Timber gate care is important. Quality wooden gates are an investment, so it makes sense to look after them correctly to ensure they continue to look good and last for years. Our Timber Treatment and Gate Care recommendations provide a comprehensive guide on how to care for timber gates, to help you protect your gates, maintain their appearance, and ensure their long-lasting performance.
The timber in our wooden gates is a natural product reacting to the weather conditions and aspect that they are in, particularly heat and humidity. Timber has a natural tolerance in terms of how much it can expand and contract before succumbing to warping and shrinkage. It is for this reason that we recommend you treat all our planed timber gates with a modern UV oil for planed timber such as Osmo on a regular basis. The oil contains an active UV filter that preserves the colour of the wood. Any outdoor wood that is sealed with oil at least once every year will repel water. Oil also stops wood drying out unevenly, which can lead to warping. Gates will last longer and look better than wood that is simply left to the elements.
Timber Treatment, Gate Care and Maintenance Recommendations
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 for planed timber such as Osmo Modern UV wood oils are scientifically formulated from natural oils, resins, solvents & chemicals to make them longer lasting & faster drying i.e. more durable than traditional oils. The oils essentially “fill” the microscopic holes as it is absorbed into the wood and stops deterioration.
It is also quite common for small splits (shakes and checks) to occur during drying; this is nature at work and should not be considered a fault. However, as you can see from the images below, the application of oil can considerably reduce the appearance of checks and shakes in the wood. It can also reduce warping. These pressure treated softwood samples had just one coat of oil and were left outside in a sunny aspect for 12 months. Oil helps to control the absorption/evaporation of the moisture content of the wood. An added benefit of using oil is that it is relatively easy to apply and maintain. Pressure treated gates must be allowed to thoroughly dry out before the application of oil.
Wood with oil has less checks and is not warped
Shakes are reduced on wood treated with oil.
Water runs off wood treated with oil
Water beads on wood treated with oil and is not absorbed
This gate has not been treated and rot has set in
This gate has not been treated and the water is soaking into the gate
Charltons Hardwood driveway gates are made from Iroko (Our Prestige gates are also offered on Oak). Iroko And Oak are far more durable than softwood. However, it still needs treating to ensure that gates do not warp or become water stained. Using oil will also preserve the colour of the gates for longer.
Charltons recommend two coats of a UV Oil (suitable for planed timber). Always refer to manufacturers instructions for full treatment process. However, Oil should be applied before the gates are hung and put out in the natural elements and not after the gates have been hung and weathered for any period. The gates should be wiped down with methylated spirit prior to treating with oil to allow the oil to bond better with the wood.
Some wood oil manufacturer’s state that hardwoods needs to weather off (for approx. 6 weeks) after installation. Thereby, the wood becomes absorbent and the wood finish adheres optimally. However, due to the British weather, gates are exposed to strong weathering so it will be very difficult to maintain a maximum moisture content of 20% and avoid staining. This is why Charltons recommend that treatment is applied before the gates are hung.
Having spent money on a hardwood gate for your property, it makes sense to ensure that your investment is given the best possible protection to keep it looking good; if it is well maintained there is no reason why a quality hardwood gate should not last a lifetime.
We do not recommend paint as a maintenance regime for your gates.
Stages of weathering of untreated Iroko over time
- Make sure wood is clean, dry and frost-free
- Apply a preservative to all drill holes and cut outs. Make sure they are well treated as well and allow to dry.
- Apply modern UV Oil prior to fitting your gates to avoid moisture ingress (including the drill holes and cut outs).
- Use a flat brush to apply the oil. For the best results brush the oil along the grain following the length of the wood.
- Make sure you apply oil to the end grain and bottom of timbers well. These are most susceptible to absorbing water. Modern oil treatments allow the wood to breathe. You do not need to leave any part of the gate untreated. Apply two coats and allow to dry in between coats.
- Try your chosen oil/tinted oil before you start – try it on a scrap wood first.
- Use a natural quality brush or you will be forever removing loose bristles.
- Treat each side of the gate in the same time period. Oiling one side of a gate and leaving it to dry before treating the other side puts your gate at risk of twisting or warping. This is because it will create an unequal surface tension within the timber. The non-oiled side will try and absorb moisture, which could cause movement within the timber.
- Brush out any runs or drips straight away.
- Make sure you also treat your posts with oil (suitable for sawn timber). This will also reduce any naturally occurring splits & checks in the post and reduce any potential movement.
- How often should I treat my gates? Wood oils penetrate in to the wood grain to replace the natural oils lost over time. Therefore it is a good idea to check gates and apply oil regularly. This should be part of your yearly garden maintenance. However, the best way to tell if you need to treat your gates is to check to see if water beads on the wood. If the water does not bead then it is time for the gate to be oiled.
- If your gate is in an area surrounded by trees, hedges etc it is only natural that surface mould may start to form on your gate. This is not damaging your gate. Nor is it a manufacturing fault. It is simply a case of sponging it off with warm water and allowing to dry before re applying a coat of oil.
This pressure treated gate was not dry prior to being treateded with a UV oil. The oil has leached out.
This pressure treated gate has been hung (full sun aspect) and not treated for 2 year. It is now showing signs of splits and discolouration
This Softwood gate was not treated prior to being hung. The gate has quickly started to show signs of discolouration where mould has crept in
Painting a wet wooden gate traps moisture inside. The trapped moisture forces the wood fibers apart creating tension that results in big splits and checks.
Untreated stile top – the stile of the gate is showing signs of mould where the gate gate not been treated, as well as some cracking in the timber from the top
A gate that had several coats of UV oil and then left untreated for a few years is now showing signs of discolouration where mould has ingressed in the areas where the treatment has weathered away.
A gate showing serious signs of mould as it has not been treated correctly and hung where moisture can ingress from the grass
Maintaining a quality wooden gate using wood oil and carrying out seasonal maintenance is relatively straightforward and can significantly extend the gate’s lifespan and appearance.
Download our Seasonal Gate Maintenance Guide HERE for advice on cleaning, inpections, hardwear maintenance, moisture protection and more.
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 every 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 and eyes 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 annually, or more frequently for high usage (refer to manufacturers recommendations).
Gate Warranty
Gates are manufactured from quality joinery grade softwood or hardwood by our craftsmen in Somerset.
All timber gates manufactured by Charltons are covered by one years workmanship warranty from date of receipt of goods.
Before exposing untreated timber products to the elements, you must ensure our treatment recommendations are adhered to. (click HERE for details)
Gates must have been fitted with reasonable tolerances to allow for seasonal movements. We would always recommend the use of adjustable hinges.
In the rare case a gate fails to perform to its designed purpose due to insufficient workmanship, Charltons will rectify the fault. However, we will not accept consequential loss in such a case.
Please note; Problems such as water damage and rot are caused by not following treatment guidelines, the use of the wrong treatment or no treatment being applied. These will invalidate any warranty claims.
In the rare instance there is a manufacturing defect, this must be reported prior to hanging a gate.
What is Not Covered
This warranty is for the replacement of the original product purchased only. It does not cover the costs of removal and reinstatement of the product. It does not cover consequential costs or losses incurred due to the failure of the product. The warranty applies to timber gates only. It does not cover automation kits, locks, hinges, bearings, rollers and other additional parts/accessories subject to wear and tear.
Problems such as water damage/rot are caused by not following treatment guidelines, the use of the wrong treatment or no treatment being applied. We cannot warranty for something that has not been maintained in accordance with our treatment guidelines.
Failure of the customer to apply regular treatment.
Problems caused by applying oil to pressure treated gates before they have thoroughly dried out.
Timber movement (including twisting, warping and splitting).
Alterations or modifications to original gates (this will include the addition of mesh or wire to a gate. If fitted too tightly this can cause the gate to warp).
Deliberate or accidental damage or abuse to the gate(s).
‘Poor Fitting’ of the gate(s), posts, ironwork, or nearby objects.
The absence of recommended gate fittings (e.g. drop bolt & socket sets).