A garden is a magical place. When one enters a garden they are surround by beauty and life. Whether the garden is one that is filled with flowers or with herbs and vegetables, the feeling, when entered, is the same.

The first thing seen as you approach a garden is the gate. The gate should represent the garden’s personality along with the owner’s.

Types of Garden Gates

Wood, metal and bamboo are materials that a garden gate can be made from. Each has their own style and characteristics.

Wood may be thought of as the traditional medium for gates and it’s true. However, it doesn’t have to look that way. Wood can take on any style, shape or color you desire. The gate can be solid adding a bit of mystery to what is behind it or it can be designed to allow someone to see into the garden. A rounded top or a more typical rectangle shape can also be achieved.

Plus, wood can be mixed with others material such as iron to add even more detail. Iron is a great accent to a gate. Anything you can image can be made from a natural look of leaves to a more artistic free-form pattern.

Iron by itself can make a beautiful entrance for a garden. The iron adds a classic, elegant yet simple look. These gates are great for allowing people to see what is beyond them.

Bamboo - Wanting an untraditional look? What about bamboo. Bamboo will give your garden oasis the look of   an exotic get-away. For those that have a Japanese theme, this is the perfect material. Bamboo, like wood, can be put together to form a solid gate which is great for gardens that wish to be private.

Caring for a Garden Fence

Wood tends to be a high maintenance product but can have a very long life if it is cared for properly. Like all outdoor wood features, the gate will need to be sanded and re-stained or painted every few years.

Bamboo, like wood, will need regular maintenance. After installing bamboo, a coating of polyurethane should be applied to help protect it from the elements. The polyurethane should have UV protection.

Wrought Iron gates are on the low side in the care department. Iron tends to be rust resistant. It can be painted if needed. Painting will also help defend against rust.

Cost of Buying a Garden Gate

There is a difference in price between these materials. Wood will tend to be the least expensive out of the three natural products. The price will depend on what type of wood you want to use. Cedar is the most common type used outdoors because of its natural bug resistance.

Iron is going to be on the higher end depending on how much detail the gate has. Iron gates can be very simple to extremely complex. Of course, the more detail means more labor which in turn will raise the value.