10 Things to Consider When Choosing Timber Gates
Buying new timber gates? Read this guide before you commit.
In this article we share 10 important things to consider when designing and choosing your gates. The right gates should not only serve their functional purpose but also reflect your personal style and add value to your property.
We’ve written about the best timber for gates here, and in this article we cover all the other details to consider.
A petite pair of Nigretta Gates in Dunkeld, VIC.
No. 1: Purpose
The first and foremost consideration is to determine the purpose and functionality of the gates: Are you primarily installing them for security, privacy, or decoration?
Security: If security is a primary concern and purpose, we would recommend opting for a taller, solid timber gate. You can also add automation with additional features such as intercom, video surveillance or a keypad entry system. The mere presence of a sturdy gate will act as a deterrent to most would-be thieves or trespassers.
Privacy: If privacy is a priority, solid timber is again an obvious choice. It offers total concealment of whatever lies behind it, while not being obnoxious.
Keeping in children, pets or stock: If your gate is to keep small children safe, consider a latch that requires an adult to open. If it’s for pets, ensure the height is sufficient and that smaller pets cannot escape through gaps in the gate. If it’s for stock, particularly cattle, it will need to be heavy enough. Chat to us to work out a design that ticks all the boxes.
Decoration: Remember, first impressions last. We can’t overstate the power of timber gates in improving a property’s looks. We believe that all gates should enhance a property’s look and feel, and design is an important part of what we focus on at Strukta.
Adding Value: Fences and gates immediately improve street appeal and, consequently, add value to any property. Investing in a well-built, tastefully designed and durable entrance will promise a solid return on investment - there is even evidence that decorative gates can increase property value as much as 5%.
No. 2: Who and what will use the gate?
Does the opening need to be wide enough to let a truck through?
Does it need to be high enough to keep in stock?
Consider a set-back gateway, so you can pull off a busy road safely while opening and closing your gate.
No. 3: Location
Flat or sloping? Flat ground means your choices are almost endless. Sloping ground, while more tricky, is not impossible to work with. We have hinges that allow the gate to move up or down (pictured below), but a sliding gate is often a better choice in this situation. Just ask us and we can recommend what will suit you best.
Windy? If it’s for a windy location, solid gates are not the best option. Instead, opt for a gate that allows the wind to pass through.
Wet? We choose and process our timber in a way that makes it ready to withstand rain. All joins are glued with boat-building glue, and in most cases bolted as well. We can also provide coatings that further protect from the elements. Timber is a natural product and will age and change colour gracefully over time.
Extra soft ground? This does pose a problem as the ground can (and will) move, which can in turn move your posts. The answer to this is foundations, foundations, foundations. Do your prep work and opt for long posts with a lot of concrete.
An example of a gate hinged to move up and down with the gradient of the slope.
No. 4: Opening and Closing Your Gates
Let’s talk about automation. If you have heavy gates and want them shut except for when using the gateway, automation is something you could consider. All of our gates are suitable for automation, which is the ultimate luxe option that blends timeless style with modern function. Automating your gate, while having a higher upfront cost, means your perfectly styled hair will stay dry even in the worst weather, and you can open the gate for guests without leaving the house. These days there’s a range of programming options for entering – Bluetooth, one-time pin codes, fob opening, vehicle detection circuits and more.
If you aren’t automating your gates, you will need a way to latch it shut or hold it open. We offer latches - pictured here - but there are plenty of options on the market for custom latches to suit your style.
If you’re going to be leaving your gates open most of the time, a heavy-duty drop bolt is your best option.
No. 5: Height
Whilst we typically match a gate to the fence post in height, higher gates make a grand entrance and suit stone pillars or chunky gate posts. Lower gates over a wide entrance - shown below - can make a rural property stand out from the crowd, creating a really nice entrance to a flowing or treelined driveway.
An example of a low gate that lets the views flow.
No. 6: Weight
Gates need to be strong but not overly heavy, so they don’t put excess strain on the posts and hinges. Our gates are famously chunky and strong, but not as heavy as they look; our clients are often shocked when they find out our gates are usually under 100kg! This means our gates are easy to swing and also makes them perfect for automation.
If you do opt for a heavier design, sliding may be a better option. Talk to us if you’re unsure.
No. 7: Design
This is obvious but choose a design that matches the property, house and surrounding setting. Naturally, country properties will suit a more traditional style, while inner-city locations might choose a higher solid gate for security and class. In coastal towns, custom gates designed to suit the waves and flowing grasses look absolutely stunning. We offer a range of coloured coatings to suit your house, fence and the landscape.
No. 8: Sliding or Swinging?
Swinging gates best suit flat/level boundaries and as a general rule, will swing into the property. Where your driveway slopes up into your home, consider going for a sliding option to keep the gate at a lower cost. Rising hinges are an option, but do add to the cost and can make the gate appear ‘wonky’ when open.
This automated sliding gate was custom made for clients near Torquay on the Great Ocean Road.
No. 9: Installation
Installing gates can be tricky and it is recommended to seek professional assistance. We offer installation services and can suggest installers nationwide. However, if you do wish to install them yourself, we are always on call for any questions you may have.
No. 10: Maintenance & Durability
So with all that being said, are there any disadvantages of using timber gates? Timber is a natural, living product, so will age and change with time. That is also part of what makes it beautiful; it’s so connected with the nature around it, and like a good wine will grow more special with time. However, the fact that it’s a natural product means it is susceptible to twisting, cracking and rotting. This can be avoided through care and maintenance.
The following steps are important to getting the most from your timber gates.
Drying the timber to the correct moisture content before it is used – that is a non-negotiable part of Strukta’s process
Using coatings to protect it from the elements – we offer a range of coatings in beautiful natural shades, shown below. Contact us to purchase these.
StruktaCoat - our new range of oils and protectants
In Conclusion:
If you’ve still got questions we haven’t answered, reach out and we’ll be happy to chat. Even better, bring us your dream design and we’ll chat about what we can achieve together - we love creating stunning gates that meet all your requirements.
