Despite stiff competition from metal and uPVC, timber is the favourite of homeowners and building contractors alike and it’s easy to see why. At Witham Timber, we supply only quality timber gates but we believe it’s only fair to look at other types of gate here too.
Wrought iron gates
The perfect finishing touch to a period property or a larger, older home, wrought iron gates are cost prohibitive for many individual homeowners and property developers today. As a consequence, wrought iron is often used only where planning permission requires it. Prone to rusting, wrought iron is extremely heavy and can only be hung from structures strong enough to bear the load.
uPVC gates
While some people prefer the longevity and low-maintenance nature of a plastic gate, others dislike the fact that they will never ’age’ or take on the natural wear and patina of wood. Less sustainable than timber gates too, uPVC is expensive to repair.
Aluminium gates
Often the gate of choice for contemporary homes, aluminium gates are generally more expensive than timber gates but require less ongoing maintenance. Although widely believed not to rust, aluminium can develop corrosion which forms as white powder on surfaces that are damaged or dented.
The benefits of wooden garden gates
- Wooden garden gates are suitable for every age and style of home. Pairing appropriate ironmongery with a traditionally styled gate provides the perfect solution for a period home, while a contemporary looking security gate is suitable for a modern home or new-build. Likewise, a traditional, wooden 5-bar gate will always offer a classic country feel to a property.
- Wooden gates can be finished with wood stain, paint or varnish, giving homeowners the opportunity to choose their preferred aesthetic.
- Wood is an environmentally-friendly material which is fully recyclable, that can be sourced from sustainable and renewable forests.
- Bespoke wooden gates are a flexible solution for any size or shape of opening and can be manufactured to individual specifications and requirements.
- Wooden gates provide privacy and security, obscuring views from onlookers and creating barriers at access points which can act as a deterrent to potential criminals.
- Wooden gates represent great value for money. The cost of necessary, regular maintenance is outweighed by the lifespan of a timber gate.
- Wood grows more beautiful with age, becoming aesthetically increasingly pleasing over time.
- Timber is a highly durable material that, with the correct treatment, will withstand environmental ravages and damage from insect infestation.
Maintaining wooden gates
As wood is a natural material, it will deteriorate over time and be prone to insect damage. However, this can be prevented with appropriate treatment and maintenance. Witham Timber’s entire range of wooden garden gates is manufactured from pressure treated timber for rot and insect resistance, as well as durability and longevity. No further treatment is immediately necessary but your gate will benefit from an annual application of Protek Wood Preserver and any stain or paint where preferred. The Protek range of products has no adverse environmental effects and is perfectly safe to use around children and pets; for more information on their product range, Protek wood treatments – everything you need to know has lots more information.
Wooden gates and gate hardware from Witham Timber
We stock garden, personnel, field and courtyard gates which are mainly pressure treated. The full range of wooden gates includes decorative gates, closeboard gates, and tongue & groove gates, plus many more. We also carry stocks of gate posts and all the galvanised gate hardware you need.
For any further questions or advice, contact our sales team or give us a call on 01205 359188.