Have you ever noticed how a beautiful wooden gate can completely transform the entrance to a home? Or how the right garden gate can create that perfect first impression while keeping unwanted visitors out? There could be a lot of reasons to consider wooden gates, starting from seeking enhanced privacy, improved security, or simply wanting to add character to your property.
At Wilfirs, we’ve spent over five decades crafting thousands of bespoke wooden gates for homes across Coventry and Warwickshire, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality.
If you’re replacing an ageing gate or selecting one for a new property, this guide will walk you through nine distinctive wooden gate styles to help you make the perfect choice for your home’s needs and aesthetic.
Types of Wooden Garden Gates we’ll be covering in this article
- Trellis Gates
- Picket Gates
- Close-Board Gates
- Normandy Decorative Gates
- Slatted / Hit and Miss Gates
- Chevron & Bow Top Gates
- Estate and Field Gates
- Custom/Bespoke Designs
Trellis Gates
Trellis gates feature an open lattice design that combines visual appeal with practical functionality. Their distinctive criss-cross pattern creates a charming, airy entrance that feels welcoming while still clearly defining your garden boundary.
These gates shine in cottage garden settings and as patio entrances where their lightweight appearance complements rather than overwhelms floral displays and landscaping. The open design allows visitors glimpses of the garden beyond, creating an inviting transition space.
These trellis gates offer an excellent balance between boundary definition and airflow. This makes them perfect for gardens in windy locations where solid gates might catch the wind like sails.
Picket Gates
The quintessential English garden entrance, picket gates generally stand between 2-4 feet tall, deliberately designed to maintain sight lines while keeping small pets safely enclosed. The classic vertical slat design of the picket gates with pointed or rounded tops creates that cottage-garden aesthetic that’s remained popular for centuries.
As one of our more straightforward designs, picket gates offer exceptional value and typically feature simpler installation requirements than their larger counterparts. They’re an ideal choice for homeowners seeking traditional charm without significant investment.
Featheredge Gates
Featheredge gates utilise overlapping boards that effectively repel rain and block drafts, making them exceptionally practical for the British climate. The distinctive overlapping board design creates a rustic, traditional appearance with excellent durability. These gates are mostly paired with the featheredge panels for the borders of the garden for the uniform appeal.
These robust gates are particularly well-suited to rural paths and utility yards where functionality takes precedence. Their solid construction provides privacy and security while maintaining that natural wooden aesthetic that blends beautifully with country and suburban settings alike.
Close-Board Gates
Town gates (also called close-board) represent our most robust single-gate option, with thick-framed boards that are extremely difficult to force. The substantial construction of the close-board gates creates a formidable barrier without losing any of its aesthetic appeal.
These gates excel in side passages and alleyways where security and privacy concerns are considered to be the top priority.
Their tall, solid design eliminates sightlines while creating a secure perimeter for your property.
Normandy Decorative Gates
Normandy gates feature elegant arched or chevron faces, often complemented with trellis panels to create a sophisticated entrance that serves as a property highlight. With their distinctive profiles, Normandy gates add a statement entrance that pairs particularly well with brick pillars or formal garden designs.
Slatted Gates
For homeowners seeking a more contemporary aesthetic, our slatted gates feature clean horizontal lines that create a thoroughly modern entrance.
This design distributes wind loading more evenly than solid gates, making it ideal for exposed locations. The partial visibility creates an interesting visual effect while still maintaining boundary security.
At Wilfirs, we offer bespoke spacing options and premium Idigbo hardwood variants that elevate this already sophisticated design.
Chevron & Bow-Top Gates
The gentle curves of bow-top designs and the distinctive angular pattern of chevron gates add visual interest and soften the overall appearance of your entrance. These designs are fully compatible with electric openers, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern convenience.
These styles have become particularly popular as driveway gates, where their elegant profiles create an impressive entrance, whether open or closed.
Estate & Field Gates
Estate and field gates typically feature five-bar or offset-pair designs specifically engineered to accommodate vehicles and livestock. Their distinctive appearance is mostly found in the country and rural properties.
Custom / Bespoke Designs
When standard designs don’t perfectly meet your requirements, our bespoke service allows for mix-and-match panels, custom heights, and unique slat patterns that precisely match your vision. No property restriction or unusual opening is too challenging for our experienced design team.
We offer CAD mock-ups to help visualise your custom gate before manufacturing begins. Our electric automation pre-routing ensures that technology integration happens seamlessly without compromising the gate’s structural integrity or appearance.
Ready for a Gate that Fits First Time?
Our experienced team is ready to help you select the perfect wooden garden gate for your property. With our bespoke measuring service and expert installation, you can be confident your new gate will enhance your property for years to come.
Call us today on 0800 0190 316 or 024 7646 6313 for a free, no-obligation quote or visit our display yard at 7a Eastern Green Road, Coventry CV5 7LG to see our quality craftsmanship in person.
