Accurate measuring for a wooden gate is essential to ensure proper operation, prevent binding or scraping, maintain security, and avoid costly alterations or replacements. As timber is a natural material, it will expand and contract with changes in temperature and moisture levels, making precise measurements and appropriate clearances vital for long-term performance and durability.

This is a guide only: 

Automated gates must be installed and commissioned by a fully qualified installer, who must ensure it complies with the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008. Unqualified or D.I.Y. installations can lead to serious issues such as electrical faults and crush risks. Qualified installers are trained to handle high voltage, motion control, weight distribution, force testing and risk assessments. These are all essential for safety.

Qualified installers for your area can be found at Gate Safe Find Installers

As the owner of an automated gate, you are technically the owner of a machine, which just like your car, requires routine maintenance. The gate should be checked over by a qualified installer every 6 – 12 months as a minimum (depending on usage). While your installer is responsible for legal compliance and testing, you should ask for proof of force testing and a declaration of conformity. As the owner, you are responsible for ongoing maintenance and safe use of the gate.

Whilst there are many different automation kits on the market there are generally 3 main types of automation used with our wooden gates:

Underground Swing Gate Automation

Motors are buried at the base of each gate, directly operating the hinges. Underground swing gate automation is a great choice for wooden gates because it offers a discreet and aesthetically pleasing way to automate the gate without altering its appearance or compromising its design.

Underground systems require significant ground-works for the motor housing and drainage, making it a more expensive option.

Sliding Gate Automation

Sliding gates move along a track or cantilever system, powered by a motor with a toothed rack, parallel to the fence/wall line, unlike swing gates which require a large swing arc. This is particularly beneficial for properties with narrow driveways or limited space near the gate opening.

Sliding gates can often handle slopes better than swing gates, as they don’t drag on the ground

Above-Ground Swing Automation (RAM Arm / Linear Actuators)

Electro-mechanical arms push and pull the gate from the post to open and close it. Above-ground swing gate automation, using ram arms or linear actuators, are a popular choice for wooden gates due to its cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and suitability for various site conditions. It’s often preferred when underground systems are impractical or too expensive

Above-ground systems are generally more budget-friendly than underground systems, both in terms of initial purchase and installation costs.

Visit our gate automation pages for more information.

Maintaining a quality wooden gate using wood oil and doing yearly maintenance is relatively straightforward and can significantly extend the gate’s lifespan, safety and appearance.

Timber has a natural tolerance in terms of how much it can expand & contract before succumbing to warping/shrinkage. It is for this reason that Charltons recommend that you treat all of our planed timber gates with a modern UV oil (click HERE for more information).

Manual gate maintenance

Manual installations should be supported by a regular maintenance regime.  The time lapses between  maintenance checks will be largely determined by the amount of usage the gate is expected to tolerate. A low usage situation would represent up to 50 operations a day; Low usage gates should be checked at least every 12 months. If there are any changes in the gate, for example, if the gate drags on the ground, this could be a sign that urgent attention required to avoid compromising the safety of the gate.

Challenging weather conditions, such as high winds/gales and heavy rain can cause damage to a gate and/or affect the foundations. Routine checks should always be made once the bad weather has subsided. The following should be checked:

• Review hinges for signs of excessive wear and tear e.g. damage, cracking
• Check the foundations for any signs of movement
• Look out for any indication that the material from which the gate has been crafted has in any way been compromised e.g.  gates showing signs of excessive cracks
• Check that all ancillary equipment e.g., drop bolts and catches are working as expected. If any is classed as featuring in excess of 15% damage, a replacement should be considered

Automated gate maintenance

Automated gates must be installed by a fully qualified installer who must ensure it complies with the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008

As the owner of an automated gate, you are technically the owner of a machine, which just like your car requires routine maintenance. The gate should be checked over by a qualified installer every six months as a minimum.

More details can be found at Gate Safe