Are you planning to install a wooden gate? By asking yourself the right questions and with the help of professional advice, you'll arrive at the gate of your dreams surprisingly quickly.
A stylish wooden gate instantly gives your home more character. What's more, a garden gate provides safe access and privacy in your garden. Children and/or pets can't simply run out onto the street, and you avoid prying eyes from outside. Whatever your reason for installing a garden gate, the step-by-step plan below will come in handy.
First, consider what function the gate will serve. Will the gate act as an entrance gate for your driveway? In that case, make sure the gate is wide enough for your car. Don't make the dimensions too tight, as otherwise there's a good chance you'll scratch both your car and your wooden gate. Do you only need a passage to the garden for people? Then you can opt for a smaller wooden garden gate, which fits perfectly into a fence, but can also be placed freestanding next to the house or between the hedge. Here too, it's best not to estimate the dimensions too tightly. You'll no doubt want to be able to pass through easily with a bicycle or wheelbarrow. Be sure to also pay attention to the swing direction of your garden gate. After all, it can be very frustrating if a gate opens to the wrong side. Of course, you can also opt for a combination of the two and combine your wooden gate with a garden gate. In that case, it's best to choose the same finish.
Which type of gate best suits your home? Will you choose a wooden sliding gate or a wooden swing gate? The amount of space you have available will be the deciding factor. If you're considering a double wooden gate, there must be enough space behind the gate so that both leaves can swing open nicely. Don't have a very long driveway, or is the space behind the gate limited? Then go for a sliding gate. A sliding gate is also the best option in the case of a double driveway. It is more suitable for bridging large distances. With a sliding gate, however, bear in mind that you need enough available space beside the gate. This type of gate consists of one piece that slides fully to one side to clear the passage.
Not only space, but also a difference in height can determine the choice between a sliding gate and a double swing gate. If the driveway slopes upward, for example, installing a swing gate is not an option. Because of the height difference, the gate won't be able to open fully. In this case, a sliding gate is the only possible choice.
Do you want to open your gate manually, or do you prefer an automated system? The great advantage of an automatic gate is that you don't have to get out of your car every time to open it. With a simple push of a button, your wooden gate opens and closes. In the evening, too, you can close your gate from inside your home, for example. At Carpentier, we provide underground gate automation for our wooden swing gates. The motor is located entirely underground, so it does not detract from the aesthetic character of your gate. Our wooden sliding gates are available with above-ground gate automation, with a rack on the gate. This ensures that the wooden sliding gate opens and closes automatically.
Take a moment to think about what you find important in a gate. Which accessories should definitely be present on your gate? Do you want a code keypad, video intercom or audio intercom? Do you need a letterbox or lighting? Should your house number appear on your gate? These are optional accessories that can offer you extra comfort. You can still add them afterwards, but it looks nicer if you integrate them into your gate right away. If you choose an integrated parcel letterbox, bear in mind that the gate post must be at least 400 x 400 mm.
Once you've done your homework, it's time for the next step: a visit to the Carpentier showroom. After all, alongside the practical matters, the appearance of the gate is also very important. Often the gate stands in front of the house or at the boundary of the plot, and so it forms the first calling card of your home. To make the wooden gate fit in with its surroundings, it's best to match the style of your gate to the architectural style of your home. You do this through the choice of wood variety, the profile and the finish. Create a harmonious overall picture by carrying the line through into your fence and the cladding of your home or wooden outbuilding. Carpentier can realise this overall picture for you and also guarantees a seamless finish without visible nails thanks to the application of our smart mounting system.
A visit to our showroom is the way to discover, touch and admire our sustainable wood varieties and our wide range of cladding profiles and finishes. Our wood specialists are ready to present the various options to you without obligation, according to your budget, style and wishes. With our handy iPad app, they can also immediately make a 3D sketch, along with a clear and well-organised quote. That way you know exactly what the gate of your dreams would look like and what the wooden gate would cost.
Wondering which gate suits your home? Browse our wooden fences and gates or visit our showroom.