Timber Gates vs Metal Gates: Which Is Right for Your Irish Home?

Padraig Cahill
Jul 1
2 min read

Custom timber driveway gate with vertical slats and open-top trellis design, handcrafted by Grogan Timber Products.

Timber vs Metal: Which Gate Is Right for You?

If you're installing a new driveway gate, you're likely weighing your options between timber and metal.

Both offer privacy and security, but which one suits your Irish home better in terms of cost, appearance, and durability?

At Grogan Timber Products, we specialise in bespoke wooden gates, but we understand the importance of helping customers make an informed decision. Here’s how timber gates stack up against metal gates.

1. Aesthetic Appeal & First Impressions

Timber Gates
Natural, warm, and welcoming — wooden driveway gates blend beautifully with gardens, stone walls, and Irish countryside views. They work just as well in modern homes when finished with clean horizontal or vertical panels.
Metal Gates
Often look colder or more industrial. Wrought iron can be decorative, but powder-coated finishes can fade and rust over time.

2. Durability in Irish Weather

Timber Gates
All of our gates are pressure-treated and built from sustainably sourced timber, making them strong enough to handle wind, rain, and cold Irish winters. They’re also easier to repair if damaged.
Metal Gates
While strong, metal is vulnerable to rust in damp climates, especially at joints and welds. Protective coatings can chip or wear away over time.

3. Maintenance Requirements

Timber
Needs annual sealing or staining, but small repairs (like panel replacements or hinge tightening) are easy and affordable.
Metal
Requires frequent checks for rust and paint chipping. Once rust sets in, it often spreads and weakens the structure.

4. Cost & Value

Timber
Typically lower cost than metal and more customisable to fit specific entrance styles. You get better long-term value with fewer costly repairs.
Metal
Higher upfront cost and installation. Custom work (like curves, spikes, or ornate patterns) adds significantly to the price.

5. Sustainability

Timber
A renewable and eco-friendly material when sourced responsibly — like all timber used at Grogan Timber Products.
Metal
Highly energy-intensive to produce. While recyclable, its production leaves a heavier carbon footprint.

Why Irish Homeowners Are Choosing Timber in 2025

With changing weather, rising energy costs, and a growing interest in sustainable living, more Irish homeowners are turning to wooden driveway gates.

They offer: