Side Gate Advice & Buying Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Side Gate
Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Side Gate
If you’re looking for side gate advice, ideas, or a buying guide, you’re in the right place.
Choosing the right gate isn’t just about how it looks — it’s about how well it fits, how long it lasts, and whether it actually works properly day-to-day.
Across the North West, we’ve installed hundreds of gates, and this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before making a decision.
If you’re also wondering about costs, you can view our side gate pricing guide here
If you’re based in Preston, you can view our main service page here: side gates in Preston.
What Should You Look for When Buying a Side Gate?
The biggest thing to focus on is who is installing it.
A good gate installer will:
- Have real examples of previous work
- Show genuine customer reviews
- Understand how to deal with awkward spaces
- Build gates properly (not just fit them quickly)
A well-installed gate should:
- Open and close smoothly
- Sit level and square
- Last for years without dropping or twisting
What Matters Most: Price or Durability?
If we’re being honest: Durability always comes first
A cheap gate that fails within a year will cost you more in the long run.
A properly installed gate:
- Uses pressure treated timber
- Has correct bracing
- Uses heavy-duty hinges
- Is fitted properly to solid posts
This is exactly what you get with our Made to Measure Gates in Preston.
The Biggest Misunderstanding About Gate Pricing
One of the most common things we hear:
“I’ve seen a gate for £100 — why are you charging £325+?”
Here’s the difference:
£100 = just the gate (standard size)
£325+ = made to measure + professional installation
What customers don’t realise is:
- Off-the-shelf gates rarely fit properly
- Most openings aren’t standard
- Adjustments lead to weaker installs
When you pay for a proper install, you’re getting:
- A perfect fit
- A gate that works properly
- Long-term durability
- An 18-month workmanship guarantee
What £325 vs £675 Actually Gets You
Basic Gate (£325+)
- Installed into existing posts
- Standard boarded design
- Good condition setup required
Higher-End Install (£675)
- New posts installed (bolted or concreted)
- Fully enclosed or premium design
- Built for awkward or wider openings
- More labour and materials involved
This is why pricing varies — it’s not just the gate, it’s the work involved behind it
Common Mistakes Buyers Make
Avoid these and you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle:
1. Buying a standard size gate that doesn’t fit
Leads to poor installation and gaps
2. Choosing the cheapest installer
Cheap often means shortcuts, poor materials, or incorrect fitting
3. Ignoring how the gate is braced
Incorrect bracing = sagging gate over time
4. Overlooking hinges and fixings
Undersized hinges will fail quickly
5. Not considering post installation
Weak or poorly installed posts = unstable gate
We regularly fix all of these issues on
side gates in Preston.
Which Gate Style Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Boarded Gates – simple, secure, cost-effective
- Fully Enclosed Gates – more privacy and a cleaner look
- Picket Gates – lighter, ideal for front or garden access
- Arched Gates – more premium, adds character
Your choice depends on:
- Budget
- Privacy needs
- Property style
Good vs Bad Gate Installation (What to Look For)
A Good Installation:
- Gate sits level and square
- Opens/closes smoothly
- Solid posts (not moving)
- Correct diagonal bracing
- Heavy-duty hinges
A Bad Installation:
- Gate drops or drags
- Gaps are uneven
- Hinges strain or pull
- Posts move or lean
- Gate twists over time
The difference comes down to experience and attention to detail
Why Installation Matters More Than the Gate Itself
Even a good gate can fail if it’s installed badly.
The biggest challenges we deal with are:
- Uneven walls
- Non-plumb surfaces
- Tight access
- Awkward openings
That’s why we build gates on site, rather than trying to force a pre-made gate to fit
Posts: Bolted vs Concreted (What’s Best?)
There are two main options:
Bolted Posts
- Fixed directly to a wall or structure
- Clean and secure if the wall is solid
Concreted Posts
- Installed into the ground
- Best for strength where no solid fixing point exists
Choosing the right method is key to a long-lasting gate
Side Gate Ideas
If you’re not sure what to go for, here are some popular options across the North West:
- Clean, modern boarded gates
- Fully enclosed privacy gates
- Decorative arched tops
- Simple picket gates for front access
Areas We Cover
Get a Quote
- Gates from £325
- Made to measure on site
- All materials and labour included
Get My Free Quote
Pricing Guide
Most standard side gates fall between £325–£495.
Final price depends on size, posts and ground conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most standard side gates typically cost between £325–£495, depending on the size, materials, and installation requirements.
Simply send us a photo of the space where the gate will be installed and we’ll provide a fast, no-obligation quote. You can also request a quote through our contact page
Yes, every side gate we supply and install is made to measure, ensuring the best fit, security, and finish for your property.
Most side gate installations are completed within a few hours. More complex installations involving new posts or groundwork may take longer, but we’ll always advise you in advance.
No – While we specialise in side gates, we also supply and install garden gates, front gates, back gates and alleyway gates. All gates are made to measure and built using pressure treated timber for strength, security and long-term durability