Each material has its own unique visual appearance and appeal perhaps but the material has to be suitable for use outside primarily.

Cheap softwood gates tend to twist and warp in our UK climate and therefore for timber gates you need proper hardwood species such as seasoned Oak, Idigbo, Iroko and Accoya. Of course they will be more expensive, but they will last far longer than the several sets of gates you go through when they twist, crack and rot. It is imperative the timber used is not only seasoned properly, but is also a minimum size and specification which can make timber gate extremely heavy, but still a very desirable material to use and aesthetically one of the best. Proper treatment for the gates is also imperative from the outset and the use of microporous breathable wood treatments are recommended as well as keeping the gates clean throughout the year.

For a crisper, cleaner look with a consistent colour finish aluminium is now one of the key materials used for gates. The ability to make designs just like timber or steel gate designs makes this a great material and of course it is non corrosive and lighter than steel or timber as well. Variations exist in the profile size, gauge of the aluminium used and the quality so be careful of low prices in this sector because you might also find they are a low quality build too with sections just screwed together for a fast turnaround.

Steel is perhaps one of the strongest materials for a gate and still popular in open type designs and traditional estate gate designs. Again, different qualities of steel and the thickness, gauge and quality of galvanizing exist, so do your research.
The wider a gate is the more relevant the material quality and build is because of the stresses on the gate leaf itself.

Aluminium is deceptively strong when you consider the lighter weight of it. Many cars are built from aluminium and have been for many years. It is an easier material to form into complex shapes, especially when curves are involved.

It can be a very strong gate if it is made to a minimum standard but of course like so many building products in the UK, you pay too cheap and you will discover the reason for the lower price very quickly. There are different guages and profile sizes and for the larger gates above 4m wide you really need to do your research well.

Nearly all aluminum gates will be built from hollow section profiles and not solid sections as this isn’t necessary. The methods in which the profiles are connected is one of the main reasons for the overall integrity and sections simply screwed together for a fast turnaround on delivery usually won’t have the overall strength and longevity.

Both materials have their own unique benefits and steel has been used for so many years now because aluminium processes like we see today were not available years ago. Steel is heavier than aluminium and can corrode a lot faster, even galvanised steel can rust in some key areas over time...

Aluminum is lightweight, but if specified and manufactured correctly is very strong indeed and the lighter weight gives benefits all round.

Aluminium can look a lot more refined than steel with rounded edges and curves and nowadays with the manufacturing processes can be made to look like either steel or timber, but is lighter and generally a better price whilst providing a longer lifespan with some gates having up to 25 year warranty.

Steel has its place and is mainly seen on gates with open designs, square or round bar designs. Aluminum can replicate most designs seen in steel or timber these days so is a very attractive option and always prefinished in a powdercoated colour, solid or woodgrain effect.

Aluminium gates now tend to be the better choice for entrance gates, particularly in domestic entrances for your home. Unlike timber or painted steel, properly powder coated and finished aluminium gates will only require a simple clean once or twice a year to maintain their finish. Premium aluminium gates will have a warranty on the paint finish of between 10 - 15 years, far greater than most timber or steel gates.

The manufacturing processes for aluminium gates have leapt forwards over the years and now when you buy the more premium grade aluminium gates, with great attention paid to the preparation and painting process you buy gates with fantastic prefinished solid and wood-grain colours, which will last and only require a wash occasionally with a mild detergent to maintain. This assumes the gates are not being fitted within 2km of the coastline however, which does affect the warranty of so many metal and timber products used outside.

We offer aluminium gates with up to a 15 year warranty and a lot of the longevity will depend on the environment the gates are operating within. Sea salt for example will rot most materials quite quickly compared to a normal atmosphere without very regular cleaning. Properly powder coated or laminated aluminium gates will outlast most steel or softwood gates easily.

The stability and integrity of aluminium gates is affected by how they are constructed and in general terms welded or screwed together aluminium profiles will not be as good as a bonded process. Low price aluminium gates which are screwed together will often end up with movement after time and this exposes unpainted parts and also affect the integrity of the gate.

Many online eCommerce offerings will hook you in on a low price for a very small gate size and then engage you with higher prices for the sizes you actually need for an entrance gate required in the UK.
Most budget aluminium gates are coming in from Spain, France and Portugal where their gate heights tend to be lower and the construction is more geared towards a milder climate too. They are more ‘garden gates’ rather than proper ‘entrance gates’ for security and durability with electric operation attached. The British climate is one of the worst and most aggressive for external products.

Aluminium is a great material for stability and corrosion resistance, so is a great choice when you find the design you require. Just check finer details once you have found your gate design and make sure you are happy with the accessories used to operate the gate too...

We offer several different options when personalising your gate:

✓ A vast range of colours, stains and finishes for our gates.

✓ Laser cut names into panels of our gates.

✓ Fit post box to gates (not for sliding due safety)

✓ Choice of materials: Steel, Aluminium, Timber, and Composite board

✓ Aluminium gates can make be made to have a wood effect finish; composite board can also be created to have a wood effect finish.

We also offer a several different Timbers:

• Iroko - Most common timber for stability and durability

• European Oak - A request for the sheer beauty of the grain but a difficult species

• Accoya - A modern and interesting timber process to get an exceptionally long guarantee

• Idigbo - Another popular hardwood used in gates

• West African Mahogany - Used occasionally and incredibly beautiful when finished

Due to all the AGD gates being bespoke the options for personalisation is endless so if you have a special requirement or would like any special details adding please speak to one of our sales team on Telephone: 01933 229123, Email: enquiries@agdsystems.co.uk or alternatively you can contact us view the Contact us button on our website.