Finding a driveway gate that fits your opening sounds straightforward — until you discover that your entrance isn’t quite the standard size.

Perhaps the opening is slightly wider than expected, the height is restricted by an existing wall, or an older pair of gates has left you with an unusual opening that doesn’t match an off-the-shelf size. Trying to make a standard-sized gate work can mean compromises in appearance, gaps that need to be disguised or alterations to the surrounding posts and brickwork.

And those compromises can quickly add to the installation cost.

A gate that is too large may need to be cut down or the opening altered. One that is too small can require additional work to posts, infill sections or the surrounding structure. What initially looked like the more economical option can therefore become more complicated — and more expensive — once installation begins.

With a made-to-measure gate, the dimensions are considered from the outset. The gate can be manufactured to suit the available opening, helping to create a cleaner finish and making the installation process more straightforward.

In other words, sometimes the most cost-effective gate isn’t the cheapest gate on paper — it’s the one that fits properly in the first place.

Choosing a more accessible price point does not mean choosing a poorly made gate. The pressure treated range has been developed to provide a practical balance of quality, durability, style and value, using the same care in manufacture that you would expect from a long-established British joinery.

Manufactured in Somerset from PEFC-certified Scandinavian timber, the gates are pressure treated before leaving the joinery to help protect the timber against rot, fungal decay and insect attack. Traditional construction methods and a carefully finished appearance ensure that the focus remains on producing a quality timber gate for everyday outdoor use.

The pressure treated range sits alongside Charltons’ Classic and Prestige ranges, with each offering a different specification.

The Classic range provides a higher level of specification, with additional construction features and detailing, while the Prestige range represents our highest specification, including premium hardwood options and enhanced construction details. The Pressure Treated range is designed for customers who want the benefits of a made-to-measure timber gate while keeping to a more accessible specification and budget.

The choice is about selecting the specification that is right for your property, your requirements and your budget. You may not need the additional features offered by the Classic or Prestige ranges to achieve the look and performance you want from your driveway gate.

Quality doesn’t always mean choosing the highest specification. It means choosing the right specification for the job.

There is a common perception that choosing a made-to-order product automatically means choosing a very expensive option.

The pressure treated range offers an alternative.

Charltons’ pressure treated driveway gates are manufactured from Scandinavian softwood and are available in a selection of traditional and contemporary designs. The range includes options such as the Town, Country, Wellow and Tunley designs, alongside the newer additions to the collection.

This gives homeowners the opportunity to choose a gate based on the appearance they want and the dimensions they need, rather than being restricted to a limited selection of off-the-shelf sizes.

Affordable does not have to mean plain.

Different properties call for different styles, which is why the range includes a variety of designs.

The Town has a simple flat top and tongue and groove boarding, making it a good choice where a clean, traditional appearance is wanted. The Wellow has an arched top and rounded stiles, while the Tunley introduces a more distinctive swept top.

This means that the same practical approach to construction can be used across very different property styles.

Whether the entrance is to a traditional cottage, a modern home or a rural property, choosing the right shape and proportions can make a significant difference to the finished appearance.

A driveway gate needs to do more than look good.

It needs to cope with changing weather conditions, regular use and the demands of being installed outdoors.

For many homeowners, the priority is therefore not necessarily the most expensive timber or the most elaborate design. It is finding a gate that offers the right balance of appearance, construction, durability and cost.

That is where a pressure treated timber gate can make sense.

It provides the character and warmth of a natural timber entrance while offering a practical specification for everyday residential use.

One of the biggest advantages of choosing a made-to-order gate is the ability to work with the entrance you already have.

Charltons’ driveway gates can be manufactured to suit the required width and height, with different configurations possible depending on the opening and chosen design. Uneven gate splits can also be accommodated where appropriate.

This can be particularly valuable when replacing an existing pair of gates.

Rather than compromising on the appearance of your entrance because a standard gate is slightly too wide, too narrow or the wrong height, you can select a design and have it produced to suit the space.

When choosing a gate, it is worth considering more than just the design.

Think about:

• The size of your entrance – measure the opening carefully before choosing a gate.
• The style of your property – consider whether a traditional, simple or more decorative design will work best.
• Privacy – some designs provide a more enclosed appearance than others.
• How the gate will be used – consider how frequently it will be opened and closed.
• The timber and treatment – pressure treated timber can be a practical choice for an external entrance.
• Your budget – there is no need to specify a premium hardwood gate if a pressure treated softwood option meets your requirements.
• Installation – correct hanging and suitable fittings are essential for the long-term performance of a timber gate.

A driveway gate is one of the first things people see when they arrive at your property, but that does not mean you need a grand entrance or a premium hardwood gate to make an impression.

A carefully chosen pressure treated timber gate can provide the right combination of style, practicality and value, while being manufactured to suit the dimensions of your individual entrance.

That is the real advantage of made-to-measure: you can have a gate designed around your property without necessarily paying for features you don’t need.

Charltons’ pressure treated driveway gate collection offers a choice of designs manufactured in Britain from PEFC-certified sustainable timber.

From the simple lines of the Town to the arched Wellow and swept-top Tunley, the range provides a practical choice for homeowners looking for a quality timber entrance at a more accessible price point.

Explore the pressure treated range or contact Charltons for advice and details of your nearest stockist 01373 812521 or email sales@charltonsgroup.co.uk