The right choice of decorative gate can really help enhance the look and practicality of your garden wall or fencing – as well as acting as an entryway to your property, of course! Whether you’re looking to add curb appeal to your home or create a more secure environment for your family, a decorative garden gate is a great way to achieve this. However, with so many different materials and styles to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Fortunately, we’re here to help. Whatever your requirements or style preferences, allow this guide to help you find the perfect decorative garden gate for your home.

Why Invest in a Bespoke Gate?

Aesthetics

Decorative garden gates come in a diverse variety of styles – from traditional wrought iron to more modern wooden designs – meaning you’re bound to find a gate to suit your tastes. Plus, because there is such a wealth of materials, colours and finishes on offer, you can easily customise your gate to perfectly match the appearance of your home. Whether you’re looking for something that makes a statement or simply blends in with your existing landscaping, a decorative gate can often be the perfect finishing touch.

Security

In addition to improved curb appeal, decorative garden gates also provide a much more practical advantage too: enhanced security. If you have young children or pets, for instance, a decorative gate can help create a safe space for them to roam around and play. It can also act as an extra deterrent to intruders, who are more likely to be put off by a significant obstacle. Whatever your safety concerns may be, a decorative gate can give you peace of mind that your loved ones are safe and sound.

Durability

High-quality decorative gates are built to last, so you won’t have to worry about replacing yours for years to come. Since they are crafted from strong, hardwearing materials like timber and wrought iron, they are highly resistant to the elements and won’t incur weathering or damage easily. With proper maintenance work, decorative garden gates will maintain their beautiful appearance for years to come.

Ease of Maintenance

On the subject of maintenance, while decorative garden gates are designed to last for a long time, they do still require the odd bit of restoration work to keep them looking their best. Fortunately, this is all very straightforward and can be completed swiftly. For instance, iron gates should be checked over once a year for signs of rust or corrosion, and any damaged areas should be sanded or repainted. This will help to ensure that you get the maximum life expectancy out of your investment.

Value

Because a decorative garden gate is designed to make your property more attractive and secure, it will also increase its value. If you ever decide to sell your home, prospective buyers will be impressed by added touches like a decorative garden gate, and you’ll be able to ask for a higher price as a result.

Types of Decorative Garden Gates

The first factor to consider when selecting a decorative garden gate is the material you’d like it to be. While there are a wide variety of choices, timber and metal are the two most popular types of gate that you’ll find on the market. With this in mind, let’s take a look at what these materials have going for them.

Wooden Gates

Wooden gates have consistently been the go-to choice for gardens, and it’s easy to see why. Not only does the strength and durability of timber equal robust protection from threats, they also offer a timeless look that will never go out of style. Whether you opt for a simple design for practicality, a rustic finish for a traditional countryside feel or even a highly decorative wooden arch to give your garden a luxurious flair, a wooden gate will never hinder the appearance of your property.

Metal Gates

While metal gates are most commonly used as driveway or entrance gates, there’s nothing to say you can’t also use them in your garden! Like wooden gates, metal gates are available in a vast range of styles, and offer an antiquated look that works best with metal or brick fencing. If you’re looking for a gate that allows you to show your lovely garden off to passersby and brings more sunlight into your outdoor space, iron-wrought gates are a great choice. The downside of this, of course, is that this does mean you get less privacy and somewhat reduced security. As such, it’s not advised that you use metal as your material of choice for a back garden gate, unless it’s especially tall or has spiked ends.

Before You Install

Where is Your Gate Being Installed?

The eventual placement of your gate heavily impacts the size, design and material you’ll be opting for. For example, while you might want a tall, wooden gate for side access to your property, a shorter, more ornate gate might be a better fit for your front garden.

If you’re updating the gate that you have currently, you’ll naturally be limited size-wise as any new gate will have to fit comfortably between the existing posts. However, if you’re starting from scratch or looking to move the posts, you’re free to choose from a selection of sizes. Regardless of which option you’re going for, before you buy it’s still important to measure the gap size (where you want your gate to be situated) and remember to leave sufficient space for fittings and posts (more on these below). These measurements include width and height: it’s necessary to consider what height your gate should be in order to ensure there is enough space beneath it for ground clearance.

What Side Does It Need to Hang From?

If you’ve decided to install new posts, consider which side you want or need the gate to swing from. Is there a wall or fencing in place already that needs to be factored into your installation plans? It’s also good to think about how your property will look from outside your property – typically, you’ll want it to be facing outwards.

It’s also important to note that heavy-duty gates will need to be hung on a certain side for reinforced support – take a look at the frame to determine this. If it has a Z-brace, for instance, it will need to be hung from one side, whereas a cross brace can be hung from either.

What Else Will I Need?

Gate Posts

If you haven’t already got them in place, it’s essential that you pick up a set of gate posts. On the other hand, if you’re working with existing posts, this could influence which gate you opt for in order for them to compliment one another. For example, brick, metal and wooden posts look great with wooden or metal gates. Opt for the same material for both posts and gate, or use contrasting materials for more of a statement look.

Gate Fixings

There’s nothing worse than not being able to hang your gate properly as a result of not having the right fittings at your disposal, so make sure that you have everything you need with a fixings kit. Look for metal fittings that are powder-coated and galvanised to prevent the likelihood of corrosion.

Locks

For entryways that will be frequently accessed, a latch is the most simple way to keep your gate secure while still ensuring that it’s not too difficult to open and close. However, for more robust security, you might want to invest in an outdoor bolt or even attach a padlock to a hasp and staple.

Maintenance Products

Wooden gates in particular require treatment every few years to protect them against rot and decay. There are a wide range of wood care products available on the market that can help with this, including paints, stains and varnishes.

Metal gates tend to have a marginally longer lifespan than wooden ones, but it’s still crucial that you care for them sufficiently by fixing chips and scratches that could eventually lead to rust. Protect your gate with metal paint, as well as water-repellent treatments.

Looking for Bespoke Gates Made with Easy Edge Timber?

At Hales Sawmills, we supply a diverse selection of beautiful timber decorative garden gates to suit a range of preferences and tastes. Whether you’d prefer maximum privacy with simple decorative panels, or want to make more of a statement with a lattice or arch design, we can point you towards the perfect garden gate solution. Shop our range here, or get in touch with us for more information.