FAQ’s

We have listed the most commonly asked questions. If you require further information please contact our knowledgeable sales specialists on 01373 812521 or email on our contact pages HERE.

 

We use joinery grade slow grown Scandinavian Redwoods and  Iroko hardwood for our main driveway gates range. For our high-end Prestige gate range we use hardwood only; Iroko and European Oak.

Yes. We can produce any gate to the width and/ or height that you require as long as the size required falls in between the minimum and maximum gate sizes that we are able to make.

All our timber comes from sustainable managed forests. We source all softwood and Oak timber from PEFC Certified suppliers and Iroko from companies with responsible purchasing policies (UKTR Regulations).

Yes, on most designs you can, and the percentage of the split is down to you (as long as it is within our minimum and maximum sizes for the gate design in question).

Yes, the majority of our driveway gates can be automated for swing or slide automation with the addition of a heavy duty bottom rail. The high-end Prestige Gates are for automation only and have a heavy duty bottom rail as standard. We recommend a qualified installer for automation of gates. Click HERE for more information.

Driveway gates are generally supplied untreated (with exception of pressure treated driveway gates). The untreated gates will need to be treated before installation. Please click here for further details.

Gates should not open out onto a public pavement/highway reference the Highways Act of 1980. However, the gates can be hung outwards if the highways act is not contravened. Please be aware that manually operated gates would have to have the hinges hung on the outside so aesthetically not so pleasing to the eye.

In general, the answer is no however, check out this link for more details https://charltonsgates.com/do-driveway-gates-need-planning-permission/

There is not a definitive answer to this question as there are  many factors that can influence the life of wooden gates. The same gate fitted in two different locations or aspects can have vastly differing life expectations. Click here for more information.

If the gate is next to a highway used by vehicles (or the footpath of such a highway) and it should not exceed one metre in  height (from ground level).
The gate should not exceed two metres in height (from ground level) if elsewhere

A gate can be over two metres if an existing gate already exceeds and you are replacing the gate and that its height would not be increased. It is best to check the Governments Planning Portal if in doubt.

The braces should rise up from the hinge side of the gate. For more information check our Hanging Gates page

We recommend using a soft brush and a mild detergent to remove dirt or algae. Avoid pressure washers, as they can damage the surface. 

Most of our 5 Bar gates have one stile that is larger for hanging the gate. To work out which you need, stand outside facing the property and which ever side  you want the gate to be hinged is the hanging side i.e. if you want the gate to be hung on the left hand side looking in you will need a left hand gate.

For more information please click here.

Yes, though we recommend using a loop over latch plus a drop bolt and socket set on each gate.

For more information click here.

All softwood gates will be pressure treated. Iroko hardwood gates will not be treated. Please click here for our refer to Gate care and Treatment Instructions for new gates,

Pressure treated gates are green, but can be stained with a tinted modern UV oil after they have dried out. Iroko will be natural finish as untreated.

Yes, Some gates we can offer in a special width and or special height – please refer to 5 Bar gate details on our product pages. Click here.

Yes, many of our 5 Bar gates can be automated with the addition of a heavy duty rail. Please refer to 5 bar Gate details on our product pages. Click here. It is not recommended to automated exisiting 5 Bar Gates as they will not have a heavy duty rail. If the gate is still within the Warranty period it would invalidate the Warrantee.

Yes, but gates should not open out onto a public pavement/highway reference the Highways Act of 1980.

5 Bar gates can twist in hot weather due to the hygroscopic nature of wood, which causes it to absorb and release moisture, leading to uneven expansion and contraction. When one side of the gate is exposed to more sunlight or humidity than the other, it dries out faster, shrinking and causing the gate to bend or twist towards the drier side. To counteract this ensure the gates hare hung correctly (click HERE for more info) and are treated with a modern UV oil (click HERE for more info).

We recommend using a modern UV oil on your 5 Bar Gate. Check out our Seasonal Gate Maintenance HERE.

Although the gates are pressure treated we would recommend regular treatment with a modern UV oil to extend the life of the gate. Gates must be dry prior to treatment and make sure that treatment manufacturers  instructions are followed. Click here for more information.

Pedestrian gate should be ideally be hung so that the bracing supports the weight of the gate on the hinges but can be hung from either stile.

babington design pressure treated softwood garden gate with hinges

Minimum requirement would be Tee Hinges but we would recommend using cranked band and hook pin on plate hinges especially for heavier or taller gates. If any adjustment is likely to be needed (e.g if gate in hung from wooden posts) then we would recommend using a one way adjustable band and hook hinge. For more information check out our Hanging Gates pages.

All our gates are standard sizes apart from the Town, Country, which can be made in special widths & heights and the Priory gates (Flat & Curved), which can be made in special widths. Click HERE for more details. All of the Driveway Gate Range gates can be made in Pedestrian gate sizes, especially to match a pair of driveway gates.

Made to measure driveway gates - The Norfolk

All our timber comes from sustainable managed forests. We source all softwood timber from PEFC Certified suppliers and Iroko from companies with responsible purchasing policies (UKTR Regulations).

Garden gates can open outwards as long as they do not open out onto a public pavement/highway (Highways Act of 1980). However, the hinges would need to be hung on the outside of the gate.