FAQs & Support
- Why Stellar Gates?
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At Stellar Gates, we are experts in making wooden gates that are stunning and durable. Here are some of the main points why we are the best at what we do.
Materials
Iroko is a beautiful and highly durable hardwood.
Scandinavian redwood is a sustainable and more affordable option.Framework
70mm thick mortice and tenon framework has proven to be the best construction for wooden gates.Different widths are available for your framework for those wanting that extra chunky look for their gates. Contact us for more bespoke options!
In-fill
Tongue and groove boards inset into the framework. We do not use cheap shiplap style boarding.Made to measure
Our gates are available in any exact width suitable for your opening.Water resistance
We chamfer all top edges and bracing so that water can run off the gates and prevent build up. Our boards run to the bottom of the gates, so water does not build up on a bottom rail causing staining.Treatment
We supply the best high quality wood treatment and recommend Treatex Oil. We want you to get the most out of your gates!Galvanised ironmongery
All hardware available is galvanised. Our black hardware is galvanised sprayed in a black finish. Stainless steel screws are supplied with all of our hardware kits. - What are the specifications for the gates?
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Frame
Thickness: 70mm
Width: 70mmBracing
Thickness: 45mm
Width: 95mmT&G boards
Thickness: 15mm
Width: 85mmDiagonal Bracing
For gates with a width of over 1000mm, we install a 95mm x 45mm diagonal cross bracing.Small gaps are left between each board to allow for expansion in wetter weather. We use a 10mm tongue and groove, so as timber contracts in the summer, you will not see daylight between each board.
Thicknesses and width can vary by up to 5mm due to planing finish.
Horns
The horns protrude 35mm above the gate. This is included in the height measurement.Additional details
Mortice and tenon, glued and doweled framework.
Stainless steel pins for the boards inserted into the tongue.
All tops and bracings are chamfered so water can run off.
All edges are routed for the perfect finish. - What size gates do you supply?
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Our gates are made to measure suitable for any gap size.
Use our Calculate Your Gate Size guide to help you work out exactly what size gate(s) you require.
Do you think you need gates that are more exact than what we offer online? Simply choose the closest size above your required size and enter your exact sizes in the ‘additional details’ box at the end of the product options.
You can also use our quick chat box for any quick questions that need answering or contact us via phone or email.
- How should the gates be treated?
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We recommend treating the gates with a high-performance external timber treatment. We recommend using Treatex oil for the hardwood and softwood gates.
It is recommended that the gates are re-treated at least once a year in dry weather to maximise its performance. Some gates may need more regular treatment due to its environment.
For full information on this, visit our guide to 'Look After Your Gate'.
Stain can be purchased with your gate(s) or separately for further maintenance.
- Which posts should I use?
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Matching wall posts are available to purchase with the gates. These are for when the gates are being installed between brickwork or concrete posts. We supply the fixings recommended to attach these to the wall.
Dimension
Single gates: 95mm wide x 45mm thick posts
Double gates: 95mm wide x 70mm thick posts
25mm wide x 30mm beads pre-attached to cover expansion gaps
When posts are needed in the ground, we recommend steel
posts set into the ground.Dimensions
For gates less than 1 metre wide x 2 metres high:
100mm x 100mm with at least 500mm set into the ground.For gates more than 1 metre x 2 metres high:
150mm x 150mm with at least 500mm set into the ground. - What ironmongery do you supply?
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We supply and recommend galvanised hardware for the gates. This is long-lasting material that is resistant to rusting. Our black hardware is galvanised hardware coated in a black spray.
The hinges on offer are heavy duty adjustable hinges suitable for heavier hardwood gates. Our gate kits also include a ring latch and a pad bolt. Double gates also include drop bolts for fixing the gates into the ground.
Our kits are supplied with the bolts and stainless steel screws for application.
Single gate kit:
1x pairs of 450mm adjustable hinges
1x 175mm ring latch
1x 150mm pad boltDouble gate kit:
2x pairs of 600mm adjustable hinge
1x 150mm ring latch
1x 150mm pad bolt
2x 450mm drop bolts - Are your gates suitable for automation?
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Our gates are all suitable for automation. If you are installing underground boxes for your gates, then please contact us before making your purchase so we can include a bottom rail.
- Can your gates open both ways?
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Our gates can open either in or out. If they are opening out, you will need to put the hinges on the front. Contact us when purchasing your gate(s) and we can include hinge packers to suit this.
- Can you make matching panels?
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We can make made-to-measure matching panels. You can order this as a gate if you have your exact sizes or contact us to make the order.
- Can you make bespoke gates?
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We can make bespoke gates to suit your requirements. Just send us an enquiry with an example and we can guide you through this process.
- Why isn't your softwood tanalised?
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Although tanalised timber is perfect for when the timber is in contact with the ground due to its resistance with wet conditions, it does not mean it is always the best option.
Tanalised timber is not suitable for cutting or machining, as the ends of the cuts are then exposed to the elements and need to be treated. This makes it totally unneccesary to make any made to measure or bespoke items from tanalised timber.
The treatment process also offers health and safety concerns due the chemicals used to treat the timber.
Tanalised timber is also not very reactive to the sun, so unless maintained often can lead to further warping and cracks in the timber. This can be worse than natural redwood.
We offer a full UV protection oil to treat all gates before installation.