There are plenty of places to put a garden gate, whether it be at the side, back or towards the front of the house. But no matter where it is going, you will want it to be secure, all the while in keeping with the aesthetic of your home and garden.
Both metal and wood are common materials used for garden gates, and each has considerations that need to be taken into account when deciding which material you should use for your gate.
The team at Fletchamoore have supplied and fitted many wooden and metal gates in our 60 years of business, so can provide up-to-date knowledge and guidance on which material would be best for you. In this blog, we run through some of the advantages and disadvantages of each material to help you make an informed decision.
Wooden Gates
Wooden gates are a popular choice for many garden gates because they offer a traditional look that can often match the fencing around the garden. This classic look suits the majority of houses, as there are various wood types available, offering flexibility when it comes to the aesthetic. Wood is also easy to paint, meaning you have further flexibility as you can paint the gate a colour of your choosing, ensuring it fits your garden aesthetic.
As you will likely have seen, wooden gates are comprised of several panels. These often create a solid barrier that can prevent people from peeping into your garden and also can stop pets, such as dogs, and younger children getting through and escaping. We also often find that wooden gates are harder to climb and, therefore, serve as a deterrent for people trespassing onto your property.
A final advantage of a wooden gate is the cost. Wood is a relatively inexpensive material to source, meaning that a wooden gate is affordable for most budgets.
If you are looking at choosing a wooden gate, there are a few considerations that need to be made.
Wood requires regular maintenance to prevent mould and rot. If you don’t maintain the material, the gate is likely to get damaged, break and not last as long as it should.
Metal Gates
Over the last few years, metal garden gates have become more common in residential gardens thanks to the strength and durability of the material. Adding a lock to metal gates is also incredibly easy, making them a secure option for your garden.
Unlike wooden gates, these are very low maintenance and long-lasting. They don’t need extra treatments and can withstand harsh weather.
The style of metal gates can be fairly flexible, making them appropriate for both modern and traditional homes. Your metal gate’s design is also up to you because it can be embellished with intricate patterns.
However, metal can be quite a heavy material, meaning that your gate will need to be attached to a stable structure, and you are unlikely to be able to hang it from the wooden fence that you currently have.
Metal gates aren’t always the environmentally friendly option either, as their production usually requires a large amount of energy generated by fossil fuels, increasing carbon emissions.
Finally, metal gates are not usually constructed of large panels, meaning that they aren’t as private as wooden gates can be. These gates would allow people to look through to your garden if on a footpath or main road.
Which Garden Gate Should You Choose?
Choosing a garden gate comes down to personal preference. Both types of gates suit a range of house aesthetics, providing you the option to choose the material that you prefer.
Key questions you should ask yourself when making this choice should be:
- How much privacy do I want to gain from this gate?
- Am I willing to install additional structural supports for a metal gate?
- Am I willing to invest in maintaining a wooden gate?
- Am I looking for an environmentally friendly gate?
If you aren’t looking for loads of privacy, and aren’t particularly looking for an environmentally friendly gate, then a metal gate would work for you.
However, if you want a bit more privacy and are looking to reduce your home’s environmental impact, then we would recommend a wooden gate.
If you are struggling to decide, speak to our experts who will be able to advise further on which type of garden gate would suit your garden and home best.
We are able to install metal and wooden gates to your residential garden efficiently at a date and time that suits you.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your garden gate options and get a quote from us. Call us on 01202 624900 or complete our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Also, don’t forget that we can also help with other garden renovations, installing turf, fencing and patios or paving.