Your garden looks splendid: you have chosen a fence suited to your desires, needs, and environment, a large gate for the car… All that’s missing is the garden gate! This small door, often accompanying the main gate or, conversely, located at the back of the garden, allows easy entry and exit from your property. To assist you in your choice, we tell you everything about garden gates!
What is a Garden Gate?
Whether proudly installed at the front of your house as the first visible element of your property, or at the back of the garden as a secret, hidden door providing access to a less busy alley, a field, a park… the garden gate is intended for pedestrians. And, although a bicycle can pass through, its primary purpose is to simplify your daily life: if you are on foot, there is no need to open the heavy gate through which cars can pass; the small garden gate is perfectly sufficient.
Let’s not be purists: bicycles, strollers, or even wheelbarrows are accepted; after all, it’s up to you to decide!
Gate or Garden Gate? A Significant Difference.
Since the garden gate is designed for pedestrians, it is generally 1 meter wide and features only one leaf, often a swing type.
The height generally varies between 1 meter and 2 meters. To make an informed choice, consider 2 criteria:
- the height of the fence attached to the garden gate. Opt for a comparable height.
- Privacy. At human height (1.80 m to 2 m), you are better protected from the prying eyes of your neighbors or passers-by.
The main gate, on the other hand, is designed for cars. It is therefore composed of two to three leaves that can open by swinging or sliding to allow vehicles to pass. On average, a standard gate measures 3 meters or 3.5 meters wide. It is therefore much heavier and more difficult to open and close, which is why a garden gate is often necessary as a complement.
Good to know: There are garden gates integrated directly into the main gate to save space at your entrance, but this must be planned during the installation of the main gate and the openings in your fence.
Different Types of Garden Gates
In addition to its role as a door or passage, the garden gate plays an important part in the exterior decoration of your home. It is up to you to combine and create the ideal assembly for your garden gate, carefully choosing its height, shape, infill, material used, opening system… Not forgetting the color!
Good to know: For enhanced aesthetics, consider coordinating your garden gate with your fence and main gate, as well as your garage door, and the joinery of your front door and windows… Without necessarily choosing everything in the exact same color or material, consider associations of shapes, colors, and materials that blend elegantly.
The Shape
Have you decided between a low garden gate, 1 meter high, and a taller one, at human height? Then move on to the next step: choosing the shape. Unless you opt for a custom-made garden gate by a specialized craftsman, there are 6 main shapes for gates and garden gates:
- Straight
- Slanted
- Arched
- Curved
- Gendarme’s Hat
- Inverted Gendarme’s Hat
The Infill
Do you need privacy? Security? Do you want a decorative touch? For the infill of your garden gate, there are 4 types of infills, which can themselves be infinitely customized through choices of colors, materials, and other specific features. You can choose between:
- A solid garden gate. The entire garden gate is made of a single piece or of slats glued together without gaps. It is impossible to see through!
- A semi-solid or semi-perforated garden gate. The upper part is perforated while the lower part is solid. The overall design allows light to pass through and does not completely obstruct the view.
- A perforated garden gate. From top to bottom, the entire leaf of the garden gate is composed of spaced slats that allow sunlight to pass through and enable visibility.
- A decorative garden gate. Another variation of the semi-solid type, featuring engraved graphic shapes or designs to add a personalized decorative touch. Bonus: when the sun shines through the decoration, it casts a shadow that adds an extra decorative element!
Did you know that a garden gate can also serve as a privacy screen? Discover how to choose your privacy screen for a balcony.
The Material
The infill may depend on the material chosen for your garden gate. We cannot stress this enough: it is best to choose an option that harmonizes well with the rest of your fence.
- Wrought iron garden gate: solid and timelessly elegant.
- Aluminum garden gate: durable and easy to maintain.
- Wooden garden gate: classic, robust, and customizable according to your decorative preferences.
- PVC garden gate: economical and easy to install.
- Wire mesh garden gate: inexpensive, discreet, and lightweight.
Good to know: Consider your environment when choosing the material. Steel does not tolerate very low temperatures well, and wood is not always suitable for humid areas.
The Opening System
While electric gates are increasingly common to avoid getting out of one’s car to enter or exit, garden gates are still very often manually operated. Being lighter, they are also easier to handle and do not particularly require electrification.
However, this remains possible with certain models: you can open the main gate or garden gate from your home using an intercom and a motorization system. Be careful, if you wish to motorize your garden gate, ensure that the one you have chosen allows for this addition!
Note: A manual garden gate offers a secure emergency exit in case the electric gate becomes blocked.
Rules to Know
Although not strictly a rule, the standard width of a garden gate is 1 meter, and its height varies between 1 meter and 2 meters.
As with the installation of a fence or a main gate, do not hesitate to inquire with your local town hall to ascertain if the Local Urban Plan (PLU) specifies any limitations pertinent to your living area.
Regarding opening, swing gates and garden gates must open inwards onto your property, without encroaching on public space. And if you do not have space for an inward-swinging leaf, simply choose a sliding garden gate, and the problem is solved!
Also read: Garden layout: how to choose your palisade?
And for Installation?
For the installation of your garden gate, there are no specific obligations. Since a garden gate is smaller than a main gate, it will also be easier to install yourself. However, unless you have a particular aptitude for DIY, it is preferable to call upon a professional for installation to ensure the overall solidity. An error during the installation of your garden gate could reduce its lifespan or its general stability.
Also read: Everything you need to know about aluminum fencing
How to Maintain Your Garden Gate?
Whatever garden gate you choose, it will require maintenance, just like your fence and main gate. However, not all materials react to weather conditions in the same way.
- Wood is aesthetic and ecological, but it requires regular varnishing or staining to prevent it from deteriorating too quickly. Also, be wary of insects that might find a welcoming habitat in your garden gate, potentially damaging it.
- Iron and steel are quite robust if treated regularly against rust and corrosion.
- Aluminum is modern and lightweight, though a bit more expensive. It is one of the materials that requires the least maintenance. A quick wash with soapy water and a sponge once a year is all it takes!
- PVC, less expensive than other materials, is less durable in the long term. For maintenance, the same routine as aluminum is sufficient: water and soap once or twice a year will keep it in good condition.
Questions about garden gates? To discuss your project, contact one of our advisors!
You are now ready to choose the garden gate of your dreams! Or at least, the garden gate that perfectly suits your budget, your decor, and your needs in terms of security and privacy… The shape, color, size, and design of your garden gate will impact its price. To find the perfect match or simply learn more, do not hesitate to consult a professional.
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