Door security gates

What are door security gates?

A door security gate is a steel grille fitted across a doorway, either as a retractable concertina gate or a hinged gate on its own frame. Locked, it holds the opening even if the door itself is forced or its glass is broken.

Back doors, glazed kitchen doors and side entrances are where many break-ins start. A security gate behind the door means that getting through the door is only half the job, and the second half is slow, noisy and needs tools.

Retractable door gates fold to the side during the day. Hinged gates swing open like a second door and suit openings where there is no room for a folded stack. Both lock with a key from inside, and many can also be locked from outside if the door is used as an exit.

How much do door security gates cost?

Our guide range is £714 to £1,554 including VAT (£595 to £1,295 plus VAT) per door, supplied and fitted. The exact figure depends on size, type, finish and locking, and your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the free survey. See all grille prices.

Specification and options

Retractable or hinged designs to suit the space beside the door
Low-profile floor track options to reduce trip hazards
Locks operable from inside, outside or both
Steel frames fixed into masonry with anti-tamper fixings
Additional shoot bolts into the floor and head for wider gates
Powder-coated finishes to match door frames
Can be combined with a letterbox gap or pet clearance where needed
Suitable for timber, uPVC, composite and aluminium doors

Where door security gates are used

Back and side doors of houses
Glazed kitchen and utility doors
Flat entrance doors onto communal areas
Shop back doors and fire exits (with the right arrangements)
Office side entrances

What to decide before you order

Retractable or hinged

Retractable gates need a parking space beside the door for the stack; hinged gates need clear swing space.

Which side you lock from

A gate that is only locked from inside suits most homes. If the door is your way out at night, choose a gate that also locks from outside.

Floor track

A full track gives the most rigid gate. If the doorway is a busy route or has level access, ask for a low-profile or recessed track.

Fire exits

On business premises a gate across an exit must not obstruct escape while anyone is inside. We discuss how it will be managed before recommending one.

Rules across the UK

The rules on planning, listed buildings and fire safety differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These are the points most relevant to door security gates; local pages show the version for your nation.

England (similar principles apply in Wales, Scotland and NI)

Grilles inside the glass

A grille fitted inside the glass does not normally need planning permission, because it does not materially change how the building looks from outside. If the building is listed, listed building consent may still be needed.

Listed buildings and conservation areas

Listed buildings need listed building consent for works that affect their character, which can include internal grilles and their fixings. In conservation areas, councils look closely at anything fitted to the outside. We recommend speaking to the council's conservation officer before ordering.

Grilles across exits in business premises

In workplaces and other non-domestic premises, including the common parts of blocks of flats and HMOs, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 makes the responsible person keep escape routes and emergency exits available and easy to open while people are present. A grille across an exit should be unlocked and parked open whenever the building is occupied, and covered in the fire risk assessment.

How it works

Tell us what needs securing

Use the quote tool or form, or call. Sizes and a couple of photos help us give a guide price straight away.

Free survey

A surveyor measures every opening, checks the walls and fixings, and talks through type, colour and locks.

Fixed price in writing

You get a written quote with the grille schedule, the price and the lead time. Nothing is ordered until you accept.

Made, fitted and handed over

Grilles are made to measure, fitted by installers working under our contract with you, tested and explained.

Door security gates: questions

How much does a door security gate cost?

A retractable or hinged door gate usually costs between £595 and £1,295 plus VAT (£714 to £1,554 inc VAT) supplied and fitted. Double doors, extra locking points and special colours are priced at survey.

Is a security gate better inside or outside the door?

Inside is usual for back doors because the gate is protected and the door still seals against the weather. Outside works for recessed doorways or where the door opens inwards and would hit the gate.

Can a security gate go behind a fire exit door?

Only if it does not obstruct escape while the building is occupied. That normally means it is unlocked and parked open during opening hours and locked only when the premises are empty.

Will a gate stop the door from opening?

No. The gate is measured so the door can open and close normally with the gate folded back or swung open.

Can you fit a gate to a flat entrance door?

Yes, subject to the building owner's permission and any fire strategy for the block, as flat entrance doors in shared buildings often have a fire safety role.

How do I lock a door gate?

With a key-operated lock box on the closing edge, plus shoot bolts on wider gates. Thumb-turn and quick-release options are available on the inside face.

Find door security gates near you

Choose your county or region for local information and the rules that apply where you are.

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