A garden gate isnβt just an entrance β itβs the first impression your home makes. Whether youβre adding privacy, boosting kerb appeal, or securing your space, choosing the right gate can make all the difference. But with so many materials, styles, and sizes available, where do you start?
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to choose the perfect garden gate for your outdoor space β from design and durability to installation tips and matching fence styles.
What to Consider Before Buying a Garden Gate
- What is the gateβs purpose? Security, privacy, decorative feature, or general access?
- Where will it be installed? Front garden, side entrance, rear boundary?
- What fencing do you already have (or plan to install)? Your gate should match or complement this.
- Do you need a gate thatβs ready to install or one that can be painted/stained?
Types of Garden Gates Explained
1. Tongue & Groove Gates
A smart, solid choice for side access or rear entrances. These gates use interlocking vertical or horizontal boards for a robust and secure finish.
Ideal for:
- Privacy and security
- Pairing with matching tongue & groove panels
- Traditional or contemporary garden styles
2. Featheredge Gates
Featheredge gates are built with overlapping vertical boards, offering excellent strength and privacy. They're a popular choice for side or back garden entrances.
Ideal for:
- Heavy-duty applications
- Homes needing extra security
- Matching closeboard or featheredge fencing
3. Europa Decorative Gates
Stylish and elegant, Europa gates feature trellis detailing and curved tops β great for adding a decorative focal point to your fence line.
Ideal for:
- Creating a feature entrance
- Pairing with Europa fencing
- Homes with a traditional or cottage-style garden
4. Lap and Board Gates
Lap gates use horizontal overlap boards for a classic, budget-friendly option. Board gates (or closeboard) offer a more structured, framed design.
Ideal for:
- Matching lap or closeboard panels
- Simple, traditional garden styles
- Budget-conscious garden upgrades
5. Contemporary & Picket Gates
Perfect for front gardens and pathways, picket gates add charm and visibility. Contemporary versions offer a modern twist with staggered slats and clean lines.
Ideal for:
- Front garden entrances
- Decorative edging
- Contemporary or minimal garden designs
Choosing the Right Gate Size
Most garden gates come in standard sizes:
- 3ft (0.91m): Ideal for front garden access and low fencing
- 6ft (1.83m): Best for side access and rear garden privacy
Always measure your opening (including post-to-post width) and allow for hinges and fixings. If youβre installing a gate between existing posts, double-check theyβre plumb and aligned.
Pressure Treated or Dip Treated?
All our timber gates are treated to withstand the elements β but the type of treatment affects both lifespan and maintenance:
Pressure Treated:
- Long-lasting rot and fungal protection
- Usually comes with a 15-year anti-rot guarantee
- Doesnβt require immediate treatment
Dip Treated:
- More affordable upfront
- Comes with a 10-year anti-rot guarantee (with periodic re-treatment)
- Golden brown finish that can be painted or stained
Gate Fixings & Accessories
Donβt forget the finishing touches. Most gates are supplied without fixings, so youβll need:
- Hinges (tee hinges or hook & band sets)
- Latches or bolts
- Screws or nails
- Optional gate posts if not fixing to existing ones
Sustainability Matters
At Trusted Building Supplies, we only stock gates made from FSC or PEFC certified timber, ensuring the wood comes from responsibly managed forests. Most of our gates are also manufactured here in the UK β so you're supporting British quality and sustainability.
Final Tips Before You Buy
- β Match your gate to your existing or planned fencing
- β Choose the right size based on access and space
- β Consider long-term value β pressure treated gates often save money over time
- β Think about how the gate will look from both inside and outside the garden
- β Donβt forget your fixings!
Shop Trusted Garden Gates
Ready to find the perfect gate? Browse our full collection of reliable, great-looking timber garden gates: