Wooden gates are a popular way to improve your home and can offer a certain grandeur to a property while also improving security and privacy.
How a wooden gate ages and whether they can be painted, and the durability of the gate depend on the type of timber selected to make it as well as the exposure of your gate to the elements. This may sound like a lot to consider, but choosing the timber for your ideal gate system need not be a difficult process, you can always talk to our experts at Harrow Fencing to discuss your needs. If you’re looking for a new wooden gate in 2023, we are on hand to discuss the best types of wood for your gate, balancing your requirements and budget.
The best woods for garden gates are Redwood, Red Cedar, Iroko and European Oak. We will now explore these woods in greater detail.
Harwood or softwood?
Hardwoods such as Iroko and European Oak are popular choices for wooden gates as they are denser woods with a tighter grain. They offer great value for money and can stand up to insect attacks as well as the sun’s harsh UV rays.
Softwoods however do offer particularly good value for money and come in colours and grains to suit any style you’re looking for. Don’t let the name fool you. ‘Softwoods’ are some of the most cost-effective and durable types of wood for wooden gates you can buy. In particular, the common Redwood, or ‘Scots Pine’, and the remarkably sturdy Red Cedar are perfect for wooden gates. Ultimately, softwoods can last many, many years if maintained and treated well.
Softwood wooden gates: Redwood
Redwood makes for a great value wooden gate. It is a moderately hard timber with red-brown heartwood that can match or complement a majority of existing garden or perimeter fences. It is popular but needs to be treated more often than other woods to maintain its strength and appearance. A coating of water-repellent preservative stain every 1-2 years should keep this wood in service for a long time. Redwood used in the building of gates is also infused with chemical preservatives to fend off damage by insects and delay the weathering process.
Red Cedar
This aromatic wood is a unique material because of its high natural oil content. It is regarded for its ability to repel insects and fungi that would damage other woods and has a stable characteristic, which means it is less likely to warp or shrink. Traditionally, Red Cedar has been used in boat building for its light-weight and strength: two qualities that make it one of the best types of wood for gate crafting.
Though it is not recommended, Red Cedar does not require a preservative coating to protect it, as it is naturally rot-resistant. However, uncoated Red Cedar turns a pleasant silver colour once weathered.
Which types of wood is right for your new wooden gate?
Timber gates offer a beauty that metal gates often lack. Whether your traditional home requires a classic design to finish off the garden, or you are looking to modernise your driveway with a natural twist, wood is a timeless material that, when cared for, looks better with age. Look after a wooden gate with preservative staining and easy maintenance, and it will give you decades of service.
With lots of options available when it comes to gate construction – including material, stain, paint and the design of ironmongery – there are innumerable ways to complement the style of your home with a quality timber gate.
Harrow Fencing supply and install quality wooden gates, made from a wide range of materials to suit all budgets. Our customers throughout Harrow, Hillingdon and London have enjoyed top customer service and expert installations of timber fencing and gating. We can further tailor wooden gates to your needs by combining the finest wood with the best locking and latching solutions too. For more information about our gates and installation services, get in touch today.
