While many homeowners in the UK go for a standard metal gate, the aesthetics of a wooden gate are hard to deny. In fact, for most properties in the UK, a wooden gate feels like a more natural fit. When paired with a wooden fence or brick wall, wooden gates look excellent. However, finding quality gate locks for wooden gates can be more challenging than first assumed!
To help you make progress, we have developed a plan alongside ironmongery experts at Locks & Hardware. As one of the UK’s leading suppliers of garden and door security, you can learn a lot from their insights. While a wooden gate needs a quality, durable lock that boosts security, it also needs to look good, too, right? Well, let’s look at how you can go about finding the correct type of wooden gate lock.
Why Wooden Gates Need The Right Lock
While very popular, wooden gates can become potentially vulnerable to security breaches. Without high-security locks, such as a long-throw gate lock, criminals can find it surprisingly simple to get into your garden or property perimeter. Some of the most common risk factors with wooden gates include:
- Easy points of access; reaching the lock from the outside is not an issue
- Wear and tear over time; all wooden products will eventually erode a little
- The impact of the UK’s rather unwelcoming weather, especially on wood
As such, you need a quality lock that boosts protection. What options are the right choice when looking at gate locks for wooden gates?
Classic Options: Gate Bolt Locks
The first and most obvious starting place is with gate bolt locks. These are affordable gate locks that provide a simple latch for your gate bolt to slide into. When the bolt is in place, the gate will not open. They make a great choice for internal garden gates or for gardens that are unlikely to be reached by trespassers. However, they can be easily undone by someone willing to reach over the gate.
Higher Security: Long-Throw Gate Locks
Your primary option for a higher standard of home security is a long-throw gate lock. These provide a deeper, longer lock that is much harder to manipulate. They tend to come in a range from 50mm to 70mm and provide an extra layer of durability. For many wooden gates, a long throw gate lock is required due to the thickness of the wooden frame and fencing.
They are generally more ideal for most UK wooden gates, and they can be unlocked from both sides of the gate, meaning less time spent trying to climb over your gate to unlock it. They are more durable than traditional gate bolt locks and make a satisfying upgrade on the above.
Wooden Gates With Built-In Locks
Another option is to buy a lock that comes with a gate lock pre-installed. A garden gate with lock functions already within the gate is generally more durable. Pre-fitted locks mean that the lock is not going to be incompatible with the gate itself, nor will it require any additional installation. These are more convenient and aesthetically pleasing. However, lower quality in-built locks will be about as secure as a gate bolt lock as opposed to the safer long-throw gate lock we recommended above.
The majority of built-in locks will be some combination of a padbolt, long throw gate lock and/or mortice lock. There are many options on the market, though, which can be ideal for anyone looking to upgrade both their gate and lock mechanisms at once.
Stylish Yet Secure Choices
With the above, you should have more confidence in choosing suitable gate locks for wooden gates. That being said, it would be wise to also look into ways you can match aesthetics with functionality. Who wants a wooden gate that looks outdated or cheap, anyway?
First impressions count for a lot, especially in property design. As such, it would be wise to look into buying polished handles and lock sets which have modern designs. Not only will these be designed to look like the low-profile, modern designs that people want today, but they tend to be more long-lasting. Thanks to the inclusion of polished finishes and coatings to help prevent rusting and corrosion, this can make a real difference to how you feel about your wooden gate(s).
Balancing Looks & Security
As important as designs are, though, Locks & Handles professionals would never suggest prioritising aesthetics over protection. With the right choice of gate locks for wooden gates, you can boost the security standards of your exterior access points without having to pick something that is an eyesore. Generally, most homeowners will benefit most from a long-throw door lock. Internal options, though, can also ensure a design that feels 100% compatible. Take your time to research your choices, and you can get a high-quality, suitable finish that never leaves your exterior security wanting.
