Choosing the right garden gate can help finish off the look of your fence or wall – as well as granting you access to your home as well.
When considering what type of gate to get, think about its overall purpose. If it’s for the boundary of your property, needing to provide security for your children/pets as well as privacy, you’ll probably want a big, solid wooden gate. On the other hand, a front gate can be smaller and more decorative – after all, you’re inviting people into your home. And it's also critical to consider your surroundings – the theme of your garden as well as any current fencing or walling you have. Are you looking for something subtle that blends in or one that makes more of a statement?
Whatever your need or outdoor style, let our quick guide help you find the right gate for you.
Where's your gate to be situated?
Where you put your gate impacts the size, design and material you’re looking for. For example, you may want a big, wooden gate for side access to your property, but prefer a short, more ornate gate for your front garden for people to see.
If you’re replacing what you have currently, you’ll be limited in size as any new gate will have to fit between the existing posts. However, if you’re looking to move the posts, choose from the full range of sizes available to you.
Before buying, be sure to measure the gap size and remember to leave sufficient space for posts. Standard entry and path gates are three feet wide. And it's not just the width of the gate that needs to be considered when taking those important measurements. Think about what height the gate needs to be, ensuring that you leave enough space underneath it for ground clearance.
Where will it hang from?
If you’re installing new posts, check which side you want or need the gate to hang from. Is there a fencing/wall in place already that needs to be accommodated? And think about how the gate will look from outside your property – you usually want it to face outwards.
Heavy-duty gates may need to be hung on a certain side for added support - take a look at the frame to see. If it has a Z-brace, it will need to be hung from one side, whereas if it has a cross brace you can hang from either side.
Wooden gates
For a traditional yet sturdy option, wood is your best choice of gate. They can be decorative as well as offer you your privacy. And if you have fencing, choose a gate to match to coordinate your outdoor look.
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Constructed in a variety of ways: boarded or closeboard - the boards lay flat to one another featheredge - the boards overlap each other like a bird’s feathers o picket – there are gaps between the pales.
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Available with the wooden boards planned for a smooth, clean look or rough-sawn for a more rustic, textured feel.
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Offered with the boards configured in different designs, such as laid horizontally, vertically, or in diagonal chevrons.
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Finished with attractive top designs including arched and square and even a trellis feature for extra detail (great for matching with trellis fencing).
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Available with some braced for extra strength with a diagonal strut.
How do you maintain them?
Wooden gates will need treating every few years to protect against rot and decay. We have a wide range of woodcare products to help with this, including external paints, stains and varnishes.