A common question we receive is 'how do I care for my new gate?' There are a few simple things that can help you keep your gate in tip-top shape.

1. TREATMENT
If you get a gate from The Side Gate Co., it is constructed using pressure treated timber. So it is made to be outdoors. The only caveat to this is that there are exposed edges where the timber has been cut to make your gate to size. It is worth treating these edges with wood preservative within the first year after installation. We also offer a service to treat the edges with preservative.

2. SHOULD I USE PAINT OR VARNISH?
This is a matter of personal preference. Either option will work and look just fine. It depends on how you want the gate to look.
If you plan to paint or varnish your gate, and you haven't had the edges treated with preservative, you can just make sure to give the edges a good coat of paint or varnish to protect them.

3. WHAT TYPE OF PAINT/VARNISH.
Pressure treated gates contain a preservative called tanelith-e. It is important to use a water-based  paint or varnish, as oil-base products don't react well with the preservative.


​4. WHEN CAN I PAINT/VARNISH?
We recommend you wait at least 3-4 weeks after installation before painting or varnishing your gate. This is to ensure that the moisture content in the timber has settled. Spring and Summer are the best times to do this. The gate needs to be dry and the weather also needs to be dry.

Still have questions? Ask us, we'd be happy to help!

Having worked in the Dublin area as a carpenter for the past twenty years, I have acquired a fair bit of knowledge as to what Dublin customers are looking for when it comes to side gates. Hopefully these 10 things will help you make the right decision for your situation when getting a new side gate.