Locking your garden gate is one of the best ways to keep your garden safe and secure. According to the Metropolitan Police, a large percentage of break-ins start from an unlocked gate, so choosing the best gate lock for your garden is more important than ever.

In this guide, we will explore the various types of gate locks and how to choose the best one for your property.

When should you install a garden gate lock?

As trusted gate suppliers, we hear a lot of stories about garden gates being damaged from break-ins. That’s where a garden lock can make a real difference - unfortunately, a lot of people don’t realise until it’s too late.

Ideally, a lock should be installed the same day that you get your new gate, but we know that’s not always realistic. So our advice is simple: if your garden gate can be accessed by any public area, it should be lockable. This includes gardens that back onto footpaths, alleyways, or neighbouring gardens, anywhere where the risk of opportunistic access is higher.

Add a lock as soon as you possibly can to protect your garden, home, belongings and the gate itself.

Explore our range of garden gate locks to secure your garden today.

What to look for when choosing a garden gate lock

With so many different gate locks available, it's sometimes hard to choose the right one for your property. As gate specialists, we know how to spot the difference between a great lock and a thief-targeted lock. Things to look out for:

• Weather resistance: Choose a lock that is made specifically for outdoor use and won’t rust quickly.

• Durability: You want a lock that is made of long-lasting materials such as stainless steel or galvanised steel.

• Ease of use: Get a lock that is simple to use to allow easy access for yourself and your invited guests.

• Key Operated: A lock with a key is always safer than a slide bolt on one side of the gate.

How to choose the right lock for your garden gate

Choosing the right lock for your garden gate isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right option for you depends on how your gate is used, where it is, and the level of protection you’re looking for. 

Before choosing your lock, you should consider:

How secure does it need to be?

Start by thinking about the role of your gate. If your gate is a main access point to your garden or home, you’ll want a strong, very secure lock.

Your gate material

If your gate is made out of wood, you have a lot of options when it comes to locks. If your back gate is made out of metal or composite material, you may need a purpose-built lock and help fitting it.

Exposure to the elements

Because garden gates are constantly exposed to all weather conditions, you’ll have to choose a lock that is made from corrosion-resistant metal to stop it seizing, rusting or getting damaged.

Who will be using the gate?

Think about how often the gate is used and by who. Shared pathways or main access routes will need a two-way lock, whereas private gardens that aren’t used daily may only need a one-sided lock.

Installation

A professionally fitted lock will always be more secure than a poorly fitted DIY job. We recommend getting in touch with a MLA-approved locksmith to fit your new Stellar Gates lock.

Treat yourself to a new garden gate that pairs with your lock.

Types of garden gate locks

Once you’ve gone through your security needs and gate type, it’s time to choose a lock. Not all garden gate locks offer the same level of security and quality, so it’s worth understanding the main types and how they compare.

Our recommendations:

Long Throw Key Lock - Double-Sided 

How it works: Can be locked and unlocked from both sides with a key.

Best for: Gates that require secure access for both internal and external users.

Benefits:

• Strong 70mm locking mechanism for enhanced security

• Durable, weather-resistant metal construction

• Ideal for timber and metal gates

• Minimal maintenance needed

Drawback:

• Need to carry a key at all times for access from both sides.

Long Throw Key Lock - Thumb-Turn 

How it works: Key-operated from the outside, with a convenient thumb turn on the inside.

Best for: Private gates where internal access needs to be simple and quick.

Benefits:

• Same robust 70mm locking mechanism as the double-sided version

• Easy to operate from the inside without a key

• Long-lasting, weather-resistant design

• Perfect for gates used frequently by household members

Drawbacks:

• Only the external side is key-protected, so internal access relies on the thumb turn, which may be less secure if children or visitors use it.

Other types of garden locks:

Slide Locks

How it works: A simple sliding bolt that locks the gate in place.

Best for: Low-risk or decorative gates that don’t need high security.

Benefits: 

• Simple to fit yourself without the help of a locksmith.

• Inexpensive to buy or replace.

Drawbacks:

• Low security, can be forced open, and prone to rust over time.

Keypad or combination locks:

How it works: A code or combination is used to unlock the gate, no key required.

Best for: Gates that multiple people need access to.

Benefits: 

• Keyless entry for ease 

• Convenient for multiple users.

Drawbacks:

• Plastic or electronic components can fail in wet or cold conditions.

• Batteries need regular replacement.

• Generally less durable than metal locks.

Why choose Stellar Gates for your locks?

While keypads and slide locks can be useful in low-risk areas, our long throw key locks are designed to offer strong, reliable security, weather resistance and ease of use every time. Whether you need two-sided access or a convenient internal thumb turn, Stellar Gates Locks provide lasting protection for your garden and peace of mind for you. 

Plus, we plant a new tree with every order! Ecologi allows Stellar Gates to help combat deforestation by planting a new tree for every one of our orders. Trees are planted all over the world!

Also, see our sustainability page for details on our FSC certified materials.

Browse our full range of long throw key locks today and secure your garden with confidence.

Garden Gate Lock FAQS

Can I install a garden gate lock myself?

Whilst some simple garden locks like slide locks can be fitted yourself, we’d recommend getting the help from a professional for any other lock installations if you’re not confident with DIY.

Do I need a lock on my garden gate for insurance purposes?

If something happens, most insurers expect reasonable levels of security measures to be taken which often includes a lock on your back gate before making a payout. You’d have to check your personal policy but in general, yes you need a lock for insurance reasons.

If you have any more questions, or you’re looking for advice about which lock is right for you - get in touch with our expert team.