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Wooden or metal electric gates – which is right for you?

Home » Blog » Wooden or metal electric gates – which is right for you?

When searching for a new gate for your home one of the first decisions you’ll have to make is whether to go for metal or wood. A common misconception is that metal gates are more secure and that wooden gates will deteriorate more quickly. But if properly cared for, wooden gates can last just as long as metal ones.

So how do you choose which material is right for you? Well, both materials have their advantages and disadvantages. To help you out we’ve put together this guide which covers the main factors you need to think about. This should help you make an informed decision about which material is most suitable for your particular home.

Wooden gates

Appearance

One of the biggest advantages of wooden gates is their appearance. Timber is a suitable material for electric gates, sliding gates and swing gates of all sizes. And with a wide choice of timbers available, they can be easily tailored to complement your property.

Wooden gates also create a softer look compared to their metal counterparts, making it easier to blend them in with their surroundings. For this reason, wooden gates are often chosen for properties located in villages or conservation areas.

One misconception about wooden gates is that they are only suitable for traditional properties. But modern timber gates come in a range of styles to suit both traditional and contemporary homes.

Privacy and security

Privacy and Security are major factors when choosing a new gate. If security is your primary concern, metal gates allow you to create a more secure boundary.

That is not to say wooden gates are not secure, they can be fitted with a range of locks and spikes to prevent access from even the most determined intruders. But for the ultimate security, metal gates provide a higher degree of protection against forced entry.

Maintenance

Wooden gates do require more maintenance than metal gates, but if looked after carefully they will last just as long. One of the best protections for timber gates is linseed oil which helps to protect the wood while still allowing it to breathe.

The timber will be treated with linseed oil before installation and will only require a new coat every couple of years or so. This will keep your gate looking beautiful and allow the wood to mature over time helping it to blend in with its surroundings.

Metal gates

Appearance

The clean lines and industrial appearance of metal gates mean they are more suited to contemporary or post-war homes than traditional village houses or cottages.

When it comes to colour and finish, you have just as much choice as with timber. Metal gates can be painted or powder coated in almost any colour you wish. Alternatively, the material can be galvanised to create an industrialised look.

Another advantage of metal gates is that they can be made in a wide range of complex and innovative designs. This gives you more freedom to create a unique design which complements your home.

Privacy and security

Metal gates are the defacto choice if security is your primary concern. Metal is much stronger than wood and better able to withstand forced access.

Metal gates can also span a much wider driveway without compromising their structural rigidity. They can also be fitted with a range of integrated locks and posts to provide further protection if necessary.

Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of metal gates is that they require little maintenance compared to timber. The latest powder coated gates will last for many decades before they need replacing.

The only maintenance required is a little grease on the hinges each year. For gates fitted with an electric opening mechanism, the rams, hubs and bearings will also need lubricating each winter.

TPS manufacture and install a wide range of timber and metal electric gates. We have a comprehensive collection of both traditional and contemporary designs each of which is made to measure at our factory in Gloucestershire.

If you would like more information about our range of electric gates and automatic opening systems, get in touch with us using our contact form or give our team a call on 01594 840 408.