When you are adding a fence to your garden landscape, you may want to include a gate. What you choose in terms of garden gates fencing will depend on two aspects:
* The surrounding area's design scheme
* The fence and the gate's function.
If you live in a neighborhood that is governed by an HOA, or Homeowner's Association, you need to consult the bylaws in order to find out what kinds of fences and gates or allowed. Sometimes, there may be an approval process you must undergo before installing garden gates fencing. If not, you are only limited by your imagination.
In order to narrow down your choices, you need to ask yourself a few basic questions. Some points to consider are:
* If the gate is needed to keep animals and children contained within the yard
* If the gate is simply meant to be a decorative, inviting entry
* If the gate will be used occasionally or frequently.
Containing vs. Inviting Fence Gates
If you plan on using garden gates fencing to keep your pets or children from wandering away, you need a gate that is made of mesh or one that is completely solid. This will prevent the pet or child from squeezing between the slats. The latches must be installed out of a child's reach. But if you are installing garden gates fencing for decorative purposes, you can use wrought iron or an open design. These gates will allow light and air to enter through and let visitors see through the fence.
Common Garden Gate Materials
Garden gates fencing needs to fit, stylistically, with the fencing to which they are attached. So if your fence is made of timber, your gate should also be made of timber. Or if your yard has a picket fence, the gate should also be made of picket boards. Aluminum, wrought iron and timber are three common garden gate materials. These gates are available in a wide assortment of sizes and styles. If you want to get creative, you can use a recycled gate found at a salvage yard. When implemented correctly, this type of gate can enhance certain areas of your garden.
Usage Frequency of a Garden Gate
If you plan to use garden gates fencing frequently, the gate must be made out of a durable material. In addition, the latches and hinges must be of the utmost quality. If your gate will be used by visitors, make sure the latch is easy to use. A simplistic latch design is also useful if you need to open the gate with one hand when your other hand is carrying groceries or a package.
Automatic Garden Gates
Automatic garden gates fencing are quite the luxury items. Therefore, they are usually not placed in the average landscape. But if you choose to buy an automatic gate, you will find them in a wide array of materials such as:
* Aluminum
* Bronze
* Copper
* Wrought Iron.
These gates are able to be opened via elaborate remote controls or simple keypads.