Selection, Installation and Care of Garden Gates
When selecting a garden gate, many people decide on the location first. If the gate is to be located on the driveway, the gate has to be able to take the weight of a car and be wide enough to accommodate the vehicle. A driveway gate can be made out of a heavy gauge iron or steel. A garden gate doesn’t have to take as much stress and can be made to give decorative effect to the property.
Once the location of the gate has been decided the material of the gate can be determined. The decision can’t be based on the fact that “metal lasts longer.” Iron can be used to make gates and if it is a wrought iron gate, it can last for a long time. The reason for the longevity of a wrought iron gate is the method in which it is made and because of that process it is less likely to fail or break down. A rust proof aluminum gate can also be used to make a garden gate but a wrought iron gate is heavier and gives a better effect. If a wood gate is used, it can also last for a long time but wood is a high maintenance material and it may need to be treated against the elements. The selection of the material for the gate ultimately depends on the property and the budget.
You should consider automation at the beginning of your project rather than adding it on later. Converting a manual gate to an electric one can be difficult and may require modifications to the support posts and the power source. Which type of gate you use is largely dependent on the other design features of the property.
Eventually you will have to consider planning. Planning permission is not usually an issue for gates, however you should be aware of a few conditions. If your gate is above a certain height or is too close to a public road then planning may be required. The same may also apply to gates located on Listed Buildings or in a Conservation Area. Check with your local planning authority beforehand.