Every year, homeowners spend $9,000 or more on renovations.
From kitchen remodels, to installing new floors, a homeowner’s to-do list is never-ending. Luckily, gates are one type of renovation that can completely change the look of your home, without breaking the bank.
However, with all of the different types of gates available, it can be difficult to know what one you should choose. To help you out, we’ve created this short but complete guide about all about gates. Instead of making a choice, you’ll regret it, you should be able to buy your gate with confidence!
Read on to learn what type of gate will compliment your home.
How to Buy a Gate Like a Pro
Before you start diving into the different types of gates, it’s helpful to ask yourself a few questions. For instance, what’s the purpose of your gate? Are you getting your gate for security reasons, or are you more interested in a decorative gate design?
Next, think about gate features you might be interested in, such as automated gates. Moving on, you’ll want to visualize what your gate will look like if you were viewing it from the road. Finally, take a moment to measure the gap you’re going to fill from wall to wall, or post to post, so you know exactly what size gate you need.
Best Gate Materials
Moving on, you can also narrow down your search by getting specific about what materials you’re looking for.
Here are a few of the most popular gate materials:
- Wood
- Aluminum
- PVC
- Wrought Iron
- Vinyl
- Chain Link
- Bamboo
- Farm style
- Composite
Each gate material comes with its list of benefits. For instance, if you get a wood gate, you’ll always have the option to paint it if you want a different color later on. Or you could choose to go with a vinyl gate that won’t become weak even during the rainiest of seasons. When you know what material you want, it’ll be easier for you to choose the perfect design options.
Features of Standard Gates
If you want to get a standard gate style, the gate will be made using the same materials as your fence. For instance, if you have a wrought iron fence, you’ll want your standard gate to be wrought iron as well. A standard gate uses a single door design for entrance.
Here are a few tips to get the perfect standard look:
- Have gate same height as the fence
- Brace gate diagonally
- Strategically place the latch system
Your latch system should be installed on the inside of your standard gate. You’ll want the latch to be out of the reach of children, but also difficult for someone passing by to access.
Automated Specialty Gates
Do you have a large piece of property that could benefit from an automated gate? Automated gates are a convenient way to impress your guests before they ever step foot on your property. You could install a large, ranch-style automated gate, that includes things like your family’s last name!
Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Automatic Gates
You’ll want to make sure that your automated gates are large enough for big vehicles, like trucks, to pass through. Next, consider pedestrian visitors who might not want to wait for the automated gate to open.
It’s polite to have an alternative entrance for visitors that are arriving by bicycle or foot. You can always lock the alternative entrance at the end of the day for security.
Swing vs. Slide Gates
Next, let’s look at the differences between swing gates and sliding gates. There are 2 types of swing gates, single, and double swing gates. If you’re working with a tight budget, you should get single swing gates. One way you’ll save is that you can automate your single swing gates using only 1 automatic opener.
Moving on, sliding gates are a great option if you’re working with a tight space. Sliding gates also offer an added layer of security since they can’t be pushed open once they’re fully closed.
Lastly, sliding gates are less susceptible to wind. If you live somewhere with a lot of storms, your swing gate could wind up being forced open from high winds, whereas a sliding gate won’t.
Benefits of Security Gates
Are you buying a gate mainly for security purposes? If so, you’ll want to consider the price. Low priced security gates are usually cheaply made, and won’t be able to keep your home safe. Whereas reasonably priced, and expensive security gates tend to have the right fixings to make your gate sturdy and strong.
For instance, a security gate that’s bolted into your home’s brickwork will be more secure than a security gate fixed to the door frame. Lastly, consider how corrosion resistant the gate is. To get a long-lasting gate, look for galvanized steel options.
Different Types of Pool Gates
Do you need a gate for your pool? Here are a few different types of pool fences and gates to consider:
- Aluminum Pool Gate
- Glass Pool Fence
- Mesh Pool Gate
- Wrought Iron Pool Gate
- Wood Pool Gate
While wrought iron pool gates provide a classic look, wood gates give you more options when it comes to designs.
Beautiful Garden Gates
Last but not least, you should also consider getting a garden fence gate to add an aesthetic appeal to your home. Depending on your space, swing gates tend to look the best for gardens.
However, the style of the gate doesn’t matter as much as the color. If you have a bright garden with lots of light-colored flowers, you’ll want a gate that compliments those colors.
For instance, orange, yellow, and pink are all wonderful color choices for garden gates. However, black metal garden gates can also look great, especially if your home has red bricks.
Exploring the Different Types of Gates
Learning about the different types of gates is a great way to start your shopping experience. The more you know about the materials, designs, and benefits each gate offers, the easier it’ll be to make the right choice.
Remember to envision what your gate will look like to someone passing by on the road. Go ahead and stand outside and start picturing your dream gate now.
Then when you know what you want, order your gate and get ready to complete your home’s look! For more ways to make your home shine, read another one of our articles.
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