When choosing what your gates are made from, wood is often the first choice for many homeowners. When new, it looks great and has a distinct aesthetic appeal that remains popular. Wood is a traditional material, so people often think the extra care it may need is worth it. However, there are a number of alternatives to wood, with aluminum being increasingly popular with discerning homeowners.
So, can anything compete with the natural appeal of wood, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of wood versus aluminum?
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The Appeal Of Wooden Gates
As wood is natural, no two wooden gates are entirely the same. They have a timeless quality that appeals to many people, and the color and finish of the gates can be customized and changed over time. But there are also problems with wooden gates.
Continual Maintenance
Without proper maintenance, wood will soon deteriorate and need replacing. They will eventually rot, no matter how much they are painted or treated. Wood also absorbs water when wet and dries out when the weather improves. Consequently, wooden gates expand when wet and shrink as they dry out. This means that hinges must deal with the changing weight of the gates they support.
While the initial finish may look great, it will take considerable maintenance to keep it looking anywhere near as good. Even then, it's still likely to deteriorate somewhat over time.
Heavy To Automate
If you want to automate your gates, there are better choices than wood. It's generally heavier to begin with than many alternatives, and when it rains, it will soak up moisture and get heavier still without correct surface protection. This means that wooden gates will take considerable power to operate. A heavier gate needs a stronger motor to get it moving and to stop it. It also needs stronger moving parts, like hinges, to take the strain.
Considering the maintenance and weight issues, is there a low-maintenance, lightweight alternative for making gates that look as good as wooden gates?
Is Aluminium A Good Alternative?
When many people are told that aluminum gates might be a sensible option for their property, initial fears are often about how the gates will look. Surely aluminum will always look better than traditional materials like wood or wrought iron, right?
Beautiful Designs And Finishes
Because aluminum is lightweight, it's the perfect construction material for beautiful gates. Many finishes are available, with some that imitate the look of various woodgrains. It can be difficult to distinguish between wooden and aluminum gates with a wood finish. No matter the style of your home and garden, aluminum is a great choice for color, design, and finish.
Light But Strong
Aluminium is an ideal material for automated gates. It might not be as strong as steel, but it will stay strong for much longer because it doesn't rust. It gives you strength and durability, but the lightness of the material means that the gates are much easier to operate.
Weather Resistant & Low Maintenance
Aluminum gates are the most weather resistant and will retain their good looks for many years with little maintenance.
Easy Installation
Looking at aluminum gates may be worthwhile even if you've set your heart on wooden gates. Combining good looks and high levels of durability, they're the best solution for most environments.
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