Choosing a garden gate – tips on material, size and opening type

At a Glance

The choice of garden gate defines the security and aesthetics of the property through the right combination of material, size, and functionality.
Those looking for a durable and visually elegant solution will find sophisticated, high-quality metal garden gates at ELEO Express.
Precise planning of dimensions, opening types, and design ensures that the gate fits the property perfectly, both functionally and aesthetically.

The decision for the perfect garden gate should be made with care. To ensure the entrance area appears welcoming while providing reliable protection, criteria such as the garden gate material, the appropriate size, the opening direction, and a stable foundation are crucial. This guide provides an overview of the most important aspects when buying a garden gate and explains why a high-quality metal garden gate represents a first-class investment in longevity, security, and design.

Choice of Material: Metal, Wood, or Aluminium – What Suits Your Garden?

Collage of garden gates made of various materials Collage of garden gates made from various materials

The choice of material has far-reaching consequences for the look, maintenance effort, stability, and lifespan of the garden gate. Each material has specific properties that make it more or less suitable for certain requirements.

A detailed comparison of the most common materials helps with the decision:

Metal (Steel): Steel garden gates are the most robust and durable option. Processes such as hot-dip galvanisation achieve reliable corrosion protection that guards the material against rust for decades. An additional powder coating not only gives the gate the desired colour (e.g. elegant anthracite) but also forms a further, extremely resilient protective layer against scratches and UV radiation. These gates are very stable, offer high burglary protection, and are practically maintenance-free.
Wood: As a natural material, wood radiates warmth and character. However, it requires intensive and regular protection. Without repeated painting, staining, or oiling, it quickly becomes unsightly due to weather influences such as rain, snow, and sun, and it may warp, crack, or be affected by rot and pests. The maintenance effort is significantly higher than with metal.
Aluminium: Aluminium is lightweight and naturally rust-proof, which reduces maintenance. However, it is softer than steel and therefore more prone to dents and bumps from mechanical impacts. To achieve stability comparable to a steel garden gate, massive and therefore more expensive profiles are often necessary.

Garden Gate Material	Advantages	Disadvantages & Maintenance
Metal (galvanised & powder-coated)	Extremely durable, highest stability, burglar-resistant, maintenance-free, premium feel, versatile design	Very low maintenance effort
Wood	Natural look, classic charm	High maintenance effort (painting), susceptible to weather, rot, warping
Aluminium	Rust-proof, lightweight, easy to clean	Lower stability than steel, more prone to dents, often more expensive for the same robustness

Those looking to buy an affordable metal garden gate should focus not only on the purchase price but on the overall price-performance ratio. The investment in a high-quality metal gate from providers like ELEO Express pays for itself over the years through the elimination of maintenance costs and a long service life.

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The Right Size: Determining Width, Height, and Clearance Sensibly

The functionality of a garden gate depends significantly on its size. Careful planning of the garden gate size ensures that the passage is comfortable for daily use and that the gate blends harmoniously into the entire fencing system.

Width (Clearance): The clear width refers to the actual passage between the posts. For pedestrian access, widths of 90 to 120 cm are ideal. This provides enough space for a pram, a wheelbarrow, or a wheelie bin. For wider vehicle entrances, double-leaf gates with widths from 250 cm to over 400 cm are common.
Height: The height of the gate should be coordinated with that of the adjacent fence. Standard heights range between 80 and 150 cm. Lower gates serve primarily as a visual boundary, while taller models from 120 cm also increase privacy and security, for example, to keep children or pets on the property. Important: Check local building regulations regarding the maximum allowed fence and gate height!

Typical Use Cases for Garden Gate Sizes

Purpose	Recommended Width	Recommended Height
Garden Side Entrance	90 – 110 cm	80 – 120 cm
Main Entrance (Footpath)	100 – 125 cm	100 – 150 cm
Driveway (Double-leaf)	300 – 400 cm	120 – 180 cm

Important Aspects During Planning

The dimensions of the gate and fence should form a visual unit to create a coherent overall look.
The available swing range of the gate leaf must be free of obstacles such as walls, flowerbeds, or rising ground.
When measuring, the clear width between the inner edges of the posts is decisive. The gate itself is manufactured slightly narrower to allow space for hinges and the lock.

Design & Style – Integrating the Garden Gate Harmoniously into the Property

Ancona garden gate in hot-dip galvanised finish as a property boundary

The design of the garden gate contributes significantly to the character of the entire property. It should reflect the architecture of the house and the style of the garden.

Modern and Puristic: Clear, straight lines, geometric infills, and subtle colours like anthracite or black fit perfectly with modern architecture. Bar infills or smooth metal sheets underline a minimalist look.
Classic and Elegant: Playful ornaments, decorative rail heads, or a curved top line give the gate a traditional and prestigious character. Such designs harmonise well with older buildings or romantically landscaped gardens.
Individual Customisation: A major advantage with quality providers is the possibility of customisation. Dimensions, infills, decorative elements, and colour can often be adapted to the existing fence system and personal preferences to create a unique and harmonious overall appearance.

A well-chosen metal garden gate is a design element that combines form and function in an elegant way and underlines the value of the property.

Installation & Stability – What to Look for in Posts and Fittings

Professional installation is the foundation for the longevity and security of a garden gate. Even the highest quality gate cannot perform its function if the anchoring is inadequate.

Posts and Foundation: The posts carry the entire weight of the gate leaf and must therefore be extremely stable. They are usually set into a frost-proof concrete foundation (approx. 80 cm deep). This prevents the posts from shifting due to ground movement or frost, which could cause the gate to jam. The cross-section of the posts must match the size and weight of the gate.
Fittings and Hinges: Adjustable hinges are an important quality feature. They allow for precise adjustment of the gate leaf, even years after installation. All fittings, from the lock case to the handle set, should be made of corrosion-resistant material.

Complete systems, where the gate, posts, and fittings come from a single source—as offered by ELEO Express—guarantee that all components are perfectly coordinated, enabling smooth and stable installation.

Tip: Planning the Garden Gate and Fence as a Coordinated Unit

The most harmonious impression is created when the garden gate and fence are planned as a visual unit. Using the same materials, heights, colours, and design elements creates a calm and well-thought-out overall look. Many metal gate models are designed to match the fence systems on offer, which makes combining them easier. If a gate is being integrated into an existing wall opening or a current fence, millimetre-precise custom manufacturing is crucial to avoid unsightly gaps and ensure a stable connection.