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

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:


  • A natural finish that suits all property styles

  • Long-term reliability when properly maintained

  • The ability to personalise — from arched tops to horizontal slats

  • Compatibility with automated gate systems


Grogan Timber Products: Your Timber Gate Experts

We deliver personalised service, local craftsmanship, and gates that last. Our range includes:


  • Driveway timber gates

  • Side entrance gates

  • Farm and five-bar gates

  • Contemporary slatted styles

  • Optional automation compatibility


Get a Free Quote Today

Still deciding between metal or timber gates? We’d be happy to walk you through the best options for your property.


Contact Grogan Timber Products today for a free quote or consultation!





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