How to Choose the Right Wooden Gate for Your Home
Buying a wooden gate sounds simple, until you realise how many choices there are. This guide walks you through timber, sizing, styles, ironmongery and maintenance, so you can choose the right gate with confidence.
1. What type of gate do you need?
Start with the gate’s job. Are you mainly trying to secure side access, improve privacy, create an attractive entrance, or allow vehicle access onto a driveway?
Most homeowners usually fall into one of these categories:
Driveway gates
Best for larger openings and a stronger visual impact
Side gates
Ideal for security and privacy (1500mm and over in height)
Garden gates
Often used for decorative or internal garden use (up to 1500mm in height)
2. Choosing the right timber
Timber choice is one of the biggest decisions you will make. It affects price, appearance, maintenance and lifespan.
Softwood
Scandinavian Redwood
- Lower upfront cost
- Takes paint and stain well
- Lighter in colour
- Requires more regular maintenance
Hardwood
Iroko
- Longer lifespan
- More durable and stable
- Lower maintenance over time
- Richer, more premium appearance
3. Choosing a style that suits your home
The best gate is not always the most decorative one. Often, the best choice is the design that suits the age, character and overall look of the property.
- Simple and traditional – timeless, versatile and usually the safest choice
- Decorative styles – ideal if you want more character or a more premium feel
- Cleaner, simpler lines – often better for modern homes
4. Choosing the right posts for your gate
The posts you use are just as important as the gate itself. They provide the structure and support that the gate relies on, so choosing the right type depends on what you are fixing into.
Wall posts
For fixing to an existing wall or brick pillar
- Ideal when you already have brickwork or a solid structure
- Creates a clean, neat finish
- Common for side gates between a house and wall
Our standard wall posts can also be supplied with a matching bead, which creates a cleaner join between the gate and post and gives a more refined finish. These are the same wall posts supplied when ordering a gate through our product pages.
Posts in the ground
For standalone gates or openings without existing brickwork
- We supply galvanised steel posts (100mm & 75mm depending on size of gates)
- Available with martching redwood or Iroko hardwood sleeves and caps to match gate
- Used when there is no existing structure
- Concreted in for strength and stability
These posts provide the main structural support for the gate and are essential where there is no wall or pillar to fix into.
5. Getting the size right
This is one of the most important parts of ordering a gate. Many people make the mistake of measuring the gate they think they need, instead of measuring the opening itself.
In most cases, you should measure the gap or opening, then allow for posts and the clearances needed for the gate to function properly. We recommend leaving 15mm gaps between the gate and posts.
- Measure the opening width accurately top and bottom
- If you get difference measurements, use the smallest measurement to work out the size
- Allow gaps for expansion and movement (15mm recommended)
- Measure the height from the correct reference point
- We recommend leaving 30mm under the gate to allow for clearance on opening
- Check whether the ground slopes
- Consider whether you need posts
6. Ironmongery explained
Ironmongery is simply the hardware that allows your gate to hang, close and lock properly. The right setup depends on the size, weight and purpose of the gate.
- Hinges support the gate and need to suit its weight
- Latches and catches keep it shut for simple day-to-day use
- Locks add security where needed
- Finish affects the look, such as black, galvanised or other options
Our black gate ironmongery is galvanised with a spray finish of primer and a black finish. Moving parts are left silver to prevent chipping.
Our kits provide everything you need to install your gate, including stainless steel fixings and guides.
7. Treatment and maintenance
Timber is a natural material, so some movement over time is normal in outdoor conditions. Maintenance plays a big part in how your gate continues to look and perform over the years.
Hardwood generally requires less maintenance over time than softwood, although both benefit from proper care.
Different timbers and finishes suit different products, so it is worth choosing the correct treatment from the start.
A little maintenance at the right time helps protect appearance and extend the life of the gate.
8. What happens after you order?
A big concern for many people is whether ordering online is risky. The key is making sure everything is confirmed before manufacture begins.
Choose your preferred gate, size and options.
Check the details carefully so everything is clear before production starts.
You will receive updates once in production and once delivery is booked with links to our useful guides on installation and treatment.
Confirmation from our 2-man courier is sent to you with a 3-hour timeslot. Your completed gate is then delivered ready for fitting.
Need help choosing the right gate?
If you are unsure which timber, design or size is right for your property, we can help point you in the right direction.
You can also send us your measurements or a photo of the opening and we can help guide you.