First and foremost, there is the question of security as simply put – gates keep people out. Its as simple as that really! But there is a sliding scale here, and your requirements will vary wildly depending on your location, material selection (the type of gate) and your circumstances. This is why making the right choice is even more crucial in this day and age.
So, a humble five-barred wooden gate for example may be perfectly adequate for a rural location where the nearest neighbour is half a mile away and the worst threat is marauding sheep. But in a suburban area, and particularly in a suburban area in a high-crime area, you’re going to need something a little more substantial. Metal gates that make it difficult for anyone to climb over them are a good idea, as are taller designs – over 1.8 meters – which provide a real deterrent rather than just a symbolic one.
Materials: The Long Game
Take a stroll through any residential street and you’ll notice some gates have clearly been there for decades. They’re still going strong. Then there are the wrecks. Gates that were installed twenty or thirty years ago but have since fallen into disrepair. In most cases, it comes down to materials and, let’s be honest, how much work you’re prepared to do to maintain your gates.
Timber gates have a certain old-world charm, especially if you have a period home or a country cottage. Oak and other hardwoods will last for decades if properly maintained. However, they do require a lot of work. If you want them to last, you need to oil or stain them at least once a year.
Metal gates, whether they’re made from steel or aluminium, avoid all these problems. Powder coating will last for decades and aluminium won’t even rust if you live near the coast. The disadvantage is that they look rather ugly and severe if you want something a bit more subtle.
The Regulations Nobody Reads
Planning permission is rarely necessary for gates, but there are a few exceptions. If your property abuts a classified road or is in a conservation area, you may want to check with your local planning authority. Gates opening over a pavement may also be subject to regulations. Automatic gates may be subject to regulations under health and safety legislation if they could be a hazard.
Building regulations are unlikely to apply to your gate itself, but any posts or walls you are attaching your gate to may be relevant, especially in terms of drainage and boundary agreements.
What Actually Matters
If you strip away the sales talk, there are only a handful of questions that really matter: Will it be working in ten years’ time? Is it right for the property? Can I live with the maintenance it needs? Everything else is mere detail.
The best gate is the one you don’t notice. It is the gate that works, day in and day out, without causing you a problem or requiring your attention. It is more difficult to get it right than you might think, but when you do, you will be wondering why you waited so long.