We have listed the most commonly asked questions. If you require further information please contact our knowledgeable sales specialists on tel:01373 812521 or email using our contact pages.
Q: What materials are used to make the gates?
A: We use joinery grade slow grown Scandinavian Softwood and Iroko hardwood.
Q: Do you make made to measure gates?
A: 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.
Q: Where do you get your timber
A: 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 (EUTR Regulations).
Q: Can I have a 3/4 split pair of driveway gates?
A: 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).
Q: Can your Courtyard and driveway gates be automated?
A: Yes the majority can be automated with the addition of a heavy duty bottom rail. We recommend a qualified installer for automation of gates.
Q: How do I treat my gates?
A: Driveway & Courtyard gates are supplied untreated. You will need to treat your gates before installation. Please click here for further details.
Q: Can my gates open outwards?
A: 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. However manually installed gates would have to have the hinges hung on the outside so aesthetically not so pleasing to the eye.
Q: Do driveway gates need planning permission?
A: In general, the answer is no however, check out this link for more details https://charltonsgates.com/do-driveway-gates-need-planning-permission/
Q: How long will a wooden gate last?
A: 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.
Q: What is the maximum height wooden gate I can have?
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.
Q: Which way should a brace go when hanging a driveway gate?
A: The braces should rise up from the hinge side of the gate. For more information check our hanging gates page
Q: How should I work out what “hand” gate I need (the stile that the gate is be be hung from)?
A: 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
Q: Can I fit two gates as a pair across my entrance?
A: Yes, though we recommend using a loop over latch plus a drop bolt and socket set on each gate.
Q: Will my gate be treated?
A: 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,
Q: What colour will my gate be?
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.
Q: Do you make bespoke sizes?
A: 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.
Q: Can Charltons 5 Bar Gates be automated?
A: 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.
Q: Can my gates open outwards?
A: Yes but gates should not open out onto a public pavement/highway reference the Highways Act of 1980.
Q: Do I need to treat my pedestrian Gate?
A: 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.
Q: How should I hang my gate?
A: 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.
Q: What gate hinges should I use?
A: 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.
Q: Can my Pedestrian Gate be made to any size?
A: All our gates are standard sizes (see gate details for sizes) apart from the Country & Town gates which can be made in special widths & heights. All of the Courtyard gates can be made in Pedestrian gate sizes these are made to measure gates.
Q: Where do you get your timber
A: 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 (EUTR Regulations).
Q: Can garden gates open outwards?
A: 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.