5 Different Types of Metal Gates to Suit Your Style and Needs

Metal gates are just so pretty in my opinion though very pricey and have been beyond my budget for a while now. However, I don’t think that’s going to be the case forever and I’ve been eyeing a double swing metal gate to replace the one I built for the East staircase of my deck (pictured below). The wooden gates I built are just fine but, like with wood in any outdoor application, eventually they start to warp and rot. Metal, of course, will never do that so I really look forward to having them someday!

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)

Gates are one of the first things that a person would notice in a home. Metal gates are known to be much more durable than your standard wooden gate. They are difficult to damage and can’t be infected by any pest infestation that usually damages wood. They are also easier to design for and can be customized depending on your taste. 

There are different types of metal gates to choose from. If you’re planning to get your house a get or renovate your new one, here are the different types of gates that you might just be looking for.

Types of Metal Gates You Could Choose From

Here are some of your options:

Standard Gates

A standard gate is a type of gate where the materials used for the fence are the same as the gate. It is called a standard gate since it is the most common and is mostly a single-door walkway for people.

These gates diagonally braced so that it wouldn’t sag after constant use. By adjusting a turnbuckle device regularly, you wouldn’t have to worry about your gate immediately wearing away.

Swing Gates

Like how its name suggests, swing gates can be opened inwards or outwards in either a gate with a single or double door. Compared to other gates, this one is pretty common and the easiest to install. Because of its design, it’s mostly used for stopping vehicles from quickly entering your home.

Double Gates

If large vehicles and equipment regularly access your house, then a double gate would fit your needs. This is a relatively popular design, especially to people with large residential properties. Each gate comes with a latch at the bottom so that you can choose when to open both gates or open one side.

Slide Gates

A slide gate is a type of gate that needs to be slid to the left or right of the driveway to open. However, because of the way it functions, this gate would need a larger space compared to the double gates, width-wise. The extra space required on the side where the gate rolls must be at least the full width of your gate. This is to make sure that the gate won’t partially block the driveway and would open fully. 

Cantilever Gates

Unlike sliding gates where a track along the gated entryway is needed to open, the cantilever gate uses a support rail located at a side of the fence structure. However, to be able to provide a counterbalance section where the entrance is supported, these gates must be wider than sliding gates. Because of the gate’s suspension, there’s no ground obstruction for vehicles passing through the entryway.

How to Choose the Type of Gate for Your Home?

When you’re deciding to have additional or replace the metal gates on your property, there are several factors you need to consider before choosing one. After all, gates all come in varying sizes and shapes. If it doesn’t fit both the aesthetic of your home and the function it should be doing, then you’ve just wasted time and money.

First, you must understand the function your gate will serve. Will it be installed with a fence? Does it potentially block the entrance of your home or building? Is the gate for your driveway, your garden, or your patio? These are just some of the questions you should ask be asking yourself before deciding on a type.

Second, the size of your gate matters. You must know how big you want your gate and how wide. Are you placing the gate near a patio or a pool? Then a shorter gate would be the ideal choice. If you want an extra layer of security in your home, then a taller gate would benefit you better.

The third is the kind of metal you would want to use for your gate. There are a lot of options to choose from: steel, wrought iron, aluminum – these metals are the most common ones used for building metal gates. Steel is relatively popular. Rust-resistant and the most durable, its constant exposure to the weather won’t easily damage it thanks to its protective layer.

Regardless of what you need, the gates for, it is vital that the three mentioned above are considered. Carefully consider what your gate should be like before choosing a type. If you’re still having trouble, consider visiting Creative Metal’s site. At www.creativemetalmd.com, you can see the different kinds of metal works that can be applied for gates that might serve both functionality and aesthetics.

Takeaway

Gates secure our properties and us. It is the house’s first line of defense against criminals and people with malicious intent. That is why it’s essential to choose a gate that is durable and hard to destroy. However, because of the few restrictions our property offers us, we must determine properly which type of gate would fit our needs. After all, we don’t just invest money in it, but also the protection of our homes and loved ones.

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)

Author’s bio:

Rebecca Nelson has been working as a content marketer for almost a decade now. Specifically, she’s a wannabe architectural designer, who’s been copywriting content about home improvements, especially on creative metal designing.