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Wooden Gates: The Complete UK Buyer's Guide from Walford Timber
A well-made gate adds character to a property, improves security, and stands up to the demands of the British climate for years to come.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to smarten up your front garden, a landscaper sourcing gates for a client, or a contractor working on a large residential development, this guide covers everything you need to know. We’ll walk you through gate styles, timber types, sizing, installation, and how to get the most from your purchase.
Why Choose a Wooden Gate?
Wooden gates have remained the first choice for UK homeowners and professionals for generations, and for good reason. Timber offers a warmth and natural beauty that metal and composite alternatives simply can’t replicate. It blends naturally into garden landscaping, complements brick and stone, and can be painted, stained, or left to weather gracefully.
Beyond aesthetics, a solid timber gate is a genuinely practical choice. Our gates are pressure-treated to resist rot, insect attack, and the persistent damp that comes with the British weather. Properly maintained, a quality wooden gate will last decades.
Here’s a quick summary of the key benefits:
- Natural beauty: Timber adds character and warmth to any property boundary.
- Durability: Pressure treatment protects against rot, fungi, and wood-boring insects.
- Versatility: Available in a wide range of sizes, styles, and finishes to suit any setting.
- Bespoke options: Gates can be made to measure to fit any opening.
- Repairability: Unlike metal or composite, timber is straightforward to repair or refinish.
- Sustainability: Our timber is responsibly sourced, with FSC® certification available.
For retail customers and trade buyers alike, timber remains the most practical and cost-effective gateway solution on the market.
Our Range of Wooden Gates
Wooden Garden Gates
Our wooden garden gates are designed for pedestrian access points — front gardens, side passages, and back gardens. They’re popular with homeowners who want to add a welcoming entrance to their property, keep pets and children safely enclosed, or create a clear boundary between front and rear gardens.
We offer a broad selection of styles, including traditional framed gates, feather-edge designs, and decorative options with lattice or arched tops. Heights typically range from 900mm to 1800mm, and all are pressure-treated as standard for long-lasting outdoor performance.
Popular wooden garden gate styles from our range include:
- The Garway Gate: A classic framed garden gate with clean lines, ideal for traditional and contemporary properties.
- The Penyard Convex Gate: Features a graceful convex top rail for an elegant, curved finish.
- Made-to-measure options: If your opening is non-standard, we can manufacture a gate to your exact specifications.
Wooden garden gates from Walford Timber are suitable for both domestic and light commercial use. Trade customers can access bulk pricing and priority stock — see our trade account information below.
Wooden Driveway Gates
Our wooden driveway gates are built for performance and presence. These are substantial gates designed to secure and frame a driveway entrance, offering both privacy and a strong visual statement for any property.
Driveway gates are typically supplied as pairs (double gates) for wider openings, or as single gates for narrower entrances. We stock a range of standard widths and heights, and every gate can be made to bespoke measurements if your opening falls outside standard sizing.
Key features of our wooden driveway gates include:
- Solid timber construction: Built from high-quality softwood, pressure-treated for long-term durability.
- Multiple styles: Choose from traditional, contemporary, and rural designs to match your property.
- Hardware compatibility: All gates are compatible with our full range of gate fittings and accessories, including hinges, latches, and automated gate hardware.
- Made-to-measure: Available in custom sizes for non-standard openings — contact us with your measurements for a quote.
For trade customers and contractors, we can supply wooden driveway gates in volume with consistent quality and competitive pricing. Our logistics infrastructure means reliable delivery to sites across the UK.
Timber Field Gates
Our timber field gates for agricultural and rural use cover a broad spectrum of applications. Field gates are a staple on farms, smallholdings, equestrian properties, and country estates throughout the UK.
We offer traditional and curved-style field gates, all of which can be made to bespoke measurements. These gates are built for heavy use — they need to withstand daily opening and closing, exposure to the elements, and the occasional knock from farm machinery or livestock.
Our field gate range includes:
- Estate Gates: A classic five-bar design suitable for larger agricultural and equestrian entrances.
- Somerfield Gates: A traditional-style field gate available in a range of widths.
- Bespoke agricultural gates: Custom sizes available to fit any field or paddock entrance.
Agricultural customers, farmers, and land managers can access our trade pricing and bulk supply options for field gates. Contact us for a tailored quote on larger orders.
Gate Posts: Getting the Foundation Right
Even the finest wooden gate will underperform if it’s hung on inadequate posts. Gate posts are the structural foundation of your gate installation, and getting them right is essential to the longevity and smooth operation of your gate.
At Walford Timber, we supply pressure-treated softwood gate posts in several popular sizes. Our gate posts are double-ended, four-way weathered, and feature a round top to shed rainwater — reducing the risk of water sitting on the end grain and causing premature decay.
Gate Post Sizing Guide
Choosing the right gate post size depends on the weight and width of the gate you’re hanging. As a general guide:
- 100mm x 100mm posts: Suitable for lightweight pedestrian and garden gates.
- 125mm x 125mm posts: Recommended for heavier garden gates and most single driveway gates.
- 150mm x 150mm posts: Suitable for double driveway gates and heavier entrance gates.
Posts should be set a minimum of 600mm into the ground for garden gates, and at least 900mm for heavier entrance or field gates. We recommend using post mix (also available from Walford Timber) to secure posts.
Matching Posts to Your Gate
When ordering gate posts, always consider the gate’s finished width and weight. Heavier, wider gates — particularly double driveway gates — require larger posts and heavy-duty hinges to ensure the gate hangs and operates correctly over time. Our team can advise on the correct post specification for your chosen gate — just get in touch.
Trade note: Landscapers and fencing contractors can order gate posts alongside gates and accessories in a single order, with delivery coordinated to the site. Speak to our trade team for more details.
Gate Fittings & Accessories
A wooden gate is only as good as the hardware that holds it together and keeps it functioning. At Walford Timber, we supply a comprehensive range of gate fittings and accessories to complete any installation — from basic domestic garden gates to heavy-duty agricultural entrance gates.
Our gate accessories range includes:
- Hinges: Tee hinges, hook-and-band hinges, and heavy-duty options for larger gates.
- Latches and catches: Auto gate catches, pad bolt latches, and ring latches.
- Bolts: Barrel bolts, tower bolts, and security bolts for double gates.
- Gate ironmongery sets: Complete fitting kits with everything needed for a standard installation.
All our gate hardware is galvanised or manufactured from materials suited to outdoor use, resisting corrosion even in the damp conditions typical across much of the UK.
Bespoke & Made-to-Measure Wooden Gates
Standard gate sizes won’t suit every property. Older homes, heritage buildings, sloped driveways, and landscaped gardens often have openings that fall outside the norm. That’s why we offer a full bespoke gate manufacturing service.
Our made-to-measure service lets you specify the exact dimensions you need. Whether you need a gate that’s 50mm narrower than a standard size, or a completely custom design with an arched top or integrated panel feature, we can manufacture it to your specification.
Our bespoke wooden gates service covers:
- Custom widths and heights: Any size can be accommodated.
- Architectural detailing: Arched tops, decorative rails, integrated panels, and more.
- Increased weight ratings: Reinforced framing for high-use or security applications.
- Matching pairs: Double driveway gates manufactured as matching pairs for perfect symmetry.
To request a bespoke quote, simply contact our team with your preferred gate style, the exact measurements of your opening, and any specific design requirements. We’ll confirm pricing and lead times promptly.
For trade customers, bespoke gate orders are available through your trade account. Volume bespoke orders for development projects and housing schemes are welcome — contact our trade team to discuss project requirements.
Timber Treatment: Built to Last in British Weather
One of the most common questions we receive is: ’ How long will a wooden gate last outdoors in the UK?
The honest answer is: it depends on the quality of the treatment. That’s why all Walford Timber wooden gates are pressure-treated as standard. Pressure treatment forces preservative deep into the cellular structure of the timber — not just the surface — providing protection against the three main threats to outdoor timber:
- Fungal decay (rot): The most common cause of timber deterioration in the UK climate.
- Wood-boring insects: including the common furniture beetle and other timber pests.
- Moisture damage: Swelling, warping, and splitting caused by repeated wetting and drying.
Our PermaTimber® posts — available to use alongside your gates — come with a 15-year guarantee against fungal decay and insect attack, giving you long-term peace of mind.
Finishing & Maintenance
Pressure treatment provides excellent baseline protection, but painting or staining your gate will extend its life further and keep it looking its best. We stock a range of timber treatments, stains, and paints — including eco-friendly, water-based options from Thorndown Paints — allowing you to achieve the finish you want while protecting the timber.
For maintenance, we recommend inspecting your gate annually, re-treating any exposed end grain or areas where paint or stain has worn away, and keeping the base of the gate clear of soil and vegetation to prevent moisture build-up.
Installing Your Wooden Gate: Key Considerations
Whether you’re a confident DIYer or a professional installer, a successful gate installation starts with good preparation. Here are the key factors to consider before you begin:
Measure Your Opening Carefully
Measure the clear opening between your existing posts or the space where new posts will be set. Remember to account for any slope on the driveway or garden path, as this can affect how the gate hangs and swings. Where in doubt, contact us, and we can advise on appropriate tolerances.
Set Your Gate Posts First
Always set and allow your gate posts to fully cure before hanging the gate. Posts should be plumb (perfectly vertical) and set at the correct spacing for your chosen gate width. Use our post mix to set posts securely in concrete, following the product instructions for set times before putting the posts under load.
Allow for Clearance
Timber naturally moves slightly with seasonal changes in temperature and humidity. Leave a small clearance between the gate and the ground — typically 50 – 75mm for a garden gate — to prevent the gate bottom from dragging and to allow for any movement.
Use the Right Hardware
Always match your hardware to the weight and size of your gate. Heavy-duty entrance gates require heavy-duty hinges. Using undersized hinges on a large driveway gate is one of the most common causes of gate sag and premature failure.
Professional Installation
If you’re unsure about any aspect of gate installation, Walford Timber has a trusted network of local installers across the UK. Our installer network can supply and professionally fit your gate, ensuring it’s hung correctly and operates perfectly from day one. Visit our installer network page to find an installer near you.
Trade & Wholesale Wooden Gates — Walford Timber Trade Accounts
Walford Timber has been a trusted supply partner for trade professionals for over 80 years. We understand the specific demands of trade buying — competitive pricing, reliable stock, consistent quality, and the flexibility to scale orders up or down as project requirements change.
Our trade account programme is open to builders, fencing contractors, landscape gardeners, garden centres, timber merchants, and commercial property managers. When you open a trade account with Walford Timber, you benefit from:
- Discounted trade pricing: Competitive rates across our full product range, including all wooden gates and accessories.
- Priority stock allocation: Trade orders are prioritised for stock availability.
- Flexible account management: Order what you need, when you need it.
- Dedicated trade support: A knowledgeable team on hand to help with product selection, specifications, and project planning.
- Nationwide delivery: Reliable delivery to sites across the UK, with logistics coordinated around your project schedule.
We also support wholesale purchases of wooden gates for resale or large-scale developments. Whether you need a regular supply of garden gates for a housing scheme or bulk field gates for a land management project, we have the manufacturing capacity and stock depth to fulfil your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wooden Gates
What is the best wood for outdoor gates in the UK?
Pressure-treated softwood is the most widely used and cost-effective choice for outdoor gates in the UK. The treatment process protects the timber against rot, insects, and moisture — the three main threats to external timber in the British climate. Hardwoods such as oak can also be used for gates, offering additional density and a distinctive appearance, though they typically cost more.
How long does a wooden gate last?
A properly pressure-treated wooden gate, correctly installed and periodically maintained, should last 15 – 25 years or more. Factors that affect lifespan include the quality of the treatment, the installation method, exposure to driving rain, and ongoing maintenance such as painting or staining. Our PermaTimber® gate posts carry a 15-year guarantee against fungal decay and insect attack.
Can wooden driveway gates be automated?
Yes. Wooden driveway gates can be fitted with electric gate automation systems. The most important consideration is gate weight and construction — automated gates need to be robustly built and hung on sturdy gate posts to operate reliably. If you’re planning to automate your gates, let us know when ordering so we can ensure the construction meets the requirements of your chosen automation system.
Do I need planning permission for a wooden gate in the UK?
In most cases, no. Gates up to 1 metre in height at the front of a property, and up to 2 metres at the side or rear, generally don’t require planning permission in England and Wales. However, this can vary depending on local authority rules, conservation areas, listed buildings, and the gate’s specific location. We always recommend checking with your local planning authority if you’re unsure.
What size gate do I need for my driveway?
The most common driveway gate widths are between 2.4 metres and 4.8 metres (as a double pair). Measure your driveway opening from post to post or pillar to pillar, then allow a small clearance on each side (typically 25 – 50mm) for the gate to swing freely. For non-standard openings, our bespoke service can manufacture gates to any width. If you’re unsure, our team can advise based on your measurements.
What is the difference between entrance gates and garden gates?
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they generally refer to different applications. Entrance gates (or driveway gates) are larger, heavier gates designed to close off a driveway opening — they provide vehicle and pedestrian access. Garden gates (or pedestrian gates) are smaller, lighter gates designed for foot traffic only — typically used at garden boundaries, side passages, or footpaths. Both types are available from Walford Timber in a range of styles and sizes.
Can you make wooden gates to a non-standard size?
Yes. We offer a full made-to-measure service for wooden gates. If your opening doesn’t match a standard size, simply contact us with your exact measurements and preferred style, and we’ll manufacture a gate to fit. Bespoke gates are available to both retail and trade customers, and lead times are typically short due to our in-house manufacturing capability.
Wooden Gates Near Me: Walford Timber Branches & Nationwide Delivery
Walford Timber operates from three branches across the Midlands and South of England:
- Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire: Our head office and main manufacturing site at The Sawmills, Walford. The largest of our three locations with the broadest stock range.
- Cheltenham, Gloucestershire: Serving customers across Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds.
- Chesham, Buckinghamshire: Covering customers in Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Greater London.
Our branches stock a wide range of wooden gates, gate posts, and accessories, and our team can provide expert advice on product selection and installation. Customers can visit in person, order for collection, or arrange nationwide delivery.
Nationwide Delivery
Can’t reach one of our branches? No problem. We offer nationwide delivery across the UK, with gates and accessories delivered directly to your home, garden, or construction site. Our logistics team will coordinate delivery to suit your schedule.
For delivery enquiries, lead times, and charges, visit our delivery information page or call our team on 01989 563614.
Why Choose Walford Timber for Your Wooden Gates?
There’s no shortage of gate suppliers, so why choose Walford Timber? Here’s what sets us apart:
- Over 80 years of expertise: We’ve been manufacturing and supplying premium timber products since 1945. Our knowledge of timber, treatment, and gate construction is unrivalled.
- Made in Britain: Our gates are manufactured in-house at our Ross-on-Wye sawmill, giving us full control over quality and consistency.
- Pressure-treated as standard: Every wooden gate we sell is treated for long-term outdoor performance. No corners cut.
- Bespoke capability: We can manufacture any gate to your exact specification.
- Full accessory range: Gate posts, fittings, hardware, treatments, and post mix — everything you need in one place.
- Expert advice: Our team knows timber. Whether you need help specifying a single gate or sourcing for a large project, we’re here to help.
- Trade-ready: Trade accounts, competitive pricing, and reliable supply for professional buyers.
- Trusted reviews: See what our customers say about us on Feefo — our reputation is built on quality and service.
Shop Wooden Gates at Walford Timber
Ready to find the right gate for your project? Browse our full range of wooden gates at walfordtimber.co.uk/gates, including:
- Wooden garden gates — pedestrian gates for domestic and light commercial use
- Wooden driveway gates — solid entrance gates for residential and commercial driveways
- Field gates — agricultural and equestrian gates in traditional and curved styles
- Gate posts — pressure-treated softwood posts in multiple sizes
- Gate fittings & accessories — hinges, latches, catches, bolts, and more
- Made-to-measure gates — bespoke wooden gates manufactured to your exact specification
Need advice? Call us on 01989 563614, visit one of our branches, or use the contact form at walfordtimber.co.uk/about/contact-us. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect gate.
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