Choosing a gate for your home can be more daunting than you’d expect. There's more to consider than simply choosing a style you like: there are regulations, guidelines, and many other factors to consider.
We’ll go over some of your options to help you discover what’s best for you and your home. Read along or jump to the specific section you are most interested in:
First things first, you need to check with your city or town’s regulations and codes. You don’t want to make any decisions that could end up in penalties or become more costly than necessary. Figure out the regulatory parameters and know the size and requirements before you start browsing.
Do you want a gate made in wood, vinyl, ornamental or chain link. Do you need Security features? Electronic key codes? You’ll want to know what’s possible before buying the first option you find online or in the store. This includes types of gates and styles that match your home, along with its function: aesthetic, full privacy, security, safety for children and pets.
After taking care of the list of items beforehand, lastly, it’s important to check measurements. Ensure your chosen gate can fit, is up to code.
It’s your good fortune that there are endless options for gate styles. Apart from considering whether you want your gate style to be in line with the fence you already have in place, there are a few other considerations to make.
Gates can open and close in various ways to fit any accommodation you can imagine. Below are a few of the gate-opening-types you might want to consider.
Wood Gates
Wood is one of the more traditional options for fencing materials. Wood is designed to create a classic look and offers the option of staining or painting to your liking. Wooden gates often need to be adequately sealed for longevity, or the weather might tarnish them. Fortunately, AVO cedar lumber innately has its own natural protection, making it one of the best choices for four-season wood fence. And this leads us to another consideration concerning wooden gates: which wood type to choose?
The type of wood you choose depends on your climate, budget, and the longevity of its use (how long you plan on staying in your home). Cedar is one of the best naturally rot-resistant woods that endures our northern climate—up to three times better than any other type of wood, and can last for upwards of 20 years with proper care. AVO is one of the only local suppliers of cedar lumber in southeastern MA. We specialize in quality northern white cedar at affordable prices. Our inventory includes an array of options for wood grade, thickness, and type of cut. The best part of it is that when you buy your lumber directly from the source (that’s us!), you’ll have more options to choose from while saving money.
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Vinyl
Vinyl is often used as an alternative to wood. It offers the appeal of wood but eliminates some of the maintenance needs. Vinyl gates are made with chloride and ethylene mixed. This makes it easier to mold into a style or shape of your choice. Designed to be durable, today’s vinyl fencing products feature a texture and finish that penetrate the material instead of simply sitting on the surface. When properly installed, vinyl products will withstand harsh weather conditions.
AVO carries the highest quality vinyl in the industry manufactured by a name you can trust—CertainTeed Bufftech Vinyl Fence Products. Bufftech’s premium features, including high-quality raw materials, reinforced rails, heavyweight pickets, routed fence posts, and exceptional warranty ensure it will outlast and outperform other vinyl fences.
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Aluminum
Aluminum is a popular choice for a traditional and robust look. It can be formed into various shapes, styles, and sizes. It can be intricately designed. It is also light in weight and can come from recycled materials, which makes it desirable for those eco-conscious customers. Contact us to discuss your aluminum gate needs!
Chain-Link
A chain-link gate is a durable, cost-effective solution used for perimeter security and pet safety. While chain-link is often considered to be a commercial or industrial material, it can just as well provide an excellent option for a home or business property—on its own or combined with other fencing materials. Our residential chain-link gate features high-quality, low-carbon steel wire that is galvanized and PVC coated. We also offer chain-link fabric available in 2″ 9-gauge or 1 1/4″ 11-gauge pool code mesh in 50-foot rolls. If you have any questions about how a chain-link fence would fit with your property requirements, we’re here to help!
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is probably the heaviest and sturdiest of your gate material options. Wrought iron is exceptionally dense and heavy. People typically love the look of wrought iron—giving a regal, intense, and traditional look. It isn’t as naturally inviting as wood, for example, but offers elegance in its own right. Contact us with wrought-iron gate questions you may have, and we will be happy to assist your next project!
Hopefully, this insight helps you with your first-stage considerations when purchasing a gate for your home. Dive deeper for a clear understanding of all the variables your home, property, aesthetics, and budget require to find the right fit for your lifestyle. Style and sensibility can and should work together when designing the right fence and gate combination for your property. Your vision and goals are an important part of each project, and we’re here to help them become a reality. Start planning your next fencing project and contact AVO Fence & Supply today.