Metal or Wooden Electric Gate – How do they compare?
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Metal or wood? One of the most common questions we come up against. When you’re trying to choose the right electric gate for your residential or commercial property, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask yourself is exactly that – metal or wood? The answer will depend on the reasons behind you needing a new electric gate; security, privacy, kerb appeal, but also some more specific considerations around when where and how the gate is to be used. There’s no one generic answer, which is why we have a team of experts ready to discuss your options and assess your individual needs with you and advise accordingly. Get in touch.
We can still take a look at some of the overall fundamental differences between the two.
Kerb-appeal
We can start with one of the most obvious of the differences – the appearance of the eclectic gates. The gates we make and fit here at ABCA are all custom made giving us a greater range than an off-the-shelf generic option. Wooden electric gates can often be associated with a more traditional classic look, whereas metal electric gates can often offer an appearance of grandeur.
Wooden electric gates are generally made from hardwoods including Oak, Iroko, Sapele and Idigbo. However if you have a preference for an alternative wood, if we can oblige, we certainly will. All of these woods offer variety in the appearance of our wooden electric gates. They can also be stained in various colour, which will, of course, affect the appearance.
Aluminium electric gates and steel electric gates both fall under the category of electric metal gates. Both offer their own unique advantages, and both can have certain custom personalisations made that will affect their overall appearance.
While both wooden and metal electric gates can have some personal touches made to customise the design, they both look very different from each other. Once all functional and logistical considerations have been met, the choice often comes down to personal preference and a design in keeping with the design of the property and premises as a whole.
Security & Privacy
In comparison to wooden electric gates, metal electric gates are more commonly found on commercial premises, gated communities and the likes. It’s not to say that wooden electric gates aren’t suitable for such premises, but metal gates can offer a more robust gate system and an increased level of security by comparison. When you contact ABCA to discuss your specific requirements, we can give you the most appropriate advice. Wooden gates can still offer a high level of security, but in identifying the differences between the two, metal electric gates can score slightly higher when it comes to security.
Both wooden electric gates and metal electric gates offer privacy from passers-by and unwelcome visitors. Metal electric gates often offer less privacy in comparison to the wooden alternative, more specifically steel electric gates. Steel electric gates made from a collection of gate bars and various decorative pieces do not offer the same privacy provided by a solid gate. Wooden and aluminium gates can both offer a solid appearance, delivering a higher degree of privacy.
Maintenance & Cost
Wooden electric gates, aluminium electric gates and steel electric gates all come with their own price tags and maintenance requirements. The cost of your electric gates will depend on your specific requirements; it’s impossible for us to give a generic price guide for each. Maintenance requirements should also be factored into your pricing calculations when choosing the right gate for you.
Both wooden and metal gates have options to treat the materials at the point of manufacturing. These treatments are designed to protect the gate and offer a longer shelf-life. At first glance, treated metal gates can often be more expensive than treated wooden gates. It’s important to look at the future maintenance requirements of both to get a truer understanding. While metal treatments can be more expensive, they generally need repeating a lot less frequently, if at all. In contrast, treated wooden electric gates will need to be routinely treated at regular intervals, often yearly. The cost and time involved for this should be factored in when comparing the cost of both gate options.
The team here at ABCA are specialists in what we do. We are here to help you understand all of the options available to you and to match the most suitable options to your needs, taking all things into consideration, including any timeframes and budget requirements you’re working towards. Get in touch.
ABCA Systems cover UK wide and with offices in key regions throughout the country, have the ability to supply, install and maintain electric automatic gates UK-wide. Our ABCA Automation head office is located in London and therefore proudly offer a same day site visit service across East, West, South and North London if there is appointment availability. Additionally, our London office is perfectly suited for the supply, repair and installation of electric gates and gate intercom systems across Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire and other home counties throughout the Southern counties. Look at taking the next step in upgrading your home security options by getting in contact with us to arrange one of our free no obligation home surveys with one of our in-house experts. By phone 0333 305 0142 or by email at sales@abcasystems.co.uk now.
