Gates take more abuse than fencing — they're opened and closed constantly and carry their own weight on hinges — so the material choice matters more here than almost anywhere else in the garden.
Timber gates
Best for: Gardens with matching timber fencing, most single pedestrian and garden gates
- Matches timber fencing for a consistent boundary appearance
- Easier and cheaper to repair or adjust on site
- Wide range of styles from cottage to contemporary slatted
- Heavier gates can sag at the hinge side without a well-braced frame
- Needs the same periodic treatment as timber fencing
Metal gates (steel or wrought iron style)
Best for: Driveway gates, security-focused installations, properties wanting a formal frontage
- Very good resistance to sagging over time when properly hung
- Low maintenance beyond occasional rust checks and touch-up
- Strong, formal appearance suited to driveways and larger openings
- Higher cost, especially for bespoke or wider driveway gates
- Can look out of place against a fully timber boundary unless designed to match
Side by side
| Timber gates | Metal gates | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower to mid | Mid to higher |
| Sag resistance | Good with proper bracing | Excellent |
| Maintenance | Periodic treatment | Occasional rust check |
| Best for | Matching timber boundaries | Driveways, formal frontages |
Which should you choose?
For a garden or side gate matching an existing timber fence, timber is usually the simpler, cheaper, better-matching choice.
For a driveway gate carrying real weight and wear, or where a lower-maintenance, more formal look is wanted, metal earns its higher price.
Timber for consistency and cost, metal for heavy use and low maintenance — many properties use both, timber at the back and metal at the front.
Choosing a gate for your driveway or garden?
We'll assess the opening, usage and your existing boundary, then recommend the material that will actually hold up.
Frequently asked
Do metal gates rust?
Quality powder-coated or galvanised steel resists rust well for years; occasional inspection of the coating is worth doing after knocks.
Can a timber gate be made as strong as a metal one?
A well-braced timber frame with a proper hinge post goes a long way, but for the very heaviest daily use metal has the edge.
Is one more secure than the other?
Both can be specified with good locks and hinges; metal frames are generally harder to force, timber is easier to reinforce discreetly.
Can you match a metal gate to a timber fence?
Yes — infill panels or slats can be specified to tie the appearance together even with a metal frame.