If designed properly, yes it can.
The strength in a timber gate comes from a combination of the size of the timber profiles used and the design of the construction.
Many side gates are simply ledged and braced and this bracing is held together with screws and then the cladding is nailed on.
Purchasing a gate with mortise and tenon joints which are hardwood doweled and glued will mean it is much harder to pull the gate apart. With the cladding rebated into the frame it will also take much longer for the gate to rot.
Mortice and tenon joints with hardwood dowels.
Maintaining your gate well with a suitable product like the Barretine wood preserver that we use on our gates will repel water and offer UV resistance to the timber increasing the lifespan and the strength of your gate.
If you want to be able to see who is outside before opening your side gate consider a design with a slatted top.
The hinges and fitting you use to fit your side gate need to be substantial aswell. Flimsy fittings can be easily smashed open. Use heavy duty hinges and ensure your gate is locked either with a sliding padbolt across the back of the gate or a proper keyed or coded gate lock which is designed to allow the timber gate to move a little with the seasons and will not get locked closed or open.
Secure gaps around the gate also. Include secure locking ironwork and heavy duty hinges.
These are simple to add to gates and fences and cause pain only when under pressure for example someone trying to pull their weight up on them.
For a secure side gate made to measure throughout Essex and South Suffolk, give us a call with some photos and measurements of your existing gap or current gates and we can chat through your ideas and give you a price indication before organizing a site visit.
01787 224848
info@tarmecltd.co.uk
