gate materials, how to build a gate,
gates built from, options of gate materials, durability, maintenance free
gates, pros and cons of gate materials, life expectancy of gates, wood,
aluminum
CHOOSING A GATE MATERIAL: You may be wondering which
material is best?There are several gate materials to
choose from depending on your specific application and
environmental conditions. If your gates are to be a securing
feature you will want to choose from either our strong aluminum
series or our wrought iron series of gates. If your gates
will be near ocean front or harsh weather conditions, you may want
to choose an Aluminum gate for its corrosion resistance or our IPE
wood gates for their tolerance of harsh climates. Below we
have dedicated a section to the description of each available
material. You will also be able to review the pros and cons
to each material type.
Corrosion Resistance: Is the
level of resistance a metal has against corrosion & oxidation
(rusting). Some metals have very high corrosion resistant
while others are very susceptible unless coated with a thick
protective finish.
Durability: Is the ability of a material to withstand its
environment in a functional manner. Some metals are more
durable than others depending on the protective finish.
Life Expectancy:
Inevitably all materials will eventually degrade it is only a
matter of time. Dependant on environmental conditions,
exposure, specific materials durability, etc. the life
expectancy of a material may increase or decrease.
(L) low (M) moderate (H)
high
Gate Materials Pros & Cons
Cast Aluminum
Wood
Wrought Iron
Corrosion Resistance*
H
-
L
Durability* (exterior application)
H
M
H
Cost*
M
M
H
Weight (heavy, light)
L
L
H
Maintenance
L
M
H
Life Expectancy*
H
L - H
H
Cast Aluminum: Unfortunately most
peoples' perception of aluminum is not more than a flimsy pop
can, but it is really quite the contrary. There are many
grades and strengths of aluminum. One of aluminum's
most valuable characteristics is it's high corrosive resistance.
It is also very light weight and can be machined thin and
flexible or strong and thick. Why aren't more outdoor
items cast aluminum? The draw back to aluminum is its cost.
It is a very expensive metal, three times the cost of cast iron
and with the markets demand for cheap disposable items, very few
manufacturers will bother trying to sell this great material.
Our aluminum gates are
made from
structural grade cast aluminum. This is one of
the strongest and most resilient grades of aluminum. It is
the same material used to build industrial buildings. The
material looks and is made the same as antique cast iron, you
cannot tell the difference by looking at it. It
is not possible to bend or break the decorative components on
our cast aluminum gates by hand or average human force.
The frames are constructed of durable galvanized steel with an
aluminum cover that additionally prevents corrosion. One of the
best features of cast aluminum is it's versatility in design.
Cast metals allow for very ornate design options that other
metals cannot cost effectively offer. This is why cast
iron was so popular at the turn of the century. These
beautifully designed gates add an elegance all their own,
lightweight and nearly
maintenance free they are perfect for areas in corrosive
climates and clients who enjoy very intricate and ornate
designs. Many finish choices available including faux
patinas and verdigris finishes.
Wrought
Iron: Today's
market is flooded by cheaply constructed import steel items
painted black and labeled "wrought iron" these products are the
main reason for confusion about the material and method in which
it is produced. Many people think wrought iron is any
metal that is black in color and bent in some fashion.
This cannot be further from the truth. The term wrought
iron conveys both the material's name and the method of its
forming. The word "wrought" means to be drawn out or
formed. This is how true wrought iron products are formed
by hand on the anvil by skilled blacksmiths. The metal is
heated, hammered thin and formed into scrolls and other
decorative elements. Then there is the actual material
wrought iron. All modern "wrought iron" items created
after the turn of the century are actually made from
conventional steel. This includes all artisan made items.
The actual material "wrought iron" is no longer produced in the
US and hasn't been since the turn of the century. It can
still be found in Europe by a handful of small factories that
produce the very costly material exclusively for historic
renovation and refurbishment. The original old material if in
good condition is quite valuable and sought after so if you have
some of it sell, restore it or give it to a local blacksmith or
metal fabricator don't throw it away! You can tell the
difference between real wrought iron and steel by the corrosion
properties. Old wrought iron will be pitted and naturally
dark in color, whereas steel flakes off when corroded and is
orange/red. Old wrought iron has better impact properties
than modern steel. When subjected to a large amount of
pressure the old iron will bend where modern steel will snap.
Old wrought iron was also much more malleable and easily formed
which is why it was the material of choice for blacksmiths.
All items even artist
crafted items that are sold as wrought iron today are really
made from steel. If all of us were suddenly to become
politically correct and start marketing our product as "wrought
steel" we would probably miss out on allot of people who are
looking for "wrought iron" items. For this reason everyone
just continues to use the term "wrought iron" loosely as that is
what the public expects.
Wood: Wood offers a warmth and naturalization that
none of the other materials can. Though its durability is less
than that of an iron or aluminum gate wood can be amazingly
durable as an exterior material if the proper species is used.
Some companies offer alternative plastic or composite materials.
We do not recommend using these materials. Companies
offering " plastic look like wood gates" cannot compare
to the authentic beauty and durability of real wood gates. What
these companies wont tell you is how unsightly these composite
materials can become after only a few years in use.
Another great feature of wood although it does require some
maintenance is that it is easy even for the amateur
do-it-yourselfer. Finish is not expensive and easily
acquired and applied. Routine care is very important for
the longevity of the wood and its appearance. Some species
of wood require more upkeep than others. Our customers
will receive information on the wood species purchased which
also details recommended care and maintenance tips.
Long-term performance of wood in exterior
exposures depends on heavily on material quality and decay
resistance.
Wood is a natural material
and must be allowed to breath. Our gates are built to
compensate from moderate expansion and contraction. For
those living in harsh climates and coastal environments it is
important to consult your local wood specialist to ensure that
the wood species you select is indeed well suited to your
specific area. Below you will see a comparison of wood
species cost, maintenance, durability and decay resistance.
It is important for the
longevity of wood gates for them to be very well crafted. If the gate is made poorly and
un-reinforced by proper joinery and support it will quickly deteriorate
fast and lead to sagging, disjoining, and inevitably
non-functionality. Our gates feature mortise and tenon
joinery.
* IPE wood is also known as: Pau Laupe,
Brazilian Ironwood,
Hardware is another
important consideration for wood gates. Be sure that the
hinges being used are heavy duty and contain ball bearings
especially for heavier gates as this will give gates a nice
smooth swing and inhibit common gate sagging issues.
Latches should be door grade hardware even for pool compliancy.
Most hospitality industries like hotels will use storeroom
function door levers that lock upon closure form the outside but
stay open always on the inside. Depending on your local
pool codes this may be an option you can conscider. It is
always important to check with a local professional as well as
your local code authorities to ensure that the gates style and
hardware you are using is appropriate for your application
especially when the gates are located in or around a pool area.
Western Red Cedar grows in coastal
forests. Western Red Cedar forests are predominantly managed
forests, in which controlled harvests, natural regeneration and
reforestation programs ensure a perpetual harvest. Western Red
Cedar is, above all, a wood of exceptional beauty. In its
natural, unfinished state, it has a richly textured, tactile
grain combined with a palette of warm, mellow tones ranging from
light amber to deep honey brown. No man-made material can
duplicate the depth of cedar's natural luster. It also remains
subtly aromatic, and the characteristic fragrance of cedar adds
another dimension to its universal appeal. Western Red Cedar
contains natural oils that act as preservatives to help the
wood resist insect attack and decay. Cedar is also a
dimensionally stable wood that lies flat and stays straight.
Properly finished and maintained, Western Red Cedar ages
gracefully and endures for many years. Western Red Cedar should
be preservative treated if intended for use in applications
where it comes in contact with the ground.
White
Oak
Add description
IPE Wood
Ipe
(pronounced “e-pay”) is a large tropical hardwood tree that
grows abundantly its durability, strength, and its natural
resistance to decay, wet conditions, and insect infestation.
Ipe’s remarkable properties have already made it the top choice for
commercial and residential decking and outdoor furniture.
It is the wood used on the famous Atlantic City boardwalk!In
addition to its strength, it has a beautiful dark color and a
tight grain that gives it a very consistent coloring. The only
drawback to Ipe's durability and strength is that because it is
so dense it does not accept stain or paint well. It is for
these reasons we do not recommend our clients purchase Ipe if
they plan to paint the product. However if you are seeking a
stained wood look Ipe offers a beautiful dark warm color when a
UV protectant is applied to the wood. (see sample images above, natural
and protected - look of a stain)
You may be wondering why Ipe is not more widely used for outdoor
gates. The answer is simple – the wood is so hard that it can be
difficult to machine into a finished product. We have solved
this problem with advanced manufacturing techniques and we are
proud to offer you our exceptional Ipe wood gates.
Our beautiful IPE wood is
a natural alternative to composite and inferior wood species.
It is as durable as it is beautiful and highly praised for its
extreme long life and gentle aging. The best woods for
exterior use are Ipe, Teak and Western Red Cedar.
They exhibit a natural very high decay resistance. They are more
expensive than most woods but a beautiful and worthwhile
investment. All of our wood gates are made of Western
RedCedar, Teak or Ipe.
These days, there are many claims
made about different woods used for outdoor applications. We
encourage you to research Ipe for yourself. Searching the web
for “Ipe wood” yields plenty of information, especially about
Ipe decking, and you can see for yourself how highly this wood
is praised.
We are certain that our gates will make a beautiful and valuable
addition to your landscape that is sure to be enjoyed for many
decades
Wood Garden
& Fence Gates: Exceptional Entrances has a
stunning collection of hand crafted wood garden and fence
gates. Crafted from 100% solid and durable premium
woods. All hand crafted by thier talented Amish
craftsmen... Browse thier large selection of garden and
walkway gates and you are sure to find the perfect wood or
metal entry gate for your garden or walkway area.
more
ABOUT OUR RECOMMENDED
GATE MANUFACTURERS - All of the
gate companies we feature are companies who specialize in
crafting premium durable gates from the best materials.
They are selected based on customer satisfaction and the
durability and overall quality of product they produce.
For a complete listing
of all the gate, automation and fence companies that meet our
stringent criteria, visit our
featured companies page.
Interested in being a
featured company? Does your
company have what it takes to become one of our featured gate
and fence companies? Let us review your product and
company and you may be on our featured list. You can
obtain a free link from our prominent links page by including
a reciprocal link on your companies website. Email us
for more information.
gate materials, how to build
a gate, gates built from, options of gate materials, durability, maintenance
free gates, pros and cons of gate materials, life expectancy of gates, wood,
aluminum
CHOOSING A GATE MATERIAL: You may be wondering which material is
best?There are several gate materials to choose from depending on
your specific application and environmental conditions. If your gates are
to be a securing feature you will want to choose from either our strong aluminum
series or our wrought iron series of
gates. If your gates will be near ocean front or harsh weather
conditions, you may want to choose an Aluminum gate for its corrosion
resistance or our IPE wood gates for their tolerance of harsh climates. Below we have dedicated a section to the description of each
available material. You will also be able to review the pros and cons to
each material type.
Corrosion Resistance: Is the
level of resistance a metal has against corrosion & oxidation
(rusting). Some metals have very high corrosion resistant
while others are very susceptible unless coated with a thick
protective finish.
Durability: Is the ability of a material to withstand its
environment in a functional manner. Some metals are more
durable than others depending on the protective finish.
Life Expectancy:
Inevitably all materials will eventually degrade it is only a
matter of time. Dependant on environmental conditions,
exposure, specific materials durability, etc. the life
expectancy of a material may increase or decrease.
Cast Aluminum: Unfortunately most
peoples' perception of aluminum is not more than a flimsy pop
can, but it is really quite the contrary. There are many
grades and strengths of aluminum. One of aluminum's
most valuable characteristics is it's high corrosive resistance.
It is also very light weight and can be machined thin and
flexible or strong and thick. Why aren't more outdoor
items cast aluminum? The draw back to aluminum is its cost.
It is a very expensive metal, three times the cost of cast iron
and with the markets demand for cheap disposable items, very few
manufacturers will bother trying to sell this great material.
Our aluminum gates are
made from
structural grade cast aluminum. This is one of
the strongest and most resilient grades of aluminum. It is
the same material used to build industrial buildings. The
material looks and is made the same as antique cast iron, you
cannot tell the difference by looking at it. It
is not possible to bend or break the decorative components on
our cast aluminum gates by hand or average human force.
The frames are constructed of durable galvanized steel with an
aluminum cover that additionally prevents corrosion. One of the
best features of cast aluminum is it's versatility in design.
Cast metals allow for very ornate design options that other
metals cannot cost effectively offer. This is why cast
iron was so popular at the turn of the century. These
beautifully designed gates add an elegance all their own,
lightweight and nearly
maintenance free they are perfect for areas in corrosive
climates and clients who enjoy very intricate and ornate
designs. Many finish choices available including faux
patinas and verdigris finishes.
Wrought
Iron: Today's
market is flooded by cheaply constructed import steel items
painted black and labeled "wrought iron" these products are the
main reason for confusion about the material and method in which
it is produced. Many people think wrought iron is any
metal that is black in color and bent in some fashion.
This cannot be further from the truth. The term wrought
iron conveys both the material's name and the method of its
forming. The word "wrought" means to be drawn out or
formed. This is how true wrought iron products are formed
by hand on the anvil by skilled blacksmiths. The metal is
heated, hammered thin and formed into scrolls and other
decorative elements. Then there is the actual material
wrought iron. All modern "wrought iron" items created
after the turn of the century are actually made from
conventional steel. This includes all artisan made items.
The actual material "wrought iron" is no longer produced in the
US and hasn't been since the turn of the century. It can
still be found in Europe by a handful of small factories that
produce the very costly material exclusively for historic
renovation and refurbishment. The original old material if in
good condition is quite valuable and sought after so if you have
some of it sell, restore it or give it to a local blacksmith or
metal fabricator don't throw it away! You can tell the
difference between real wrought iron and steel by the corrosion
properties. Old wrought iron will be pitted and naturally
dark in color, whereas steel flakes off when corroded and is
orange/red. Old wrought iron has better impact properties
than modern steel. When subjected to a large amount of
pressure the old iron will bend where modern steel will snap.
Old wrought iron was also much more malleable and easily formed
which is why it was the material of choice for blacksmiths.
All items even artist
crafted items that are sold as wrought iron today are really
made from steel. If all of us were suddenly to become
politically correct and start marketing our product as "wrought
steel" we would probably miss out on allot of people who are
looking for "wrought iron" items. For this reason everyone
just continues to use the term "wrought iron" loosely as that is
what the public expects.
Wood: Wood offers a warmth and naturalization that
none of the other materials can. Though its durability is less
than that of an iron or aluminum gate wood can be amazingly
durable as an exterior material if the proper species is used.
Some companies offer alternative plastic or composite materials.
We do not recommend using these materials. Companies
offering " plastic look like wood gates" cannot compare
to the authentic beauty and durability of real wood gates. What
these companies wont tell you is how unsightly these composite
materials can become after only a few years in use.
Another great feature of wood although it does require some
maintenance is that it is easy even for the amateur
do-it-yourselfer. Finish is not expensive and easily
acquired and applied. Routine care is very important for
the longevity of the wood and its appearance. Some species
of wood require more upkeep than others. Our customers
will receive information on the wood species purchased which
also details recommended care and maintenance tips.
Long-term performance of wood in exterior
exposures depends on heavily on material quality and decay
resistance.
Wood is a natural material
and must be allowed to breath. Our gates are built to
compensate from moderate expansion and contraction. For
those living in harsh climates and coastal environments it is
important to consult your local wood specialist to ensure that
the wood species you select is indeed well suited to your
specific area. Below you will see a comparison of wood
species cost, maintenance, durability and decay resistance.
It is important for the
longevity of wood gates for them to be very well crafted. If the gate is made poorly and
un-reinforced by proper joinery and support it will quickly deteriorate
fast and lead to sagging, disjoining, and inevitably
non-functionality. Our gates feature mortise and tenon
joinery.
Hardware is another
important consideration for wood gates. Be sure that the
hinges being used are heavy duty and contain ball bearings
especially for heavier gates as this will give gates a nice
smooth swing and inhibit common gate sagging issues.
Latches should be door grade hardware even for pool compliancy.
Most hospitality industries like hotels will use storeroom
function door levers that lock upon closure form the outside but
stay open always on the inside. Depending on your local
pool codes this may be an option you can conscider. It is
always important to check with a local professional as well as
your local code authorities to ensure that the gates style and
hardware you are using is appropriate for your application
especially when the gates are located in or around a pool area.
Western Red Cedar grows in coastal
forests. Western Red Cedar forests are predominantly managed
forests, in which controlled harvests, natural regeneration and
reforestation programs ensure a perpetual harvest. Western Red
Cedar is, above all, a wood of exceptional beauty. In its
natural, unfinished state, it has a richly textured, tactile
grain combined with a palette of warm, mellow tones ranging from
light amber to deep honey brown. No man-made material can
duplicate the depth of cedar's natural luster. It also remains
subtly aromatic, and the characteristic fragrance of cedar adds
another dimension to its universal appeal. Western Red Cedar
contains natural oils that act as preservatives to help the
wood resist insect attack and decay. Cedar is also a
dimensionally stable wood that lies flat and stays straight.
Properly finished and maintained, Western Red Cedar ages
gracefully and endures for many years. Western Red Cedar should
be preservative treated if intended for use in applications
where it comes in contact with the ground.
White
Oak
?
IPE Wood
Ipe
(pronounced “e-pay”) is a large tropical hardwood tree that
grows abundantly its durability, strength, and its natural
resistance to decay, wet conditions, and insect infestation.
Ipe’s remarkable properties have already made it the top choice for
commercial and residential decking and outdoor furniture.
It is the wood used on the famous Atlantic City boardwalk!In
addition to its strength, it has a beautiful dark color and a
tight grain that gives it a very consistent coloring. The only
drawback to Ipe's durability and strength is that because it is
so dense it does not accept stain or paint well. It is for
these reasons we do not recommend our clients purchase Ipe if
they plan to paint the product. However if you are seeking a
stained wood look Ipe offers a beautiful dark warm color when a
UV protectant is applied to the wood. (see sample images above, natural
and protected - look of a stain)
You may be wondering why Ipe is not more widely used for outdoor
gates. The answer is simple – the wood is so hard that it can be
difficult to machine into a finished product. We have solved
this problem with advanced manufacturing techniques and we are
proud to offer you our exceptional Ipe wood gates.
Our beautiful IPE wood is
a natural alternative to composite and inferior wood species.
It is as durable as it is beautiful and highly praised for its
extreme long life and gentle aging. The best woods for
exterior use are Ipe, Teak and Western Red Cedar.
They exhibit a natural very high decay resistance. They are more
expensive than most woods but a beautiful and worthwhile
investment. All of our wood gates are made of Western
RedCedar, Teak or Ipe.
These days, there are many claims
made about different woods used for outdoor applications. We
encourage you to research Ipe for yourself. Searching the web
for “Ipe wood” yields plenty of information, especially about
Ipe decking, and you can see for yourself how highly this wood
is praised.
We are certain that our gates will make a beautiful and valuable
addition to your landscape that is sure to be enjoyed for many
decades
