How to Design Garden Gateways
The approach to a house or garden is often through a gate or gateway, and it is important that this first impression is given due consideration. The general principle in choosing a gateway is to select one that matches the hedge, fence or wall through which it gives access. If it is near the house or any other building then the gateway should be architecturally and stylistically in keeping.
The most popular materials for gates are wrought iron and wood. As a very general rule of thumb, the former looks better in town gardens and the latter in country gardens. Iron gates can look very smart when they are associated with brick or stonework; a tall, fine wrought-iron gate set in a high brick wall with tantalizing glimpses of a garden beyond will be a beautiful object in itself but, being strong, it is also practical and will provide good security. If privacy and security are needed then the gate should be a tall and solid wooden one, affording no views of the garden beyond to the passer-by.
Wooden gates car look very attractive set in hedges and fences, especially picket fences. They can be painted; black tends to be more popular in towns and white in the country, but it is really a matter of personal taste. Only choose a bright colour if it fits in with the setting. Alternatively, wooden gates can be treated with a preservative and left plain (creosote may be used if there are no plants near the gate), or stained with wood stain to bring out the grain.
Gates are heavy and need to be well supported, especially if there are children about who often delight in swinging on them. If the gate is set in a wall there should be no problems as long as well-secured, heavy duty hinges are used. Freestanding gates in hedges or fences should have strong wooden posts that are securely embedded in the ground, preferably in a 1ft (30cm)-deep bed of concrete, to stop them moving. For small gates the posts should be at least 4in (10cm) square and for larger gates, those leading to a drive or a field, for example, the posts should be approximately 8in (20cm) square.
The key to constructing a wooden gate is to make certain that the frame is rigid and will not sag, which will prevent the gate from shutting properly. This is normally done with the use of diagonal cross braces. Always use strong hinges and catches, and make sure all the gate furniture is in keeping with the style and status of the gate, be it simple or grand.
