Gate Types: Finding the Right Fit for Your Garden – Gate Design Ideas & Styles

Forest Kyoto 3'x6' Decorative Pressure Treated Wooden Gate - Click HERE to View

Your garden gate is the gateway to your home, so it needs to look good and provide a secure barrier and access point to your property. Choosing the best gate types for your home is vital as they can welcome or deter visitors and set the tone for your boundary fence. The driveway entrance is a particularly crucial aspect, as this can enhance the curb appeal and security of your home.

With many options available, you can choose from timber, vinyl and composite or premium aluminium gates in all styles, contemporary or classic, modern or traditional; any one of these types of garden gates will enhance the overall look of your garden.

We stock many gate types that encompass all gate design ideas. You can choose garden gates made from hardwood or a weatherproof aluminium gate, while vinyl and composite materials are great in extreme climates or weather conditions.

We do not just stock garden gates; we sell driveway gates, back and front garden gates and, in fact, all types of garden gates for any part of your property.

Wooden gate types are the most well-known and popular types of gates we sell. A gate made of pressure or dip-treated timber is a robust and attractive addition to your garden. What is more, wooden gate types come in many different design styles, from sleek contemporary gates to traditional or decorative design styles. The natural look of a timber gate compliments your garden and boundary fences.

Here is a list of wood types you can choose for your wooden gate:

• Cedar – a robust and pest-resistant softwood that maintains a pleasant colour
• Oak – a solid hardwood known for its durability
• Pine – a well-known softwood that proliferates and is readily available
• Redwood – is a similar timber to cedar, more widely used in the Americas
• Spruce – is like pine, a softwood that is easy to work with but requires regular and ongoing maintenance
• Teak – is a costly hardwood but is exceptionally hardwearing

We prefer to use sustainable timber that is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) approved, so our gate design ideas focus on fast-growing woods like pine and spruce.

Metal gates are a completely different style of gate, both in material choice and aesthetic value. Metal gates offer enhanced benefits, including strength, durability and design styles. Some decorative metal gates are made of wrought iron. This material is made from iron with some carbon removed, mixed with slag metals, and is often more expensive than regular aluminium. Wrought iron gates are frequently made to order in elaborate designs, as opposed to aluminium gates, which can be a standard off-the-shelf purchase.

Gate design ideas in aluminium have the same resilience and strength as the decorative wrought iron verity, but the materials used, and manufacturing process are less expensive. This factor makes gates made of aluminium an affordable and dependable purchase.

Are metal estate gates available? Yes! Estate gates are taller, more secure versions of standard driveway gates, they typically measure around 1.8 meters in height.

Gates made of vinyl or composite (composite is a mixture of wood fibres, plastic, and glue) are a viable option if you live in an area prone to harsh weather conditions, such as more rainfall than other areas, coastal conditions with a high sodium element in the air, or areas that get a lot of snow.

Most gardens get their fair share of the changeable British weather conditions, but these are not so extreme that you must base your choice of a vinyl gate on these factors.

Finding the right gate for your garden depends on aesthetic appeal, functionality, security requirements and budget constrictions. Once you have considered all these factors, you will be able to select the best garden gate for your needs.

When choosing a new garden gate, you must consider your garden style, how it looks, and its whole aesthetic before selecting a product. Here are some gate options that will suit a traditional or classic garden:

Traditional gates complement the architecture of your home and its surroundings, enhancing both security and aesthetic appeal. Here are three traditional garden gate options from our range:

• Forest 3'x6' Wooden Lap Garden Gate (Side)
• Forest Heavy Duty 3'x6' Tongue & Groove Pressure Treated Garden Gate
• Forest Paloma (Prague) 3'x6' Decorative Pressure Treated Garden Gate

Here are three modern garden gate options from our range:

• Barnstaple Premium Metal Side Gate - Grey
• Forest Kyoto 3'x6' Decorative Pressure Treated Wooden Gate
• Forest 3'x6' Pressure Treated Timber Lap Garden Gate

Why not also browse through these three decorative gate options?

• Forest 3'x6' Double Slatted Decorative Garden Gate
• Forest Europa 3'x6' Pressure Treated Timber Garden Gate (Side)
• Forest 3'x6' Wooden Board Garden Gate (Side)

The above list suggests some options, but it is by no means the entire list. We have a vast range of gates in all styles and material types on our site.

When selecting the perfect types of gates, consider functionality in terms of the amount of privacy, security and ease of access you require. The best gate height for your home offers maximum privacy and deters unwanted visitors; taller gates offer better security but may only be suitable for some households. Always remember though that gates swing open like doors to provide access to driveways, requiring space to operate safely without obstruction!

Consider the locking mechanism you need for your lifestyle, like keypads, electronic locks, traditional latch fittings or Yale and Mortise locks. Other considerations to consider are:

• Ease of operation
• Balancing aesthetics with security
• Balancing lifestyle needs with budget constraints
• Do you need to space? - Bi-fold gates consist of two or more panels that fold together when opened, offer a space-saving and efficient option

Once you have worked through all these considerations, you are ready to choose your gate design and put your ideas into action.

We sell all popular styles of gates for your home, from driveway gates to entrance gates, decorative gates, and even ornamental gates that lead to your secret garden and your deckchair, all set up for some quiet downtime. Whatever you need we have a gate for you!

Our driveway gates are designed to enhance security and curb appeal. Double gates are particularly beneficial for oversized vehicles and wider driveways, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal. When choosing a driveway gate, consider these key features:

• Curb appeal – the best driveway gate will enhance your property's curb appeal
• Size – the right size gate will accommodate vehicles comfortably
• Strength – the bigger the drive, the stronger the gate required
• Style – the most suitable gate for your home will set a style trend in your road or street

Now, all you need to do is choose between a sliding gate or a swing driveway gate – here are the differences between the two types of driveway gate:

• Sliding gates – often rely on electronic mechanisms and are generally more expensive
• Swing gates – are typically operated manually and are easier to install

It is possible to electronically automate both sliding and swing gates with a separate electric kit designed for this purpose.

Entrance gates come in various styles and are often referred to as pedestrian gates; you can expect to find styles of gates that cover every garden design ideal. Double swing gates are a space-efficient solution for properties with wider entrances and are suitable for both residential and commercial applications. Pedestrian gates cover the following entrance gate styles:

• Front garden gate
• Gates that lead to pathways
• Gates that section off areas in your garden
• Rear gate
• Side gate
• Smaller entrance gates

Every gate we sell is designed to work with our vast selection of garden fence panels and fence posts. The mix-and-match aesthetic means that if you need a new entrance gate, we can accommodate your gate design ideas no matter what they are.

Decorative and ornamental gates enhance the visual appeal of your home. Our gates feature intricate designs and decorative elements such as geometric shapes. The types of garden gates we sell lend themselves to customisation, meaning you can paint them in bright or dark colours or stain them to match the remainder of your fencing or decorate the intricate designs in a dedicated style.

Add a trellis, fix garden arches on either side of your garden gate, or add a pergola over your gate area, the options are endless. Decorative or ornamental gate styles allow you to let your creativity run wild.

Maintaining your garden, pedestrian or side gate is essential for longevity and functionality. Remember that Standard sliding gates, unlike cantilever gates, require tracks and have different maintenance needs. Here is a list of things to consider when maintaining your garden gate:

• Cleaning – regularly cleaning your gate will help you with your regular checks; this is particularly important in metal gates as it may not be easy to spot rust or damage
• Painting and staining – using rust inhibitor regularly will extend the life of a metal gate, while timber garden gates may benefit from a coat of sealant or stain after the initial installation
• Regular checks – you should conduct gate inspection monthly for any signs of excessive wear and tear, rust or damage. Check hinges, locks and other moving parts for functionality
• Weather protection — weather protection is particularly important for gates with metal and electric closure mechanisms. Consider adding an awning or canopy over gates that require electricity to work properly

Specific gate checks are a good idea, but regular use may alert you to problems with your garden gates anyway. Still, forearmed is forewarned, and when it comes to home security, it pays to be prepared.

We also suggest reading our article – “Choosing Garden Gates Electric vs Manual, Which is Best for Your Garden”. As a general comment, manual gates, while more affordable, lack the convenience of remote operation that automatic gates provide, making them a less flexible choice for some users.

Sliding gates and single swing gates are two popular gate types that cater to different needs and spaces. Sliding gates are ideal for limited space since they require less room to operate, while single swing gates are cost-effective but need enough room to open. Wooden gates, including double gates, provide a sturdy and stylish option, with the choice between a single panel or double panel depending on the width required.

When choosing the best gate design, consider the specific support structure and maintenance needed to match your garden’s style and function.