The importance of choosing the right gate for your property shouldn’t be underestimated. Not only is it a key property feature, it’s a significant investment that needs to be practical and last for years. Ideally you want something that efficiently fulfils its purpose, while complementing the overall aesthetic of your property and its environment.
When you start looking at gates, the sheer range of available options can be a bit daunting. What material is best? What style, what colour? We’ve pulled together some useful information to help you refine your choice, so that making that final decision is a little easier.
The most common types of gates available are metal and wood. You can also have gates with a metal frame and either a wood or composite infill. Let’s take a closer look.
Wood gates
These are available in Iroko hardwood that can be oiled or stained. You can choose clear oil to bring out the natural wood colour and enhance the grain, or colours similar to those of natural wood. Oils also improve the durability of wood and as they’re absorbed and are nourishing too. Maintenance, once oiled, can be as simple as lightly sanding any damage and applying a fresh coat.
Wood gates are available in a range of sizes and styles. For total privacy, choose tall, solid gates that prevent anyone from seeing into the property. If you want more visibility, a tall half-boarded gate will fit the bill. There are also hip-height gates in either style, or even a traditional five-bar field gate, if you want to achieve a more rural aesthetic.
Metal gates
The traditional appearance and durability of metal gates ensures they remain a firm favourite. The fact they are virtually maintenance-free is a big bonus.
As far as style is concerned, you can choose anything from sturdy, industrial designs to elegantly shaped gates enhanced with fleur-de-lis finials. And, as our gates come powder-coated, you can have your choice of colour.
We also offer aluminium gates which give the same advantages regarding durability and colour options as our conventional metal gates. Where they differ is that rather than having the traditional ‘railing’ appearance of metal gates, they can be close-boarded, just like wood, meaning they offer greater privacy.
As aluminium is a lightweight material, the surrounding frames are made from steel to ensure they still provide the necessary rigidity, longevity and security.
Metal frame and wood infill
This is a stylish and practical mix of materials that results in a long-lasting, robust gate. It offers all the advantages, options and styles of a wooden gate, combined with a sturdy powder-coated steel frame that can be reclad at any time, for example if the timber infill becomes damaged.
The wood cladding can be applied to one side or both sides of the frame, depending on your preference.
Metal frame and composite infill
The frames for these gates are manufactured in the same way as the metal frame and wood infill gates. The difference is that instead of wood cladding, they are clad in composite boards.
‘Composite’ is made by combining a selection of substances to produce a strong, durable material that looks good and won’t fade, warp or crack. It’s easy to clean and suitable for jet-washing.
Wood Plastic Composite Range Options
Composite cladding is a more cost-effective option than hardwood, and is available in wood-grain effect or flat colour. And, as the colour goes all the way through the board, any surface scratches won’t show up as white lines.
Whichever you pick …
All our gates are electric, handmade and fitted to exacting standards. Whatever type of gate you choose, you can be confident of having made a wise investment for the future.
Why not explore our range of gates with our gate finder here.