Wrought Iron Gates

In order to help you choose the right wrought iron gate for your budget, Garden Oasis have categorised the gates and railing designs into 5 colour coded sections. Below is a brief guide to each of these categories.

The ‘VALUE’ range of metal gates includes the decorative Classic and Regent designs created to provide decorative wrought iron style gates and railings at great value for money prices. The gates in these ranges are suitable for general domestic use and are easy to install on a DIY basis.

The ‘STANDARD’ range of metal gates includes the Stirling, Edinburgh and Abbey designs created using slightly thicker metal for the gate frames and more ornate designs. Choose from traditional wrought iron gate designs with decorative scrollwork or the Abbey range offers an attractive gothic alternative. These gates are suitable for general domestic use and are easy to install on a DIY basis. A made to measure service is available on all of the gates and railings in the standard range.

The ‘SELECT’ range of metal gates includes two timeless wrought iron gates designs, ideal if you are looking for gates and railings with clean lines that give a simple and elegant appearance. The thicker metal used in the production of these gates gives a more authentic wrought iron appearance whilst still being light enough to be installed on a DIY basis. These gates and railings are suitable for general domestic use. A made to measure service is available on all of the gates and railings in the select range.

The ‘PREMIUM’ range of metal gates includes two designs with grand entrances in mind. The thicker metal used in the construction of these gates adds to the weight and provides an authentic wrought iron appearance. The heavy duty hinges and latches improve security making these gates suitable for general domestic and light commercial use. Due to the weight of these gates, it is recommended that installation be undertaken by a builder, however it is possible with care to install them on a DIY basis. A made to measure service is available on all of the gates and railings in the premium range.

The ‘GALVANISED’ ranges are a mix of contemporary and classical gate designs that have been galvanised and powder coated providing gates and railings with a traditional wrought iron appearance but without any of the associated maintenance. The steel used in the construction of the gates is plated with zinc to prevent rust, then powder coated with tough black paint. These gates are ideal for anyone who loves metalwork but hates painting and are particularly popular with seaside properties, landlords and professional landscape gardeners. The galvanised gates are generally lighter in weight and can be easily installed on a DIY basis.

For hundreds of years the traditional material used for producing metal gates was wrought iron, a malleable iron alloy that was easy to weld. By the mid 20th Century, mild steel became easier and cheaper to produce and shared many of the ease of use characteristics as wrought iron.

By the late 1960’s mild steel could be produced at half the cost of wrought iron and by the early 1970’s Atlas Ironworks in Bolton was the last producer of wrought iron in the world. They closed their gates for the final time in 1973.

The only wrought iron that is produced today is made from recycled scrap and is used to restore heritage projects. Many items today still carry the description of wrought iron because they were traditionally made of wrought iron or have the appearance of wrought iron, but they are in fact made mostly from steel.

Cast iron is not a good material for gates as cast iron is brittle and liable to crack when knocked. Aluminium gates are rare as although they have the benefit of resisting rust, they lack strength. For now, the best material for metal gates is mild steel.

The disadvantage of steel is that when exposed to air and water, it will rust. To protect your gates, there are three options, to paint, to powder coat or to galvanise and powder coat.  Painting your gate is the cheapest option but you will need to re-paint every few years to prevent rust from developing. Powder coating  your gate means that you will only need to do minimal maintenance making sure any chips or scratches are touched up to prevent air and water getting to the metal below.  

The most comprehensive treatment is to galvanise (Zinc plate) and then powder coat your gate. The joint process of galvanising and powder coating provides your gate with a finish that does not require any ongoing maintenance.

Garden Oasis has seen a large increase in recent months in the number of customers asking for quotes to replace steel and wrought iron gates that have been stolen.

Gate theft

A garden gate is not something you would consider at risk of theft, particularly as they are unlikely to be of any use to a new owner without hinges, so what is behind these thefts? The answer could well be the value of scrap metal. With the demand for steel increasing all the time, particularly in China and India, the value of scrap steel has increased by 64% during 2011 with EUROFER reporting a scrap price index of around £340 per tonne for shredded and demolition steel.

What we recommend

Garden Oasis recommends that customers check that their home insurance covers them for gate theft. When installing garden gates, make it as difficult as possible for your gates to be removed by ensuring hinges are installed in the correct way to prevent gates being lifted off easily. In the case of 'L' shaped hinge brackets, use one way nuts and screws and for hinges with pins and eye bolts, install the bottom pin pointing up and the top pin pointing down to prevent the gate being lifted off. Finally padlock gates when closed to deter opportunist thieves.