We often view the driveway gate as a simple fixture in our driveway. It is a continuation of the garden wall/fence and a point of entry and exit. They can add style and charm to a property’s visual appeal. Visitors often see the gate first when they pass by your property. It can give a first impression of what lies beyond.
What driveway gate should you choose?
The style and purpose of the driveway gate will determine its choice. Simple timber gates that blend in seamlessly with the fence or walls give the driveway a traditional appearance. A solid timber clad or wrought iron gate will provide greater privacy and security to your home.
Manual or automated
An automated gate is a great option if you’re looking to take your business even further. An automated gate will make it easier to get in and out of your car when it is wet. It also keeps the driveway closed when not being used. An electric gate can make your property more secure by keeping unwanted visitors away. However, it is best to have them installed by a professional gate technician. There are many options available depending on the slope and access to your driveway.
Types of gates
Driveway gates are generally made of two materials: metal and wood. There are many styles and shapes available for metal gates. They can be made in either steel or aluminum. Steel gates tend to be more elaborate than aluminum gates. However, aluminum gates can give the appearance and feel of traditional timber clad gates without the need for annual maintenance and at a fraction of their weight.
Gate maintenance and care
After you have chosen the right gate for your driveway, it is important to protect your gate to make sure it looks as good as new for as long as you can.
Pre-treatment is a common feature on new wooden driveway gates. However, these treatments do not provide protection against weather and wood rot. These treatments will become less effective with time due to weather erosion and sun UV rays.
You can achieve a natural appearance by applying clear decking oil or exterior wood oil to any preservative treatments. These products are a combination of oils, waxes, and resins that penetrate deep into the wood to offer excellent protection against water entry. Many of these products have UV filters that help preserve the timber’s natural color and delay the onset of weathering.
Painting your driveway gate
It is important that you ensure any preservatives used before painting your gate are free of wax, oil, and silicon. External paints are usually water-based. Any pretreatment that contains oil or wax will make it difficult for the paint to adhere to the wood. It will save you both time and money over the long term if you invest in quality paint.
Wood Stains
A driveway gate can be stained with an exterior wood stain to preserve the natural grain. You can stain and seal a light-colored softwood gate to achieve the appearance of Walnut, Mahogany, or Teak.
Why not oil timber gates?
Oiling garden wood is a good idea, just like oiling garden sheds, benches, and fencing. Wood oils penetrate into the wood grain to replace natural oils that have been lost over time. This helps to keep the wood flexible and nourished, which can help prevent cracking or reduce splitting. Additionally, decking oils and exterior wood oils have UV filters to help protect the timber against the sun’s bleaching effects.
Wood oils also help prevent water penetration, which is a common cause of mold and wood rot.