Garden gates are available in various shapes, sizes, colours, and materials to fit most boundary fence dimensions and seamlessly integrate into your garden landscape or outdoor theme. Our garden gates buying guide will help you choose the best garden gate for your home and outside space. We will cover wooden garden gates, metal garden gates, including garden gate dimensions and double gates so that you can feel confident your garden gate choice covers all bases.
The popularity of garden gates endures. Of the garden gate styles available, which one is right for your garden? If you do not know the answer, our garden gates buying guide will help massively! It covers all aspects you need to know, including choosing the perfect gate in bite-size chunks. Buy Fencing Direct discuss in a step-by-step approach all the decisions you need to work through including garden gate sizes, garden gate width, and other insights for different types of garden gates.
Step 1: Garden gate sizes
Before you start exploring the vast choice of garden gates we offer, the first aspect to sort out is the size of the garden gate you require for your outside space. We sell top-quality but cheap garden gates in all standard sizes, from compact 3’x3’ garden gates to impressive 3’x6’ garden gates. The size you need will always depend on your garden requirements and the existing boundary fences. Let us look at each gate size mentioned to help you decide which gates best serve your needs.
3’x3’ garden gates
Useful in front or side gardens, 3’x3’ garden gates are ideal where the boundary fence is low and does not obstruct the eye line to the house. Wooden entrance gates are popular in this size as you can choose from a traditional picket garden gate style or a contemporary picket gate, designed with security and classic aesthetics in mind. If you are looking for wooden garden gates for sale and 3’x3’ is your go-to size, we have you covered.
3’x4’ garden gates
Slightly larger than your standard front garden gate, but not too large, 3’x4’ garden gates will not obscure your view. The best decorative garden gates come in 3’x4’, wooden and stylish, they are designed to complement decorative fencing and wooden fence posts. These wooden side gates and front gates are sturdy and attractive but security-conscious enough to keep unwanted visitors at bay.
3’x5’ garden gates
A 3’x5’ garden gate is a versatile size that sits neatly between 3’x4’ and 3’x6’ garden gates and serves several purposes in your garden. This includes:
- Acting as solid garden side gates for more extensive gardens
- A decorative feature from one part of your garden to another
- Safety barrier in a defined space for children or animals to play safely
3’x6’ garden gates
The 6ft wooden gate is the most popular rear or side garden gate we sell. In particular, the trend for a metal 3’x6’ lockable garden gate is gaining pace. As expected, 6ft garden gates fit neatly into 6ft boundary fence panels and offer maximum security for your home. Of all the garden gates for sale, we have the widest range in 3’x6’ size. If you are looking for a modern garden gate, we have those; if your garden theme needs double gates, we sell those too!
Garden gate dimensions
Determining your garden gate dimensions is the key to purchasing the correct size gate for your home. Get this part right, and the rest slots into place.
While you might want to increase the garden gate height, the standard garden gate width (at 3’) remains the same. This is your opportunity to change the look of your garden gate and decide on which of the garden gate styles you prefer. We are confident you will find the best garden gate style in the size you need for your garden décor when you decide to buy a garden gate online from us.
Step 2: Wooden garden gates vs Metal garden gates
Whether you are looking for wooden or metal garden gates, we have both in stock. The question of wooden vs. metal garden gates depends on your preferences, budget and requirements. In our garden gates buying guide, we will examine the positives and negatives of wooden vs. metal gates (including metal side gates). By the end, you will have a better idea of what best meets your needs among our metal and wooden garden gates for sale.
Wooden garden gates
Wooden garden gates are generally the go-to option gate for many people. With wooden pressure-treated gates that lend themselves to seamless garden integration, it is not surprising that we sell so many. You can choose from modern, contemporary styles in various wooden stains or metal colours or traditional, classic aesthetics that lend themselves to an aluminium garden gate, all in a design that will not scare the neighbours!
Wooden entrance gates
Add a warm welcome with wooden entrance gates. As the adage goes: “If you are invited, you can come in” Choosing wooden entrance gates or driveway gates gives you a broader choice of designs than metal garden gates and they are generally budget friendly. Look at your boundary fences and decide whether to buy a wooden entrance gate that already fits the fence panel design. Alternatively, you can up-end everything and change the style of your boundary fences, front garden gate, garden gate and posts, side gate and even driveway gates. This accommodates a complete garden makeover or aesthetic change when you buy a garden gate from us.
Wooden side gates
Our wooden side gates cover all design specs and budgets, from cheap garden gates to wooden garden side gates. Side gates provide robust security to the side entrance for your property and make a statement that excites DIYers. The excellent news about installing a wooden side gate yourself is that if it does not go to plan, it is not in your line of sight, like your front garden gate. You may need a wooden side gate with noise reduction properties; our Forest 3’x6’ Acoustic Noise Reduction Wooden Side gate could be right up your alley. Buy wooden gates for sale from our selection to find the perfect match.
Wooden driveway gates
All driveways need a set of sturdy driveway gates. Wooden driveway gates are the perfect choice. We do not supply wooden driveway gates, but they are popular with many homeowners. The good news is that you can choose a motorised gate for the driveway with an optional automation facility when you contact the manufacturer. Match your driveway gates to the front garden gate, side gate and fence panels for a cohesive look.
Metal garden gates
We are a big advocate of wooden garden gates, but we also have a vast range of metal garden gates for sale. This includes metal driveway gates, metal side gates and even a metal lockable garden gate for all modern or contemporary properties or garden schemes.
Metal driveway gates
Metal driveway gates offer a modern, secure, and stylish entry point to your home. These gates not only enhance the curb appeal but also provide robust security. For a sleek and modern look, consider the Barnstaple Premium Metal Driveway Double Gates - Grey. These gates are designed to last and come with a five-year guarantee. Another excellent option is the Exeter Premium Metal Driveway Double Gates - Black, which combines elegance with durability. These gates are perfect for those looking to make a statement while ensuring the safety and privacy of their property.
Step 3: Styles of garden gates
We sell various garden gates to suit all styles, design choices and budgets. Our cheap garden gates we prefer to call “great value” These gates are available in several styles, from decorative right through to modern and contemporary metal gates.
We pride ourselves on sourcing the best garden side available, including the most practical of side gates and driveway gates. These include a wide variety of wooden and metal garden gates for sale, including styles such as:
- Traditional garden gates
- Classic garden gates
- Decorative garden gates
- Modern garden gates
- Contemporary garden gates
- Heavy-duty garden gates
- Premium metal garden gates
No matter your preferred style we have a gate that will suit your landscaping down to the ground.
Picket gate
A picket garden gate is sized at 3’x3’ and is the friendliest of gates. Picket garden gates are reminiscent of country cottage aesthetics or Cottagecore. They lend their style of boundary gate to our visions of British country living, suburban bliss. They are both friendly and welcoming but still have a protective design style that says much about who we are.
You can buy a picket fence in several designs from us:
All three styles are perfect for front gardens or for sectioning off areas to protect your vegetable patch from children and pets.
Featheredge gate
Immensely popular, Featheredge gates blend well into most garden fences. The featheredge design describes a tapered style across the garden gate width, thicker on one side of the gate than the other. The design allows the boards to overlap, creating an attractive, sloped, textured appearance. Garden gates with a feathered design benefit from increased strength because of the overlapping boards. For the same reason, the style offers more privacy as there are no gaps between the boards to look through. The entire make-up of the featheredge gate means it is wind resistant and durable.
Hit and miss gate
A Hit and Miss gate is not hit and miss at all - in fact, a Hit and Miss side gate is on point. The Hit and Miss gate is a clever construction that offers both privacy and security while being wind resistant. The design involves placing vertical and horizontal boards in an alternating pattern on both sides of the gate; these boards overlap much like a featheredge garden gate but with some gaps between planks. It is this appearance that gives the Hit and Miss Gate its name.
Slatted gate
A slatted garden gate design is characterised by a clean, modern, contemporary look featured in a series of parallel slats arranged vertically or horizontally. Either way, the slatted designs are consistently evenly spaced and run parallel to each other. The design allows light to pass through the slats, giving an open impression while providing a barrier. Although there are gaps in the gate, the slatted garden gate design still offers privacy, strength, and durability. Why not consider buying the Forest 3' x 6' Double Slatted Gate for your focal entry point?
Overlap gate
An overlap gate design is the most often used aesthetic for a garden gate or side gate. It features a simple and functional structure where individual wooden boards are placed horizontally over each other (the name comes from the overlapping of each other). The overlap gate offers a rustic take on the featheredge garden gate. What is more, the overlap gate is a DIY enthusiast's dream as it is easy to install and maintain.
Tongue and groove gate
A tongue and groove gate, also known as a T&G gate, is an attractive addition to any garden. The 'tongue and groove' style refers to the way each wooden plank is cut to have a protruding 'tongue' on one edge and a concave 'groove' on the opposite edge. This interlocking mechanism provides the tongue and groove garden gate with a clean, contemporary appearance that is strong and durable. If this gate style appeals, the Forest Heavy Duty 3'x6' Tongue & Groove Pressure Treated Garden Gate is a great option.
Decorative garden gates
Decorative gates are precisely that, decorative. However, decorative does not mean they are any less sturdy than a T&G or overlap gate. Decorative gates come in varying degrees of style and decorativeness. You can choose how fancy you want to go, from the ornate Forest Paloma 3'x6' Prague side gate to the Forest Kyoto 3'x6' decorative side gate. All decorative gates are supplied with a 15-year anti-rot guarantee, and with regular maintenance, you will enjoy your decorative gate for years to come.
Step 4: Garden gate protection
All garden gates need protection, as do garden fence panels, fence posts and other garden accessories made of wood. Protecting your boundary fences, side gates, and driveway gates is as important as not leaving them unlocked when you leave the house.
Why should garden gates be protected?
Just like any part of your boundary fence, garden gates will suffer from the elements, pests and fungal decay if left untouched. At the same time, the majority of our garden side gates, driveway gates and wooden garden gates are pressure treated. This means that when the gate is made, it is put into a vacuum chamber to remove the air. Then, a chemical preserve solution is applied at high pressure, forcing the wood preservative deep into the wood’s fibres, creating a moisture barrier and significantly reducing the chances of rot and decay.
Pressure treated gates
As noted above, pressure-treating the timber that wooden gates are made from is one way to ensure their extended lifespan. Pressure treated wood lasts much longer than untreated wood, making it cost-effective overall. Pressure treated gates withstand the British weather, which is just as well because we really know what the weather is like in the UK.
Dip treated gates
A slightly cheaper option than pressure-treated models is dip treated gates. The dip treating process is also a protective measure for fence panels and garden gates, but the treatment is less penetrative and does not protect the interior wood fibres. While it is better to have dip-treated wood than no treatment at all, pressure treated garden gates offer the best value if you are looking for reliable outdoor wooden gates for the long-term.
Potential treatments
In addition to buying a pressure treated wooden garden gate or side gate, you can prolong the life of your gate by looking after your boundary fence and gate with regular maintenance.
Here is how to maintain your wooden gates and other structures:
- 1) Brush off dirt and debris off the structure revealing the wood
- 2) Check for damage of any kind, splits, cracks, and warped wood
- 3) Apply a wood preserve, reapplying as per the instructions
- 4) Paint or stain if necessary or desired
- 5) Apply a water-repellent sealant after staining or painting
- 6) Check all handwear, tightening screws and checking for rust
- 7) Lubricate hinges
- 8) Adjust the alignment of the gate to the gate posts
- 9) Clear ground-based vegetation away from the bottom of the gate and gate posts
- 10) Repeat every six months or after any severe weathering
If you look after your garden gates, wooden side gates or driveway gates, they will look after you and your home.
Step 5: Modern garden gates vs Traditional garden gates
Modern or traditional garden gates are a quality addition to any garden scheme, but which one is better? When comparing Modern garden gates vs Traditional garden gates it is simply a matter of taste. Both styles are ageless in their own way, lending themselves to urban and rural landscapes for a city or country garden.
Modern side gates
Modern side gates are available in various contemporary designs. Consider the Forest Double Slatted Gate for a no-nonsense style, while the Forest Vertical Tonged and Groove Wooden Side Gate is perfect for smaller gardens that need a vertical focal point. You could ignore wooden side gates and opt straight for our metal side gates. This includes the modern look of a Barnstaple Premium Metal Side Gate in grey for a sleek modern finish that lasts forever.
Metal is the best material choice if you are looking for a lockable garden gate or a traditional electric garden gate. Check out the Exeter Premium Metal Side Gate, which is available in various sizes and has additional features such as locks and an upgrade to automation.
Modern wooden gates
Encompassing various garden gate styles, modern wooden gates come in various degrees of modernity. We love the Forest Europa Pressure Treated Wooden Side Gate for its stylish modernity or the Forest Acoustic Noise Reduction Wooden Side Gate, which looks contemporary and modern but is solid and practical.
Traditional side gates
Traditional side gates are often made in feathered boards; our Forest Featheredge Pressure Treated Side Gate is traditional but not dull, classic without being ugly. Traditional side gates are the nation's staple gate. If you are concerned about the cost of garden gates, then this cheap garden gate is your go-to.
Traditional wooden gates
For those seeking traditional garden gates for sale near you, we can help. We have every kind of traditional wooden garden gate that is readily available in the UK. If the electric gate cost is prohibitive then go with the nation’s favourite a traditional wooden gate, pressure treated for longevity.
Step 6: Garden gate posts
Garden gate posts are the foundation on which your garden gate stands. While this might sound dramatic, it is true. Without a sturdy pressure treated garden gate and posts, your gate is just hanging in the wind. Garden gate caps are also recommended (these prevent water from dripping down the posts).
Garden gate posts and fence posts serve a similar function, providing support and stability while designed to accommodate slightly different roles:
- Garden gate posts – are thicker and stronger because they support moving weight
- Fence posts – are thinner and do not support moving weight or need to accommodate hinges
While they both support your garden structure, garden gate posts are specifically designed to manage the load and function of a garden gate. If you are unsure, it is best to speak to one of our garden gate experts. They are well-informed and UK-based, so they know what your garden gate posts are up against.
Step 7: Gate accessories
Gate accessories are necessary when finishing your garden gate installation.
Here is a list of garden gate accessories:
- Hinges, handles, and latches
- Automation devices – if you are choosing to have an electric-powered automated gate
- Solar lighting and solar accessories
The tools required to install your garden gate are as follows:
- A tape measure and spirit level
- Shovel or post hole digger
- Saw, drill and bits, screwdriver, or impact driver
- Concrete mix and post supports
- Bucket and wheelbarrow
- Hammer or mallet and rachet set
- Wood preserve, moisture sealant and protective gloves
Once you have all these items you can begin installing your wooden garden gate. Metal automatic gates can only be installed by a professional.
Step 8: Garden gate installation
When hanging a garden gate, you have two choices. You can DIY install your gate or hire a professional carpenter or fencing expert. Both approaches have their merits, and the best choice depends on your skill and confidence, the complexity of the installation and the value you place on your time.
DIY garden gate approach
There is little doubt that hanging a garden gate can be a rewarding process. The job allows you to work at your own pace and save on labour costs. The process should not be underestimated; you need a good understanding of what is involved and more time than you imagine (even experienced DIYers underestimate timing). You will need to be comfortable with measuring and levelling to ensure the gate is aligned correctly and swings smoothly. The satisfaction of completing the task is significant, but equally, it can be frustrating and expensive if you get it wrong.
Professional installation
Hiring a professional carpenter or fencer ensures the job is done quickly and efficiently. Professionals bring experience and expertise, which can be particularly valuable for complex or difficult installations or when the gate and fittings are too heavy for one person. While this option involves additional costs, it also comes with the peace of mind that the gate has been securely fitted and functions as intended. There is nothing worse than looking out of your window onto a wonky gate every day.
What is the cost of garden gates?
When you buy garden gates, here is a summary of costs in a table format.
| Task | 3’x3’ or 3’x4’ Side Gate | 3’x6’ Side Gate | Premium Metal Driveway Gates rom 3mx1m to 3.5mx2m |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gate purchase cost | £60-£150 | £80-£200 | £1,200 to £2,500 |
| 0-2x posts | £0-£50 *1 | £0-£60 *1 | £330 to £360 *4 |
| Hinges, latches, handles | £30-£50 *2 | £40-£60 *2 | £180 to £370 |
| Concrete for posts | £0-£30 *1 | £0-£35 *1 | £25 to £40 |
| Consumables – screws, bolts, nails, washers, brackets, stops, fasteners | £0-£10 | £5-£15 | £40 to £70 |
| 2x Lockable drop bolts | £60 to £100 | ||
| DIY installation | FREE | FREE | FREE |
| Professional installation | £75-£150 *3 | £100-£200 | £200 to £300 *5 |
| Overall | £165-£440 | £225-£570 | £2,035 to £3,740 |
Notes:
*1 - The number of wooden posts required will be 0, 1, or 2. If there is no wall or existing post to attach the gate, two new posts will be necessary. If there is a wall or sturdy fence on one side only one post will be needed.
*2 – Sometimes these may be included in the price of the side gate
*3 – Installation is assumed to be between 3 to 6 hours for 3’x3’/3’x4’ and 4 to 8 hours for a 3’x6’ side gate. This will depend on whether posts are needed and if the area is sloped and other complexity factors. Hourly rate is assumed at £25 per hour, this will vary around the UK
*4 – Due to the weight and sturdiness needed, 2 aluminium posts will be required
*5 – Installation for driveway gates assumed to be 8-15 hours
*6 - The above costs exclude gate automation and power supply, maintenance fees, and planning permission costs.
Our service offers a convenient pick-a-day delivery option when you buy garden gates. This allows you to choose your preferred delivery date in advance as indicated on the product page. For products without this option, the estimated dispatch times are listed.
Once your purchase is complete, the manufacturer will contact you to schedule the delivery. Please note that making changes after payment may affect your delivery timeline, so it is recommended to review and finalise your order carefully.
For any questions, about our metal or wooden gates for sale, our UK-based customer support team is ready to help. Contact us by calling 0333 003 0515 or via the Live Chat function on our website. Alternatively, you can send an email using the form on our contact page.