4 Types of Gate Materials

Gates can come in all shapes, sizes, and materials.I never paid too much attention to what a gate was made of. I only saw how they were designed and noticed if they were a different color but it never occurred to me that the material of the gate mattered just as much as the design. When a customer wants a gate they want something that is unique to their personality but one that will last a lifetime as well. We decided to look into the 4 different types of gate materials and explain the pros and cons on each.

We use a metal frame with wood clad. Some pros of wood gates is they can be unique by being stained or painted in many colors. They work great as a barrier gate due to the close-boarded wood that can provide more privacy. Wooden gates are strong and durable, however, they may require more periodic maintenance than their steel counterparts. Also, if you live in a windy area the gate can act as a sail and destroy both the operator and the gate itself.

We personally do not recommend using aluminum for your automatic gates. The reason why is because the flex movement of aluminum tends to destroy gates. It’s also lightweight and strong winds can destroy the gate. Another reason we don’t recommend using this material is because the vibrations from the operator makes wear and tear on the aluminum which can cause the lifespan of the gate to decrease.

Wrought iron gates have a reputation of strength and elegance. These gates can be as simple or as unique as the customer wants. Generally they can last for generations if cared for properly. Iron gates can withstand heavy use and harsh conditions that the seasons can bring. Typically these types of gates don’t conceal your property, but that can be viewed as a benefit because it’s easy to monitor what’s happening on the other side. Steel gates are recyclable and reusable. Costs of a gate made out of this material can vary widely depending on the size and customization. Wrought Iron gates can be painted or powder coated to obtain a variety of decorative finished.

We personally do not recommend using vinyl for your automatic gate. There is no reinforcement for this material. This means that there is no gate frame to hold the gate together when wind and storms come through. Gate posts tend to lean due to the plastic expanding and contracting with temperature variants.

When getting a gate a customer wants it unique to themselves and one that will last a lifetime. Here at Powers Gates and Lighting we are the experts and are a certified gate installer and gate designer. We make it our mission to give you a gate that is custom not only to you but to your property as well. The next time someone drives by your gate we want them to notice the unique design and we want you to have the peace of mind that it’ll last a lifetime.