If you’re looking to invest in a new gate for your garden or home, hardwood gates tick all the boxes.

For starters, they look amazing. With their sleek design and striking appearance, hardwood gates add a touch of luxury, elegance and sophistication to your outer premises. Having a hardwood gate in your garden or on your driveway will wow your friends, family and neighbours. Hardwood doesn’t just look good, though. It’s a highly durable and hard-wearing material that can withstand the conditions of good old British weather, from hot summers to harsh winters. Hardwood requires little maintenance compared to other types of wood (and gate materials) and has a long lifespan. Plus, a hardwood gate offers peace of mind. Thanks to its close-boarded design and overall sturdiness, it provides the level of security and privacy you need from a gate, whether it’s a driveway gate, a garden gate or a side gate. A hardwood gate combines aesthetics with practicality and protection!

At Stellar Gates, we use Iroko for our hardwood gates. This is sourced from Africa, and both have incredible benefits. But what is right for your gate?

What Is Iroko Hardwood?

Iroko shares many of the same qualities as Idigbo, but with a few differences. Also sourced from the tropical coast of West Africa, Iroko has excellent strength properties. It’s a durable, hard-wearing timber that’s naturally resistant to rot and insect attack, which is why it’s also a popular material for boat builders. Iroko can vary from light brown and golden orange to darker nut brown. Its interlocked grain and somewhat irregular shading gives it a unique and striking look. However, Iroko does require a little bit more looking after than Idigbo. If left untreated for more than 12 months, Iroko timber will weather to a silver/grey shade. We recommend using Treatex oil, our favourite wood treatment option, or Tung Nut Oil, garden furniture oil or Danish Oil to maintain its appearance and overall health.

Due to its exclusivity, Iroko is also slightly more expensive.

Which Timber Is Right For Your Gate?

So, which type of timber should you choose for your gate. It really depends on your preference of colour and appearance, how much maintenance you’re prepared to do, and your budget. It’s also worth considering what type of gate you’re getting — a garden gate, a side gate or a driveway gate? — as Iroko tends to be better suited to electric gates.

If you’d like more information about our fantastic range of hardwood gates, simply get in touch with one of our friendly and experienced wooden gate experts on 01925 967 071, or get a free quote here.