When it comes to building your perfect gate, the sky’s the limit. At North Valley Forge, we don’t just do standard designs – if you can imagine it, we can build it. We love a good challenge and creating something truly unique that fits you and your home perfectly, whether that’s electric wrought iron gates, electric wood gates or electric composite driveway gates. However, before we get started, there are a few things we need to know.

You’ll need to think about what you want your gate to do, how you want it to look, how you’ll use it day-to-day, plus a few other things. Once we’ve got those bits sorted, we can get to work crafting a gate that’s exactly what you’re after – no compromises, just your perfect gate, built from scratch by our experts!

What kind of gate opening works best for your space?

First off, you’ll want to decide how you want your gate to open. This might seem simple, but it really depends on the space you’ve got and how you use your driveway. If you’ve got a bit of room to spare, swing gates are a grand option. They open inwards onto your driveway and have a classic feel. They’re easy enough to use, but you’ll want to make sure there’s enough space behind so the gates can swing without getting in anyone’s way or hitting anything.

If your driveway’s a bit tight, swinging gates might not be the best opening style for you – and that’s where sliding gates come in. Sliding gates are brilliant for narrow spots because they slide neatly to the side instead of swinging open. The only thing is that you’ll need a clear area beside your driveway for the gate to slide into.

Now, if you want something a bit neater, cantilever gates are a clever twist on sliding gates. They don’t need a track on the ground, which means there’s less chance of things getting in the way, and they tend to be quieter, too (which can be an added bonus). They’re a tidy, low-fuss option if you want something practical but don’t have the space for traditional swing gates.

Picking a gate design that fits your home

When it comes to design, you want your gate to feel like it belongs with your house, not stuck on as an afterthought. Whether you’re after something simple or a bit more elaborate, we have plenty of designs that can serve as inspiration or a starting point.

Wrought iron gates are always a solid choice. They’re strong, reliable, and have that timeless look that works with all sorts of homes. Whether you’re after something simple or a bit more detailed, there’s plenty of flexibility to make it your own.

If you want more privacy or like the feel of wood, wooden gates are the obvious choice. Ours are built strong with a steel frame and finished with beautiful Frake hardwood, so they’ll stand the test of time. They’re great if you want something a bit warmer, more natural, with a bit more privacy.

If you like the look of timber but could do without the upkeep, composite gates are a great option. They give you that warm, natural finish of wood without all the sanding, staining or varnishing. Built to withstand the weather and still look stunning year after year, they’re ideal if you want something smart, sturdy, and low-maintenance, all rolled into one!

And if none of those quite fit the bill, we can do completely bespoke gates too – made just for you, exactly how you want them. That way, you get something unique that fits your home like a glove.

How much maintenance will your gate need?

You’ll want to take into consideration how much care your gate will need once it’s in place. Some gates are relatively maintenance-free, while others require a little more attention. Wrought iron gates are fantastic for low maintenance; once they’re up, you hardly have to do anything thanks to the galvanisation, just a quick clean now and then to keep them looking sharp.

On the other hand, wooden gates need a bit more love – but it’s definitely with it! We recommend that you clean them yearly, do some light sanding here and there, and apply a UV-protective varnish to keep them from cracking or fading under the sun.

Manual or automated gates – which is right for you?

How you use your gate day-to-day will help you figure out whether manual or automated suits you best. Manual gates are great for side entrances or spots you don’t open all the time. They’re straightforward and reliable, and you can add a latch or lock for peace of mind.

But if you’re after something a bit more luxurious and convenient – especially for your main driveway – automated gates are exactly what you’re looking for. You can open them with a remote, a keypad, or even your phone, so you don’t have to step out of the car in bad weather or rush to get to the gate. They add an extra layer of security, too, making it easy to keep track of who comes and goes from your property.

Why choose North Valley Forge?

We’ve been doing this for over 30 years, and we know a thing or two about making gates that look great and stand the test of time. Our expert team handcrafts every gate with time-honed skill and care, using only the best materials that hold up to all the British weather can throw at them. Whether you want electric wrought iron gates, electric wood gates or electric composite driveway gates, we’ll help you create a gate that fits your home and your lifestyle to a tee.

If you fancy a chat about your gate plans or you have any questions about our process, just give us a call at 01282 677300. We’re always happy to discuss any design ideas you may have. Or, if you prefer, you can request a brochure or come down to our Nelson showroom to see some examples up close!