Choosing the right garden gate for your home

Whether you've bought a new home or you want to boost the kerb appeal of your existing property with a new look, a garden gate is a great place to start. A good garden gate will also add an extra barrier of security, protecting your property from intruders while providing some privacy to your home.

When looking for a garden gate for your property, you need to think about its purpose. For example, if you're looking for a gate that will work as a boundary and provide security for your children and pets, go for a tall, solid wooden gate. For a front gate, you can choose a smaller and more decorative option. After all, you want something that creates a good first impression. You should also take into account the theme of your garden and existing fencing.

Whatever you’re looking for, we are here to help you make an informed decision. This guide covers crucial points to keep in mind when shopping for a garden gate, so read on!

What material should you choose for your garden gate?

One of the most important features to look out for when shopping for garden gates is the material used in their construction. As you would expect, garden gates come in a wide range of materials. You can choose wood, metal, and plastic, depending on whether you want a back, entrance, or side garden gate. However, wood and metal are the most popular materials. Below, we look at the different materials for garden gates to help you make the right choice.

Wooden gates

Wood is one of the most popular materials for garden gates, and for good reasons. To begin with, wooden gates will enhance the security of your garden because they are solid and sturdy. In addition, they improve the look and feel of your garden, whether you go for simple units for practicality, rustic options for a countryside feel and look, or a decorative piece for a WOW effect. Furthermore, you can choose from either softwood or hardwood options. Softwood gates are a cost-effective option, but they must be treated regularly to prevent rot and deterioration. On the other hand, hardwood gates are sturdier than softwoods and can last for many years, provided they are well-maintained. However, they are more expensive.

Metal gates

Gates made from metal are mostly used in driveways or entrances. However, that doesn’t mean they cannot be used as garden gates. In fact, they are widely used to make side and front garden gates. Metal garden gates will add a classic look to your outdoor space. They work well with brick or metal fences and come in different designs to suit your theme. Metal is prone to rust and corrosion, but most metal gates are either painted or powder coated to keep these elements at bay. Metal gates will also make your garden look spacious and sunlit. On the downside, you get less privacy and protection because of the gaps between the bars. For this reason, it's advisable to use a metal fence gate as a back garden gate only if it's tall enough and has spiked ends.

Stainless steel

If you’re looking for a garden gate that will give you the best in terms of security and appearance, then you should go for one made from stainless steel. Garden gates made from this material are not only sturdy but also long-lasting. As long as it is well-maintained, stainless steel gates can withstand the harshest weather conditions. Stainless steel gates are also easy to clean and do not rust or corrode.

Plastic

Plastic garden gates are increasingly becoming popular because of their numerous benefits. While the initial outlay may be higher or the same as that of a wooden gate, a plastic gate doesn't require regular maintenance or replacement. Therefore, you'll not incur further costs once you install it. In addition, plastic fence gates are highly durable. You won’t need to deal with issues like rot and staining because your plastic gates require no painting. Most importantly, they won’t warp or twist. Furthermore, plastic garden gates come in a wide range of sizes, colours, and styles.

What garden gate size should you choose?

Once you've decided on the right material for your garden gate, the next step is choosing the perfect size. If you’re renovating your garden, you’re somehow limited in terms of size, so you may want to go for a made-to-measure gate. However, if you’re looking for a stand gate size, you have plenty of options to choose from. Here are guidelines to help you choose the right gate size.

Standard height of garden gates

The standard height of most garden gates is about 1.83m. This is sufficient height to keep intruders at bay and prevent your kids and pets from jumping over. If you need extra protection and privacy, you can choose taller garden gates of about 2.3m. However, taller gates work best on the side and back of the garden because these are areas intruders will most likely try to enter your home.

You can also find shorter gates of about 0.91 m. Because this is the standard height of fences, choosing a 0.91m gate will help you create a uniform pattern in your outdoor space. In fact, this is one of the most common garden entrance ideas in most homes. So, why not try it?

Standard width of garden gates

Most garden gates have a width of about 0.91m, which is wide enough to walk through without impediment. You may also find narrower gates, which work best as side gates in a smaller garden.

Wider garden gates of about 1.22m are often used as front gates. For such gates, it's best to choose a double instead of a single gate. However, keep in mind that double gates are costlier than single gates. So, ensure you budget accordingly when shopping for double garden gates.

Garden gate ideas for a stylish outdoor space

If you think of your garden gate as a merely functional item, you're missing the point. Whether it's at the entrance of your home or it's located at the side or back, a garden gate can be an amazing feature in its own right. Here are a few garden ideas you can use in your outdoor space, whether small or large.

Choose a gate that mirrors your fence design

When looking for a garden gate, think about how it will fit with other elements of the garden, especially the fence. For example, if you have a low-level trellis fence, you can choose a wooden gate featuring a trellis panel. The advantage of trellis is that they allow you to make better use of the vertical space in your outdoor space, making it easier to grow climbing plants.

Pick the right timber

Garden gates have to withstand harsh weather conditions all year round. So, it's worth knowing what to look for when shopping for a gate. Most wooden gates are made using pressure-treated softwoods like redwood and pike. Although soaked in wood preservatives and are generally cheaper, they are not as durable as hardwood timbers. In addition, they have knots and natural markings, which are less attractive than the dense grain and oil-rich hardwoods like oak and iroko.

Pick the perfect paint finish

If you fancy a brighter look for your outdoor space, you can treat them to a fresh new coat of paint. There are plenty of paint colours to use to showcase your personality and style. These include earthy neutrals, infinite contemporary brights, and rich heritage hues. However, not any paint can do the trick. The right paint must be resin-rich, breathable, and flexible to handle fluctuating temperatures and harsh weather conditions. It should also be water-resistant and UV-stable to prevent fading.

Opt for quality construction

If you’re looking for a garden gate that will last for many years, take into account the overall design of the gate and how it has been put together. Naturally, timber swells and shrinks when exposed to the elements, so a good gate needs joints that will cope with this and a finishing that prevents heavy rain from soaking the timber.

Look for a sturdy, secure garden gate

If you’re buying a garden gate for security purposes, choose one that is sturdy and well-designed. A solid wood design that prevents people from seeing through or climbing over is great for keeping intruders at bay. Choose a robust construction, where boards are rebated in a frame for more rigidity and strength.

Go for gates that feature wood and metal

Garden gate ideas also involve mixing different materials. A garden timber gate topped with ornamental metalwork at the top will be more of a feature in your outdoor space than a plain design. For the best possible effect, ensure the paint matches across the wood and metal.

Shop garden gates at vidaXL

Here at vidaXL, we have a huge range of superior-quality garden gates. We only source products from leading manufacturers, so you're guaranteed to find a garden gate that meets the highest standards. Our collection features garden gates in different materials, sizes, and shapes to meet your needs.

Whether you have a small or large garden, we have something for you. Even the pickiest buyers are sure to find a garden gate that meets their needs. Feel free to browse our collection today to find a garden gate that will add functionality and style to your space.