Are you trying to choose between a wood and an electric composite gate for your driveway? You’re not the first! We get quite a few questions from our customers about the difference between the two. If you’re not quite sure what you envision for your home yet, don’t worry; that’s where our experts can be of assistance.

With over 30 years of experience crafting bespoke electric driveway gates, we understand that choosing the right material can feel like a big job. Wood and composite gates each bring unique benefits, and knowing what sets them apart will help you make the best decision.
So today, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about wood and composite gates, from their look and feel to how much upkeep they require, so you can pick the gate that’s just right for you!

Are electric wooden gates right for you?

At North Valley Forge, our electric wood gates are made from African Frake, a timber we’ve selected because it’s both incredibly durable and beautiful. It has a rich, warm tone and a subtle grain that complements all aesthetic styles, from traditional to modern.

Each gate is made to measure by hand here in the UK, crafted by experienced joiners and blacksmiths. Many of our designs combine our beautiful African Frake timber with wrought iron detailing to add extra strength and character. Whether you want your gate fully boarded for privacy or prefer some gaps to let the light through, we can customise it to suit your tastes. If you can’t find a gate style you love on our website, just let us know what you have in mind. We can design a custom wooden driveway gate specifically tailored to your preferences, so you get exactly what you’re looking for.

What you need to know about wood gates:

They’re sturdy but will need upkeep. Wood is a natural material, which means it’s more vulnerable to weather, moisture, and insects. To keep your gate looking good and lasting decades, you’ll need to seal or stain it, typically every few years.
They age like fine wine if properly cared for. Over time, wood develops a patina and character that many people love; however, overlooking maintenance can lead to warping, cracking, or rot.
They can be fully personalised. From style to finish, wood gates offer a lot of flexibility in design. You get a truly bespoke look that reflects your home and isn’t available off the shelf.
They offer natural insulation. Wood is thick and dense, which means it can provide a sound-dampening quality and, of course, privacy.

Are electric composite gates right for you?

Like our wooden driveway gates, our electric composite driveway gates seamlessly blend the natural appearance of timber with the durability of modern composite materials. They’re also built with care in our Lancashire workshop, and their star quality is that they offer a low-maintenance alternative to wood that still looks warm and textured, which is perfect if you want the best of both worlds.

Composite has become increasingly popular over the last decade for fencing and decking. If you’re not familiar, it’s a material made from a blend of wood fibres and plastic. This combination gives it the natural look and texture of timber, but with a far greater resistance to warping, cracking, and fading, making it a durable and low-maintenance option compared to traditional timber.

Composite does tend to look best in modern settings because of its smooth, clean aesthetic. However, it can look just as stunning in traditional homes as well; it really comes down to the style of your gate and how it complements your property. With the right design, composite gates can work beautifully in almost any setting.

What you need to know about composite gates:

They’re low maintenance. Composite gates usually just need a quick clean every now and then, no sealing or painting required.
They’re weather-resistant. Composite stands up well to rain, frost, and sun, making it a great choice for a gate that stays looking good with minimal maintenance.
They retain their appearance. Unlike wood, composite won’t develop a patina or change colour much over time, so you get a consistent finish year after year.

So, which option is right for you?

Both options are beautiful to watch with their own charming characteristics. Still, when it comes to choosing between the two, we’d suggest starting by considering how much maintenance you’re willing to undertake. If you don’t mind a bit of upkeep and love the character of natural materials, an electric wood gate is a stunning choice.

If you’d prefer something more hands-off, an electric composite gate is likely going to be a better fit for your home. You’ll also want to think about the style of your home; generally, wood suits traditional or character properties, while composite works especially well with modern or more minimal designs.

Ultimately, though, what you choose is up to you. Every gate we build is bespoke, so no matter which material you choose, we can turn your ideas into reality from sketch to installation. We’ll make sure your new gate looks right at home on your driveway and suits your space perfectly, whatever material you choose!

At North Valley Forge, every gate we build is handcrafted with care by experienced blacksmiths and joiners, using a combination of traditional skills and modern techniques. Whether you choose wood or composite, we’re here to guide you through every step from initial ideas right through to final fitting. If you’ve got questions or just want to get started, give us a call on 01282 677 300, request a brochure, or come down to our showroom in Nelson. We’d love to see you!