10 Things to Consider When Getting Side Gates in Dublin

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.

1. TIMBER

The type of timber used in your gate is important. High quality timbers like larch and cedar are naturally weather resistant. They require no treatment and will survive the Irish climate without staining or painting. Both species will turn a lovely silver/grey colour over time. 

A more affordable option is to use a pressure treated softwood (like in the image above). This type of timber normally survives around 15 years without subsequent paint or stain protection.

2. JOINERY

Buying a gate from a DIY store and having it fitted can work out well. However, not all these gates are built to last. So if you're perusing the options in your local Woodies or B&Q, please make sure you buy a gate that has the correct joinery methods used in its construction.

At the very least you'll want diagonal bracing (it looks like the zig-zag pattern y0u see in our logo at the top left of this page). All gates should have this pattern if you don't want them to sag or fail. Make sure you are buying a well made gate that is robust and strong.

3. PRICE

For most people price point is a big issue, and so it should be. But in general you get what you pay for. Similar to point no. 2 above; make sure you are buying a well-made, quality gate. Sometimes a cheaper gate can seem like the better option, but it may not turn out to be the cheaper option if you have to replace it in a few years time.

4. HINGES

Your hinges should be made from galvanised steel, or powder coated hard steel. End of. Everything else will rust.

5. SECURITY

Obviously the point of a side gate is to provide some level of security. A quality padbolt should be fitted. After it's fitted you should invest in a quality lock for it. Extra latches and different locks can be added if you need to come and go through your side gate as you would through your front door. Talk to your fitter about your options.

6. AESTHETICS

You're going to want a side gate that looks nice. That's a given. Something as simple as a curved top or a straight top can make all the difference to the appearance of your property. Equally– a nice stain or nice paint shade will enhance your gate. And finally, premium hinges and locks will really bring the appearance to the next level. You've got options.

7. PETS

Is the main reason you need a side gate to keep your pets in? You'll want to make sure with your fitter that no gaps are left too large– especially at the bottom. Also, something to consider is an extra base board across the bottom of the gate if for example you have a dog who likes to scrape at the bottom of a gate.

8. SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability is becoming increasingly more important to everyone. Ideally the timber used should be FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified. This means it is eco-friendly and comes from well managed forests.

9. QUALIFIED PROS

Who is making & installing your side gate? Is it a qualified professional? Is it a trade-qualified carpenter or joiner? It's something for you to consider. It's no harm to ask.

​A trade-qualified carpenter will have spent years learning about timber and how it moves throughout the seasons. They will also have spent years learning time-honoured techniques for the best construction/joinery methods for each application. They will certainly know how to provide the best solution for your side entrance!

10. BUY LOCAL 

Is supporting local jobs important to you? If so, you may consider buying from a small independent supplier like The Side Gate Co.!

Thanks for reading. I hope you found this info useful. If I can answer any further questions for you, or you'd like to arrange an installation, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

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