Garden Gates & Garage Doors

Softwood gates, such as those made from pine, can last a substantial amount of time with proper care and maintenance. On average, you can expect a well-maintained softwood gate to last up to 15 years. However, several things can impact their lifespan.

Higher-quality softwood will generally last longer than lower-grade wood and properly treating and sealing the softwood can also protect it even further from moisture, pests and UV damage, which will significantly extend its life.

Garden gates exposed to harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rain, extreme temperatures or intense sunlight may deteriorate faster, so regular maintenance is crucial. Regularly cleaning, painting, staining or applying preservative treatments can help prevent rot, warping and other forms of deterioration. 

Proper installation, ensuring your garden gate is level and securely mounted, can prevent unnecessary stress on the wood too, helping it last longer. It’s also really important to fix any damage quickly as this will also help prolong the gate’s life.

Choosing between painting or staining a wooden garden gate mostly depends on the look you want and the level of maintenance you’re prepared to undertake. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which option might be better for your wooden gate:

Painting

Paint provides a thick, protective layer and it comes in a wide range of colours, allowing for more customisation to match your home or garden. A good quality wood paint can also cover what you might consider imperfections in the pine such as knots or discolouration, giving a more uniform appearance.

However, painted wooden gates may need more maintenance over time to keep them looking their best. Likewise, properly preparing the wood surface for painting can be more labour-intensive - requiring sanding, priming and multiple coats of paint.

Staining

Staining is perfect for bringing out the natural beauty of the wood grain and texture of the garden gate, giving a more rustic and natural appearance. Unlike paint which offers a protective seal, stains penetrate the wood, offering protection from within to help prevent wear and tear.

Stained wood typically requires less maintenance than painted wood as it doesn’t peel or crack, and touch-ups are usually easier. However, while stains come in various shades, the colour range is much more limited compared to paint. The final colour also depends on the type of wood and its original colour.

Stains may not cover up imperfections or discolouration as effectively as paint, either. And while there are UV-resistant stains available, most stains offer less UV protection than paint, which can lead to fading over time. 

If you prefer a vibrant colour and don’t mind the extra maintenance, painting might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you appreciate the natural features of the wood and want a lower-maintenance option, staining could be the better choice.

Ultimately, it boils down to your preferences and willingness to maintain the finish.

Wood garage doors can be a fantastic choice for those who like their rustic appeal and better customisation options. 

Their cottagecore vibes are great for improving kerb appeal and can be finished to match any architectural style with a variety of wood stains and paints to choose from. 

Wooden garage doors are also robust and naturally insulating, providing better thermal insulation than metal doors and potentially helping to reduce energy costs - which is especially useful with integrated garages. They are also a more environmentally friendly option when built from wood sourced from sustainably managed forests.

However, wood garage doors do need slightly more maintenance than their metal counterparts, needing periodic staining, painting or sealing to protect against moisture, pests and UV damage. 

This upkeep can add to the long-term costs, but they do tend to be a cheaper initial investment compared to steel or aluminium garage doors. Wooden garage doors are also more susceptible to weather-related issues like warping and rotting if not properly maintained. 

Despite these drawbacks, if you're willing to invest in their care, wood garage doors can be a beautiful and durable addition to your home.