a bell-shaped footing in well-compacted soil, and set rebar cages and sleeves for the hinge J-bolts. The J-bolts allow vertical and horizontal adjustment later, which is critical with a heavy single leaf.

Despite careful setup, the gate’s weight made itself known. With the posts cured and plumb, I dry-fitted the leaf, and the hinge side wanted to creep. A second set of hands (or a material lift) is not optional. Once hung, I leveled the leaf to maintain an even bottom gap and checked swing clearance at full throw.

The most fiddly part was joining the two halves. The supplied splice brackets are straight, while the top of the gate arches. That mismatch leaves the bracket edges proud of the curve. They hold, but they don’t follow the profile, and visually it’s noticeable up close. On my install, I replaced the top splice with a curved plate I fabricated from 1/4-inch flat stock to match the arch. The lower splice brackets worked as intended, though I needed to open a couple of holes slightly to get perfect alignment.

Hardware quality is mixed. The J-bolts and nuts were fine, threads clean. Some of the included Allen-head fasteners felt soft; one rounded under hand torque. Where possible, I substituted higher-grade stainless or zinc-coated fasteners. Not essential, but it made alignment and long-term service easier.

If you’re installing on a slope or have concerns about long-term sag, a discreet gate support wheel at the latch side is an inexpensive insurance policy. I tested with and without; on flat ground with stout footings, it’s optional. On even a modest slope or less-than-ideal soil, it helps a lot.

In use

Once dialed in, the Paris gate swings smoothly and feels sturdy. There’s minimal racking during open/close as long as the hinges are tight and the center splice is firmly secured. The latch side meets cleanly, and the vertical pickets remain uniform without visible twist.

This gate is compatible with single-swing openers, and I paired it with a heavy-duty actuator rated well above the gate’s weight. Because the leaf is heavy, the opener’s post bracket location and throw angle are critical—expect some trial and error. With the right opener and limits set correctly, operation has been predictable. If you plan to automate, mount the control hardware on a secondary steel plate welded or bolted to the post rather than through the post wall alone; it reduces flex and makes servicing easier.

Noise levels are what you’d expect from a steel gate: a low thud at travel endpoints and hinge creak if you neglect lubrication. A quarterly shot of lithium grease at the hinges and an occasional check on the center splice bolts keeps everything quiet.

Durability and maintenance

The finish has held up well. After several months of rain, sun, and a couple of frosty mornings, I’m not seeing edge rust or bubbling. I did hit a couple of cut surfaces (from my curved splice mod) with a cold galvanizing spray and a compatible topcoat to keep the corrosion protection intact.

Because this is a single, heavy leaf, keep an eye on post plumb over the first season as the soil resets around the footings. A small adjustment at the J-bolts can recenter the leaf if you notice the latch gap closing or the bottom edge dipping.

Fit and finish quirks

• The center splice design is the weak link aesthetically. The straight brackets don’t suit the arched profile at the top. It functions, but it looks like an afterthought.
• The two-piece design makes the “single swing” leaf a hybrid. It’s not a dealbreaker, but be prepared to spend extra time aligning the seam so the curve is continuous and the pickets stay true.
• Minor tolerance inconsistencies mean some hole alignment may be off by a hair. Have a step bit or round file ready, and don’t force fasteners into misaligned threads.

Value

Dollar for dollar, the Paris gate is attractive and solid once installed. You get a galvanised, powder-coated steel gate with posts and basic hardware at a price point far below custom wrought iron. The tradeoff is time and skill: plan for more installation effort, potential hardware swaps, and possibly minor fabrication if you want the cleanest look.

If you’re hiring out the install, factor in labor for heavier footings, precise hinge setup, and potential welding for a cleaner center splice. That can narrow the gap to a custom unit, but for most homeowners the total project cost still lands well below a bespoke build.

Who it’s for

• Good fit: DIYers with intermediate-to-advanced skills, or anyone working with a fence contractor comfortable with heavy steel gates. Flat or gently sloped driveways, and users who value classic styling at a reasonable cost.
• Think twice: Beginners expecting a simple bolt-together project, steep driveways, or installations where the posts can’t be deeply set. If you need a flawless arch seam out of the box, you’ll likely want to modify or weld.

Tips for a smoother install

• Oversize the footings and let the concrete cure fully before hanging.
• Use shims and a temporary prop under the latch side during alignment.
• Upgrade critical fasteners and consider a curved splice plate for the arch.
• Grease hinges during install and set a reminder to re-lube quarterly.
• If automating, choose an opener with headroom on weight and wind load.

Recommendation

I recommend the Paris gate with clear caveats. It’s a handsome, rust-resistant gate that can look and perform like a much pricier installation, but it demands careful foundation work, patient alignment, and a willingness to tweak or upgrade hardware. If you or your installer are comfortable with heavier steel work—and especially if you’re willing to improve the center splice—it’s a solid value. If you’re seeking an effortless, out-of-the-box install with premium fit and finish, this won’t be the best match.