F.A.Q

Can you fit your gates as well as manufacture them?

Yes we have our own team of in house fitters and can fit and also automate our gates in Essex, Suffolk and some parts of London Cambridge and Hertfordshire.  If you have your own contractor we can supply our gates to them to fit themselves.  We only automate gates within an hours drive of our workshops to enable us to maintain our  good service record for any automation call outs required.

Can you supply different types of timber?

We use Scandinavian Redwood for all our softwood bespoke gates as this is the most suitables softwood timber, for outdoor applications. We purchase the highest face grade possible, giving the best face finish for softwood gates. 

Our hardwood gates are manufactured from Sapele, which is a stunning and very durable timber which is particularly suitable for use outdoors. 

All our timber is FSC certified and from sustainable, managed forests.  Timber is a truly sustainable and renewable building material. By choosing to purchase a timber gate you are helping to preserve and grow the worlds forests, and combat climate change. Trees absorbs carbon dioxide while they grow, turning carbon into wood and emitting oxygen.

Can you make Made to Measure Gates? 

Yes, almost all of our gates are made to measure, that is our main business. We do keep stock of most of our styles in a standard 6×3 side gate size which are available for immediate collection or delivery locally. 

Although we have our own designs if you have a particular style in mind please come in or give us a ring to discuss whether we can make it for you.

Do you keep gates in stock?

Yes we keep standard 6×3 side gates in stock in many different designs.

Do you Supply Hinges and Ironmongery for your wooden gates?

Yes we hold a wide range in stock of heavy duty gate ironmongery in either a black or galvanised (silver) finish.  Please give us a ring if you would like advice on the correct hinges etc for your gates.  We can also advise on locks and automated entry systems.

Can we come and look at your gates?

Yes, our workshops in Earls Colne, are open Monday to Friday 8am – 4.30pm.  We have a display area where you can look at examples of our gates.  When you reach Station Road our business park is at the very bottom of the hill on the right.  If you give us a ring and make an appointment in advance, we can make sure soemone is free to show you areound the workshops.

Can you automate your gates?

Yes. Not all gates are suitable for gate automation, but our gates are suitable for above ground automation and also below ground and sliding automation.  some modifictaions may be necessary to the rail heights depending on the type of automation being used, so please give us a ring to discuss this before ordering your gates.

There are many different types, qualities and budgets of gate automation available.  We fit CAME gate automation as it is a high quality make which we have found to provide long term reliability.  We are very proud of our reputation for good service and we do not fit inferior gate automation systems in the hope of charging for regular call outs!

If I order a gate, how long will it take for it to arrive?

Our lead time for made to order gates depends on the time of year.  In the summer it is usually around 4-6 weeks and in the winter around 2-4 weeks.  Do give us a ring though to discuss your requirements, as we will always try to accommodate where possible.  All registered trade customers gates are manufactured for collection in three weeks.

Should gates be treated?

Softwood gates should always be treated.  We use a high quality Barretine treatment which prevents against rot, UV and fungal attack as well as repelling water. Hardwoods contain natural oils and do not need treatment to be left outside, however regular re-treatment will prolong their life.

Any timber (whatever type it is) if left untreated outside will naturally weather to a silver grey colour.  If you want to maintain the colour in your gates they will need retreating annually even if they are hardwood.

We do not recommend painting gates, however our treatment is suitable for painting over with a spirit based paint, (it will repel water based paints).  We strongly recommend all gates are treated even if you plan to paint them. We cannot accept any returns for gates which have been purchased from us untreated.

What treatment colours are available with your gates?

Our standard colour treatments are either Golden Brown or Chestnut Brown.   Our treatment is a spirit based high quality treatment, it is available to purchase from us with your gates or we always have it in stock in 2.5l tins (or 25l drums).  We recommend retreating your gates every year, and offer a re-treatment service for local customers if you would prefer.

What is the recommended way to maintain your gates?

We recommend three coats of treatment to be applied to gates every year to keep your gates in tip top condition.  Small tins of the high quality treatment we use, can be purchased with your gates or you can source something spirit / oil based locally from a builders merchants.

Iron work may eventually need to be maintained against fading and rust. We recommend using good quality covering treatments such as Hammerite which gives a longer life, as some other may flake and allow rust to get in behind the covering.

Moving parts i.e. hinges, latches, drop bolts and locks should be well oiled to allow longer life..

Driveway gate automation should be serviced annually to maintain good operation and safety compliance. Details of this will be given to all gate automation customers.

Can your gates be painted?

Gates are best left in their natural finish, to maintain the natural wooden look.  Wooden gates by their nature will move in line with the weather conditions, dry out in the summer and expand in the winter.  This can cause paint to crack in the summer months and look unsightly, if water gets into the cracks it will be held there by the paint and cause rotting of the timber.

If you do decide to paint your gates a spirit based product should be used rather than a water based one.  The treatment we apply will repel a water based paint.  Paint should be regularly checked for cracks and repainted quickly.  This should not be carried out if the timber is still wet as the water will then be sealed inside. Gates should completely dry when they are painted and painted on all sides, top and bottom to ensure no water can enter and remain trapped within the paintwork, particularly from the bottom which is closest to any pooled water.  We cannot be held responsible for damages to our gates arising from incorrectly applied paint.

Do you give a written guarantee with your gates?

Over the years we have established an excellent reputation for customer service so you can rest assured we will sort out any problems with any of our gates promptly in the unlikely event of this occurring.

We offer a guarantee with all gate automation products which is detailed on all of our quotations.