How You Can Properly Maintain Your Wood Gates – Common Wooden Gate Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
By Dan Raymond
Maintaining the look and life of your wood gates doesn't have to be a complicated task, as long as you follow a few routine steps. Consistency is the key, and if you follow these maintenance tips on a regular basis you will greatly extend the life of your wooden gates.
Once a new wooden gate's surface has been finished, hardware added, and installation completed, a regular maintenance program should begin. This is not a difficult process nor does it take much time.
How Often Should You Do The Wood Gate Tune-ups?
A wooden gate is typically exposed to weathering and heavy usage making regular maintenance necessary. Sooner or later any finish will wear away and normally this will be of an uneven nature. It is recommended the maintenance take place each spring.
What Should I Look For On My Wood Gates?
The wooden gate should be inspected for several things: splits, cracked finish, loose nails or screws, fading of finish, etc. Most years all that is required is tightening of the fastenings and a little spot correcting of the finish.
When To Do The Big Wood Gate Maintenance
To recoat the spots which have worn down or begun to crack a light sanding of the area and a coat or two of the paint or stain should suffice. However, approximately every five to seven years, a complete washing and sanding of the wood before repainting or re-staining will further prolong the gate's life.
The Most Common Maintenance Mistake
Painting or staining over an area without cleaning and sanding is not recommended as this could cause even worse damage to the gate. Bare wood or a cracking painted surface permits water to penetrate into the wood itself which is a huge invitation for micro-organisms or termites detrimental to the wood. Sanding down the area needing repair and allowing it to dry before refinishing keeps the wood from rotting. Additionally, as when painting or staining a new wooden gate, place a sheet of cardboard, plastic or canvas under the gate to prevent drips below.
As long as preventative measures are taken the wooden gate will remain in prime condition for many years. Maintaining your wooden gate will retain its durability and save you money in the long run.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Raymond
Double Wood Gates
By Jimmy D Lee
Generally double gates transmit strong messages such as demanding respect or a feeling of solemnity. Especially when made of heavy or strong materials such as metals they can be quite intimidating for those who are on the outside of the gates, but can offer a deeper feeling of security and of safety for those inside them. Gates constructed from wood can be however more homey. They tend to be not so scary and often are a lot more welcoming than huge double gates with a simple but classy design. Wooden gates are often categorized as being more traditional and more unsophisticated however they offer a much larger variety of designs and styles and are a lot harder to maintain in their original state.
Wooden gates are easily transformed into any style that fits best your personality, your tastes and your purposes. By the fascinating process of carving that demand special talent, strength, patience and passion a simple piece of wood can be given a shape, a design, and a special type of ornament. When personalizing a wooden gate, the process of carving is used and it can transform a simple double entrance gate into something more. Into something that tells a story about its owner or even about the handyman that made it. Depending on the ornaments and shapes carved into their wooden basis, double wood gates can be delicate, can transmit force, can be welcoming like in a fairytale or can set a rural atmosphere. However, wooden gates may not be as resistant too climate changes or weather changes as gates made from other materials.
Because they are made of a natural material, wooden gates are a bit more complicated to maintain in their original shape. A very common danger that can ruin a gate made of wood is the rain. Wooden gates must have a protective roof assembled on the top of them that stays in a leaning way and allows the raindrops to pour down on it without getting in contact with the gate itself. Different kinds of bugs and insects can also damage the wooden part of the gate. There are insects that live in wood and feed themselves from it. If they 'move' into your wooden gate in a short time it can be completely destroyed and unusable.
Very suitable for gardens, the double wood gates can be ornate with roses or other kind of flowers or plants that crawl up on them. It sets a magical atmosphere and it can be really astonishing when the whole wooden gate is full of wild roses- just like a scene from a fantasy. Wooden gates allow many variations with the design and you also have to be really careful what kind of wood you chose for your gate. The color, the fiber, the shape, the size, the weight, the resistance, the nuance, the width- they are all factors that influence the final appearance of the gate. Choose suitable colors, shapes for your purposes and do not forget that every gate says something about its owner just like a book full of stories.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_D_Lee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WenA3nPE9lQ
Homeowners – What to Look For When Choosing a Gate
By Nicole Krueger
Your gate is one of the first things people notice when they approach your driveway, yard, or garden, so it should meet both your aesthetic and functional needs. Choosing the right gate for your home involves balancing cost, style, and practicality.
Gate styles range from high, wooden privacy gates to open, ornamental wrought iron constructions. Before making any selections, it's important to check with your city or neighborhood association to find out if there are any restrictions on gate construction in your area. You should also make sure you know exactly where your property lines are.
The first thing to consider when selecting a gate is where it will be located and what its purpose is. Gates can provide safety for pets and children, control traffic to and from your home, offer a measure of privacy, and enhance the appearance and value of your home. There are many different materials to choose from, and different types of gates work better for different situations.
Driveway entrance gates
A gate on your driveway can both increase the privacy of your home and create a grand entrance. It can also add an extra measure of security, particularly if you have a long driveway. Many people prefer automatic gates for this purpose, as they don't require you to get out of your car.
Aluminum is a common material for driveway entrance gates because it looks like wrought iron and doesn't rust, but wood, steel, and wrought iron are also options. A simple wooden gate will offer more privacy than a more open, ornamental gate, while wrought iron provides excellent security.
Garden gates
Garden gates are often chosen more for aesthetics than function, although some are erected for privacy or to keep small animals in or out.
The gate should fit the philosophy of the garden. A small picket or wrought iron gate will lend your garden an air of openness and charm, while a solid privacy gate conveys a feeling of mystery.
Black is a popular color for a garden gate, as it helps focus the eye on the garden and makes the colors of the flowers stand out. However, a white vinyl gate can liven up your landscape design, especially in the dreary winter months. Wooden gates offer flexibility as they can be stained or painted to complement a home. They also look rustic and natural, which is a pleasant match for an outdoor area.
Deck gates
When it comes to deck gates, safety is a major concern. A primary purpose of a deck gate is to prevent small children from taking a tumble off the deck. For that reason, the gate should be high enough to install a latch out of reach of young children.
Deck gates are often made from the same wood, and in the same style, as the rest of the deck, whether cedar, vinyl or composite.
Other considerations
Gates can be made out of a variety of materials, but the most common are chain link, wood, vinyl, wrought iron, and aluminum.
Chain link is inexpensive, functional, and durable, requiring minimal upkeep. On the downside, chain link gates offer little privacy and are not the most popular aesthetic choice.
Wood is a versatile gate material and popular for do-it-yourself projects. It has an elegant, natural simplicity to it and is a good choice for high, privacy-type gates. However, it is does requires a little more upkeep than other types of materials.
Vinyl costs a little more than other gate materials, but it is also one of the easiest to maintain. It remains looking good with minimal effort. Vinyl is versatile and attractive and can be used for everything from solid privacy gates to small picket gates.
Wrought iron and aluminum are popular choices for more ornamental gates. While they don't offer as much privacy as other gates, they are durable and secure, making them popular choices for driveways and home entrances. Aluminum achieves the same look as wrought iron but is less expensive, lightweight, and resistant to rust.
Whatever material you choose for your gate, you'll want to pick a style that complements the look of your home.
~Nicole Krueger, 2009
Find out more about ornamental gate designs and installation at our web site for cedar fences in Vancouver, Salem and Gresham.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicole_Krueger
What to Look For When Choosing a Company for Your Garden Gates
By A. Martin
Garden gates can make a great feature to any garden. Whether you want wooden driveway gates or bespoke steel gates, there are many options available to you. The only problem is when it comes to choosing a manufacturer. So what are the main things you should look out for?
Wide Variety of Gates
Wooden garden gates, wooden driveway gates, wrought garden gates, bespoke steel gates – there are many different materials and styles to choose from when you decide to order some gates for your home.
You may have your heart set on one type especially, or you may want to choose from a selection, so it is important to find a manufacturer who is specialised in all forms of garden gates and is able to provide you with the largest choice.
Established Manufacturer
The best manufacturers who are well established will have lots of experience. This means that the gates they provide are more likely to be of a high quality, which is one of the most important factors when you are choosing wooden driveway gates or bespoke steel gates. It will mean the product will not only look great, but will also last longer.
Bespoke Service
Every gate is unique, and you may want to find a gate which is special and unique to you rather than something which is mass produced. This means you should choose a manufacturer who can offer a bespoke design service, or can at least provide you with the option of customising your gates from a range of templates.
Quick Delivery
Always check how long it will take to deliver the gate, and the sooner it can be delivered the better. Also, make sure you know where it can be delivered to. The best manufacturers should be able to deliver to anywhere in the UK mainland.
Affordable
Price is important when it comes to choosing your own garden gate, whether you are looking for wrought garden gates, wooden driveway gates or any other type of gate. Affordability is important, so don't pay over the odds, but also make sure you know that you are getting a quality product for the price you pay and don't just go with the cheapest if the quality is not high.
Conclusion
Choose Your Ideal Garden Gate
Make sure you choose a company which offers all of the above and more when you are looking for wooden garden gates, wrought garden gates, bespoke steel gates or any other type of gate. It is an important decision, and you want to make sure you get the best gate for your garden, so choose a company which can offer you great service, unique designs, affordable gates and a quick delivery.
Andy Martin invites you to give visitors to your home a lasting first impression with gates that are as characteristic as the home you live in.
Indulge your home with with bespoke gates and railings which will make a design statement that reflects your style and flair.
Call our team today on 0191 581 0087 to discuss your requirements and add something unique to your home today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=A._Martin
Hampshire Gates are offering FREE ironmongery (hinges/bolts etc) on ALL gates bought in March.
01264 210088
https://www.hampshiregates.com
Wood Gate Staining – Learn How to Finish Your Garden Gate Like the Pros
By Dan Raymond
A new stained wooden gate blends with old-fashioned to eclectic and modern styles. If the owner of a wooden gate chooses to stain there are many choices to choose from such as oil-based, water-based, gel, and one step stain/finishes. Regardless of which type of stain used, the gate must be sanded smoothly with no raised or rough spots, otherwise the stain will not be even. Always consider your choices carefully before staining a wooden gate.
Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses and a decision must be made concerning which finish best suits the needs of the owner. The easiest type to use is the one step stain as the stain and finish are applied simultaneously therefore eliminating multiple steps. However, a one step finish often covers the grain of the wood as it sits on top of the wood itself. An oil-based stain penetrates the wood but solvents are used for cleanup.
Gel stains are also usually oil-based and have great color control but these stains are more expensive and buffing must be done between coats. A water-based stain tends to be more environmentally friendly than the others as cleanup is by soap and water, but has a tendency to raise the grain of the wood. This can be prevented, though, by conditioning the wood to accept water-based stain before applying. Each type of stain requires careful following of manufacturer's instructions.
When applying anything other than the one-step stains, several layers of stain must be applied to obtain the necessary color. These are applied by rag or paint brush and given a minimum of 15 minutes between coats to allow for penetration. Once the preferred stain color is reached, a wait time of approximately 10 hours is needed before use. If a topcoat of polyurethane is desired for further weather resistance, a minimum of 72 hours is required for the stain to dry before application.
Learn more about custom wood gates and other wood gate maintenance tips at http://www.gardenwoodgates.com – a favorite site for people who need custom wood gates and custom fence gates in the Southern California area.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Raymond
https://www.hampshiregates.com