Right Gate Hardware, Installing a new gate or replacing hardware on an existing one is a great way to enhance the look and function of your property. With so many options for gate hardware like hinges, latches, and locks, it can be tricky to select the right components for your needs. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing the right gate hardware for your gate project.
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The first step is to look at your existing gate or the type you plan to install. Some main options are:
Each material has different requirements for the hardware. For example, a heavy wooden gate will need rugged hinges while aluminum can get by with lighter options.
Examine the size and weight of your gate as larger, heavier ones need more heavy-duty hardware. Also, look at the design like whether it will open in or out and if you need hardware for a double gate.
For convenience, you can purchase a gate hardware kit that includes all the necessary components in one package. Choose a good quality kit with sturdy hinges, latches, and accessories made of durable materials. Having a full set allows for an easier installation where you know everything will align and work together properly. Kits are available for most common gate types and sizes. Just match it to your specific gate material and dimensions.
Hinges are one of the most important hardware components as they bear the brunt of the gate&#;s weight and movement over years of use. For lightweight vinyl or chain link gates, simple utility hinges may suffice.
Heavier wooden or metal gates will require strap hinges or butterfly hinges for strength. The size of your hinges should match the gate&#;s size and weight capacity. For larger gates, choose at least three hinges with two towards the bottom to evenly distribute weight.
Self-closing hinges are great for keeping gates closed without latching. Consider your climate as well &#; some hinges are designed to allow fluid movement even in wet conditions or extreme cold.
The latch, also called a gate lock, is what keeps your gate securely closed. For low to medium-security needs, a simple latch will do. Options include:
These have basic locking mechanisms and are suitable for backyard or garden gates. For pool gates, pet enclosures or high security needs, choose a sturdier latch or lock like:
Cane bolts have bars that drop into the ground for extra stability. Match the latch to your gate&#;s size and material so that it aligns and engages properly when closed.
Depending on your gate installation, other accessories may be needed:
If your gate will be opened often or by kids, consider easy-to-use handles rather than knobs for convenience. Childproof latches are also an option if young ones will be around.
Look for hardware made from durable materials that can withstand the elements, such as:
Stay away from non-coated steel parts which can rust and corrode quickly with exposure to moisture. The last thing you want is your gate hardware seizing up or failing after just a couple of years.
Gate hardware is available in a variety of finishes from plain steel to elegant bronze or brass. For the most cohesive aesthetic, select hinges, latches, and handles that match the existing trim or hardware on the fence gate.
You can also use hardware finishes to deliberately contrast with your gate. For example, brushed nickel hardware stands out nicely against a black metal gate. Go for the look that best suits your personal style.
Robust fasteners are vital for keeping gate hardware securely anchored over time. For wood gates, use long wood screws that can be sunk into the gate frame studs, not just the paneling.
For metal gates, machine screw bolts with washers and nuts will provide a strong hold. Follow the hardware manufacturer&#;s instructions closely for proper installation. Avoid loose or stripped fasteners which can cause the hardware to fail or fall off.
Adding or replacing your gate hardware is a weekend project you can definitely do. Just take accurate measurements, select durable components suited for your particular gate, and install methodically. With high-quality hardware properly installed, your gate will function smoothly and securely for many years to come.
We live in a day and age of various options both online and in stores. While choice is good, trying to figure out the best fence option to go with can be dizzying. Personal preferences, project budget and availability can all weigh down on the decision making process when buying a fence. I thought it may be beneficial to put together a list of pros and cons for choosing a wrought iron fence and share them with you.
Let&#;s start with the pros of going with a wrought iron fence:
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PRO #1 &#; STRENGTH AND DURABILITY
When it comes to a strong a durable fence, wrought iron is hard to beat. The steel and iron construction when coated properly (like we do with our galvanization and high quality powder coating) should outlast you! Many other types of fence degrade over time and while they are cheaper, you are replacing them every 5-10 years. A quality iron fence should last for decades. That&#;s why many iron fences built back in the late s and early s can still be found in existence today.
PRO # 2 &#; A TIMELESS AND BEAUTIFUL LOOK
Many types and styles of fence have come over the years, but wrought iron fence and gates have been around for well over 200 years at this point and have never really gone out of style. Even the most modern looking home can be accented with an iron fence and gate in the proper style. The look of wrought iron fence fits the look of older historic homes like a glove. Nothing looks worse than a beautiful turn-of-the-century home with a tacky vinyl fence in front of it that looks completely out of place. Wrought iron fence is very versatile for the type of applications and styles of home it can be used around.
PRO# 3 &#; SECURITY
This sort of goes hand-in-hand with strength, but it really merits a separate Pro because of how well iron fence and gates can help act as a security barrier. The strength helps prevent simple destruction that vinyl and cheap aluminum call fall prey to. The upright picket and rail construction makes climbing the fence harder unlike chain link and many wood fences that can give easy hand and footholds. The steel and iron construction also allows for optional welding of the panels to the post for an extremely strong and secure fence. Lastly, the open and see-through design of most iron fences gives a greater view. A solid wood or vinyl privacy fence may keep people from seeing in, but it also provides a hiding spot for an intruder once they are on the inside of the fence.
PRO #4 &#; A HIGHER END APPEARANCE
While I may be a bit biased, iron fence and gates give an air of sophistication and beauty that many other types of fence do not. While fence types like chain link, vinyl and wood do provide a barrier, they are more functional than nice looking. In some instances, those fences can give a lower end look to a home whereas an iron fence can compliment and make a house much more attractive with better curb appeal. We sell just as many iron fences to folks wanting to aesthetically improve and compliment the look of their home as we do to folks wanting a barrier for pets and kids.
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As with anything in life, there is often a downside to every upside. Here are some of the cons to be aware of when using a wrought iron fence:
CON #1 &#; DEALING WITH RUST
I hesitated to add this one to the con list since how the iron fence is coated makes a WORLD of difference in how much rust you will encounter over time. However, in all fairness I wanted to include it since folks are often concerned about rust when going with a wrought iron fence. We have had fences standing for over 25 years with no finish issues and only minor touch up maintenance over that time period. I have also seen cheap iron and steel fence completely rotted through with rust in less than 2 years. It really comes down to doing your homework on how the pieces are coated, the warranty tied to that iron fence line and the company standing behind the warranty. I tell folks that with our Stronghold Iron line, its best to think of the fence in terms of a car&#;s paint. If you get a rock chip to bare metal on your hood, you have to touch it up. Every style of fence of the market can suffer from some kind of degradation whether it be old brittle vinyl, corroded and pitting aluminum or rotting wood.
CON #2 &#; COST
If the price of a wrought iron fence seems too good to be true, it probably is. There is no denying that a properly built and coated wrought iron fence or gate is going to cost more than a discount aluminum, vinyl or wood fence. However, when you weigh the strength and longevity of the iron fence and gates, that price gap over time really isn&#;t as wide as you think. However, if you are on a tight budget a quality iron fence or gate at a low price can be tough to come by.
CON# 3 &#; INABILITY TO FOLLOW GRADE
While the welded solid construction of an iron fence does wonders for how strong it is, that can also limit its use in hilly or heavily graded yards. While a mild slope can easily be handled with a stair-stepped installation of iron fence, steep slopes may present an issue without customization. Some companies have made ornamental steel panels that will rack/ bias/ angle to follow grade, but they all end up compromising strength and often lead to rust spots on the pieces where the panel bends or pivots. We chose to stick with the welded solid construction that wrought iron has always had rather than a quick fix that could compromise the fence down the line. A hilly yard isn&#;t a deal breaker for using iron, but you will have to make some extra considerations.
CON #4 &#; AVAILABILITY
Those of us still making quality wrought iron fence and gates are getting harder to find by the year. This is due to the fact that a lot of the factors that make iron fence great also make it more costly and labor intensive to produce. I can throw a rock and hit 20 companies making aluminum fence to only one or none making iron fence. Is this because aluminum is better and more desired? Not really. Its because to become an aluminum fence maker you only need an extruder and some cheap labor. Its easier to sell lots of cheaply made aluminum fence than sell a higher quality wrought iron fence at a higher price.
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I hope these pros and cons of using wrought iron fence and gates assists you in your search for a new fence. As always, if you have any other questions or concerns about using iron fence and gates, don&#;t hesitate to drop us an or give us a call. We&#;re here to help!
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