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Your garden gate is more than a way in and out — it’s the handshake your home gives the street. Pick the wrong style and your garden can look unfinished; pick the right one and the whole plot feels complete. A gate protects, defines boundaries, and sets the tone: rustic, modern, or classic. This guide helps you cut through the jargon, compare the most popular styles, and find reputable UK suppliers so you can buy a gate that looks good and lasts.
Gates come in dozens of variations, but most fall into a few familiar types. Whether you want a simple side gate to hide bins or a statement driveway gate, understanding the basic styles makes shopping simpler. From slatted and featheredge wooden gates to powder-coated metal options, the right style depends on taste, budget, and how much maintenance you want to take on.
Wood is the classic go-to for garden gates. Featheredge gates give a solid, traditional face with overlapping boards for privacy. Tongue-and-groove gates offer a smoother, tighter finish and are often pressure treated to resist rot — perfect for side gates that see the weather. Palisade or pale gates use vertical slats for airflow and that familiar picket look. Many suppliers sell ready-made sizes like 3' x 6', 3' x 3', or bespoke timber gates if you need something non-standard.
If security and low maintenance are top priorities, metal gates are worth a look. Powder-coated steel or aluminium holds up to rain and is available in neutral finishes such as black or grey. A metal side gate in a 3' x 6' profile can be slim and strong, while larger driveway gates can be ornate or minimalist. Metal is a great match for modern houses and urban gardens where clean lines are part of the aesthetic.
Several UK suppliers specialise in garden gates and fencing, from national DIY chains to niche garden-build specialists. Below are proven options that cover different needs — budget DIY, trade-quality materials, bespoke garden buildings, and direct-to-home delivery.
Buy Sheds Direct is one of the retailers that offer ready-made timber gates and side gates. You’ll find classic options such as a 3' x 6' featheredge pressure-treated wooden side gate, 3' x 6' double slatted gates, and horizontal tongue-and-groove side gates in a 3' x 6' size. They also stock specific models like the Forest Paloma Gate at roughly 3'11" x 3', and larger profiles such as a 6' x 3' pressure-treated vertical tongue-and-groove gate, plus compact pale gates at about 3' x 3'. For metal choices they carry items like the Devon Premium Metal Side Gate in grey or black — durable, neat, and low maintenance.
B&Q is a top pick for homeowners who want a balance of choice and convenience. You’ll find timber side gates, latch kits, hinges, and gate posts that match standard sizes, plus treated timber and paint to prolong life. If you’re fitting a gate yourself, their range of hardware and clear size options makes planning straightforward.
Wickes targets both homeowners and trade professionals, so their gate range often includes slightly more robust timber and heavier-duty hardware. If you’re planning a project that needs a gate to last for years under frequent use, Wickes’ selection of pressure-treated timber gates and stronger ironmongery is worth considering.
Screwfix is the go-to for bolts, heavy hinges and security fittings when you need durable ironmongery on the same day. Travis Perkins serves tradespeople and serious DIYers with timber posts, pressure-treated gates, and a better choice of grade timber. Both retailers are convenient for sourcing the parts you’ll need to hang a heavy gate safely.
For larger or bespoke garden solutions look to specialists like Garden Buildings Direct and The Range. They often offer a wider selection of garden gates paired with sheds and fencing panels, so you can match styles and finishes across the whole plot. These sellers are useful if you want a cohesive look rather than mixing and matching from multiple sources.
Buying a gate is about more than aesthetics. Think of it like buying shoes: the style matters, but size, support and weather resistance matter most. Here are the key factors to weigh up before you click “buy.”
Timber should be pressure-treated or pre-stained for longer life, and metal should be powder-coated to prevent rust. A 3' x 6' timber gate will look great when sealed and maintained, while a powder-coated metal gate removes a lot of ongoing maintenance concerns.
Measure twice, order once. A side gate usually comes in common sizes such as 3' x 6' or 3' x 3', but posts and ground levels eat into clearance. Allow an extra 1/2" to 1" per side for hinge play and settling. If your threshold slopes, you may need a mitred or rebated gate to avoid scraping.
Decide whether you need a simple latch, a lockable gate, or a bolted system. Heavy-duty hinges, anti-sag kits and a drop bolt can transform a basic gate into a secure boundary feature. If you have pets or children, consider an automatic latch or additional top-lock to stop accidental openings.
Getting measurements right is the single most common headache when buying a gate. Here’s a practical, easy-to-follow approach so your gate fits first time.
Measure the clear opening between posts or brick piers, across the narrowest point, then measure the height from the ground to the top of the opening at several points. Standard ready-made side gates are often available in 3' widths and 3' to 6' heights. If your opening is non-standard, ordering a bespoke gate is often quicker and cheaper than forcing a standard gate to fit.
If you’re confident with basic tools, hanging a standard 3' x 6' timber gate is an achievable weekend job. However, larger gates — especially metal driveway gates — usually need two people and some heavy lifting gear. Professional installation is recommended if posts need setting in concrete, or the gate is especially heavy to reduce the risk of sagging or poor alignment.
Think of maintenance as eating an apple a day to keep the doctor away: a little regularly goes a long way. Gates that are neglected can rot, warp, or rust, but a few simple steps make them last for years.
For a timber gate, reapply stain or preservative every couple of years, check for join gaps, and ensure the bottom edge has a small clearance of about 1/2" to prevent water wicking. If you see early rot, cut it out and treat the area immediately — don’t let it spread.
Metal gates are low maintenance, but you should inspect for chips in the powder coating and touch them up to prevent rust. Lubricate hinges and moving parts twice a year with a light oil to keep everything moving smoothly.
Gates range from wallet-friendly to premium. A basic ready-made timber side gate might be very affordable, while handcrafted timber or large metal driveway gates can be a significant investment. Factor in ironmongery, posts, and installation in your budget. A simple 3' x 6' timber gate will be cheaper than a bespoke 6' driveway gate with automation, but even a modest gate set up properly will add resale value and curb appeal.
Want to be greener? Look for sustainably sourced timber with FSC certification or consider recycled metal gates. Modern manufacturers often offer composite slatted gates made from recycled plastics and timber fibers — low maintenance and durable. These options can look like real wood but hold up much better in damp conditions.
Matching is an art, not a maths problem. A cottage demands a timber featheredge gate, a Georgian terrace suits strong wrought-look metal, and a contemporary build calls for clean slatted panels or powder-coated metal. Think of your gate as a finishing accessory — it should complement door colours, fence panels, and the overall mood of your garden.
Shop around for matching hardware packs and gate posts — buying everything from the same supplier can save delivery costs. Look for seasonal sales when retailers clear stock, and check whether suppliers like Buy Sheds Direct or garden specialists provide free samples or show you the gate in situ online. Always confirm that the gate size suits your opening and that the supplier provides clear fitting instructions or offers installation as an option.
Right now, minimalist slatted gates and mixed-material designs are trending: timber panels combined with metal frames for rigidity and visual interest. Dark finishes like graphite or anthracite grey on metal gates are also popular, matching modern windows and door hardware for a cohesive look. At the other end of the spectrum, classic tongue-and-groove timber gates never go out of fashion for a reason — their clean lines suit many home styles.
Start with measuring properly, decide on material based on maintenance appetite, and then match a style to your home. Visit a trusted supplier’s website or showroom to see samples in person if possible. If you’re after ready-made sizes like 3' x 6' or 3' x 3', many retailers carry these as standard. For unusual openings, consider a bespoke gate made to measure — it’s often faster and more reliable than struggling to adapt standard stock.
Choosing the right garden gate is a balance of appearance, durability, and functionality. Whether you pick a timber featheredge gate for a cottage look, a tongue-and-groove for privacy, or a powder-coated metal gate for low maintenance and security, the UK market offers a wide range of choices. Suppliers from mainstream chains like B&Q and Wickes to specialist sellers like Buy Sheds Direct and Garden Buildings Direct cover both standard and bespoke needs. Measure carefully, pick the right finish, and don’t skimp on quality hardware — a well-chosen and correctly hung gate will protect your property and boost curb appeal for years to come.
| Gates | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Panacea Sunset Metal Garden Arch With Gate - Black 7'5 X 4'1 | £ 199,99 | |
| Devon Premium Metal Driveway Double Gates - Grey | £ 1.169,- |
