Wooden gates are some of the most common gates I'm asked to automate – from smart timber driveway gates in town to five-bar gates on farm lanes and country driveways. Done right, they work brilliantly.
What the gate needs
Timber moves with the weather, so before I fit a motor, I check:
- The frame – is it square, well braced and not dropping at the far end?
- The timber – any rot, especially at the bottom and around the hinges?
- The hinges – are they strong enough, and is the gate hung properly?
- The posts – solid, and set firmly in the ground? Timber posts can rot at ground level.
- The swing – does the gate swing freely and close in the right place?
A gate that twists or sags will fight the motor, so sometimes a bit of work on the gate or hinges comes first. If the gate's past it, I'll tell you – new wooden gates start from around £1,600.
Prices
- Overground automation – from £1,800 for a pair of swing gates
- Underground automation – from around £2,400
- Sliding automation – from £1,400, for sliding timber gates
The final price depends on the gate, the posts and how far the power has to come. Field gates far from the house may suit a solar or long-cable setup.
Fixing motors to timber
Motors need a solid fixing. On timber gates I use the right brackets and through-bolts, and on timber posts I make sure the post is strong enough – or fit a steel post or plate where it isn't.
Safety
A wooden gate becomes a machine once it's automated, just like any other. I fit the right safety devices and force test to BS EN 12453.
Read more
Send me a few photos of your gates – front, back, hinges and posts. Call, text or WhatsApp Adrian on 07855 781433.
Questions people ask me
Can my old wooden gates be made electric?
If they're sound and don't twist or sag, yes.
Will the motor damage the timber?
Not with the right brackets and fixings. Cheap fixings into soft timber are what cause problems.
What if my gate swells in wet weather?
If it binds when wet, it needs sorting before automation. I'll check the clearances.