Wooden Garden Gates
A classic choice for many, wooden garden gates are known for their versatility. They can be easily maintained throughout the year and painted to complement your existing fencing.
Several types of wooden gates are available, with traditional slatted gates being the most popular. These gates, which come with either an arched or flat top. They’re durable, timeless, and perfect for gardens with tall fences where ease of use is important.
For shorter fences, consider our matchboard or picket fence-style gates. These gates are ideal for covering smaller areas or complementing lower fencing.
We offer a variety of wooden garden gates to suit different needs, whether you’re keeping pets secure or creating a pathway to the back of your garden. It’s no surprise that pressure-treated wooden gates are the most popular choice due to their reliability.
Key Benefits of Wooden Gates:
- Affordable and cost-effective
- Treated to resist mold, rot, and decay
- Available in various wood types, from rustic to smooth and easy-to-maintain options
- Attractive, versatile designs that are easy to manage and keep clean
How to maintain your wooden garden gate
Installing a sturdy and attractive wooden gate is crucial for securing your home and providing easy access to your front or rear garden. However, like all timber products, it’s important to maintain and care for your gate to ensure it lasts for years and remains in top condition year-round. In this blog, we’ll explore timber treatments and gate care for different types of wooden gates and share top tips on how to effectively maintain them.
Use Wood Oil – The Stain and Oil Method
Wood is a natural material that can be affected by weather conditions over time, leading to potential warping and shrinkage. While all gates sold at Lawsons are pre-treated, it’s still wise to invest some time in caring for your gate to help it withstand the UK’s extreme weather and stay in pristine condition. One of the key benefits of using a wood stain or oil is its ability to regulate the moisture content in the gate, and it’s also simple to apply.
To protect your gate, we recommend treating it with wood oil. This modern UV wood oil contains water-repellent resins and a biocide film wood preserver to prevent surface growth of mold and algae, reducing the risk of decay, swelling, and twisting. It also has strong UV fade resistance, helping to protect your gate from sun damage and preserving its original colour.
In essence, wood oil helps to ‘fill’ microscopic holes in the gate, preventing deterioration. While small splints are common in wood, applying wood oil can significantly reduce their appearance, as well as minimize warping.
Treatment for Softwood Gates
Although gates are generally pre-treated, we still recommend regularly treating your softwood gates (including cutouts and drill holes) with wood oil to prevent moisture from entering the timber, which can lead to warping and swelling.
For pressure-treated softwood gates:
If you purchase a pressure-treated softwood gate designed to resist rot and insect damage, applying wood oil is necessary to prevent weathering and UV damage. UV rays can reduce the effectiveness of pressure-treated gates, so this step is essential.
Treatment for Hardwood Gates
Hardwood gates are known for being easier to care for and maintain. Hardwood timber has natural properties that allow it to look after itself, requiring less protection compared to softwood.
However, over time, hardwood gates may start to discolour due to weathering. To prevent this and preserve the timber’s natural colour, applying wood oil is recommended.
General Treatment Tips
- Avoid painting your gates as a maintenance method.
- Always apply preservative to the entire gate, including cutouts and drilled areas.
- Use UV wood oil before installing your gate.
- Test your chosen preservative colour on a small area before applying it to the whole gate.
- Don’t neglect the bottom of your gate—it’s crucial to treat all parts of the timber.
- Opt for a natural flat brush when applying treatments.
By following these tips, you can ensure your wooden gate remains strong, attractive, and durable for years to come.
