diy-newby wrote:
Hi

I'm in a bit of a quandary regarding what to do regarding gates.

Right, detached house with access to the rear via both sides of the house.
We were burgled the other week so we are looking to gate off the accesses.

Not sure whether to go timber gates or metal gates. Would prefer timber for
the privacy aspect, but would also like metal for the security.

Had a guy round last night to look and quoted the following (for metal
gates)

Right hand side path (approx 3 ft wide):-

Full height metal gate, dome top with spikes. Fully galvanised and painted.
Would have to build a frame which is bolted to the path to house the gate as
our neighbours wooden fence is not very secure (can be pushed about 3 inch
so the lock would be no good).

Left hand Side (approx 4.5 ft wide):-

Same style gate although no frame required. To fill the gap, a fence would
also be installed in iron to make up the difference between the gate and the
existing fence running down the left hand side boundary.

Both gates would have 5 lever locks installed.

All ironwork is galvanised and ready painted. Price I got quoted was £700
(this includes all the fitting).

Is this a good price?


I am sure a wooden gate / fence would be no more than £200, would give me
more privacy but not so sure about the security.

I know there is no way to stop any unwanted visits but as a deterrent what
do you think is best?


Make a gate using 19mm T&G v-jointed timber in a ledged and braced
design, say about 8 feet high. This gives a smooth surface & will be
difficult for anyone to climb. Use two bolts on the top and bottom
ledges and fit a mortice lock on a block of wood on or just below the
centre rail. Infitted one like this about 8 years ago and despite a
comment to the contrary the lock still works.

Malcolm