If you want a strong and fancy gate, a wrought iron or metal gate is a great choice. These gates are good for pretty designs and make any garden look elegant. Let’s explore the good and bad sides of these gates to help you decide if you need one.
Types of Gates
- Wrought iron gates are known for their strength and classic beauty, these gates can be customized with intricate designs. They are ideal for adding an elegant touch to any garden.
- Steel gates are very strong and durable. They can be coated to prevent rust and come in various styles, from modern to traditional.
- Aluminum gates are lighter than iron or steel, aluminum gates are easier to install and maintain. They resist rust naturally.
Good Things About Metal Gates
Metal gates, especially wrought iron ones, are very strong and last a long time. When coated properly, they can last many decades, unlike other gates that might need replacing every 5-10 years. Even though other types of gates come and go, wrought iron gates have been popular for over 200 years and still look great.
Wrought iron gates are also very flexible in design, meaning they can fit many types of homes. They add security too, as they are strong and hard to break. Plus, because they have an open design, you can see through them easily, which can make your garden look bigger.
The open design of most wrought iron gates allows you to see through them, which can make your garden look bigger and more inviting.
These gates provide a strong barrier that is hard to break. Unlike vinyl or cheap aluminum gates, iron gates offer better security and can withstand more wear and tear.
This vintage-inspired beautiful decorated forged gate is a great solution for any traditional or classic yard.
This gorgeous vintage-inspired swirl wrought gate is decorated with faux purple and white blooms as if they are vines, and it looks amazing.
Such a bold modern design arched door with a glass lens and an arch over it will make a stylish statement and can be accented with vines on top.
This unique metal gate is a modern and fresh take on fairytale-inspired ones, with its botanical motif yet a very up-to-date look.
A classic black metal gate accented with an arbor that shows off some wisteria is a very chic and beautiful idea to go for.
A red brick fence and a classic wrought iron garden gate are refreshed by lush greenery on top and some green topiaries at the door.
A classic large wrought iron gate like this one will make your outdoor space more sophisticated and will add curb appeal to the house.
A view through a botanical garden gate with glass window sheltered by a climbing hydrangea entwined on the pergola.
A delicate metal garden gate with painted leaves and blooms is perfect to get a lightweight piece that lets light in.
A tile clad fence and a black wrought iron door are refreshed with a green living wall and more greenery on top and the door.
A modern interpretation of a classic fairytale-like floral gate, done with metal leaves and blooms.
A gorgeous large leaf gate with a cutout in the center is a fresh take on classic floral and even elvish motifs.
A pretty lightweight arched metal door makes the stone fence look lighter and lets you see beautiful blooms growing inside.
A patterned fence featuring a matching gate with wide edges and lovely wrought iron touches is amazing to let light, air in and enjoy your blooms from the outside, too.
An ultra-modern wrought metal arched door with a botanical motif looks both modern and bold and vintage.
A modern gate plus an arbor on top and some greeery and blooms to soften the look of the blackened metal.
A tiled fence paired with an ulra-modern leaf motif and an arched top is a fantastic idea for a modern outdoor space.
An ultra-modern wrought iron cat tail gate is a real work of art, it's not your usual fence, it shows a story and ca character behind it.
Bad Things About Metal Gates
One problem with metal gates is rust. It’s important to know how the gate is coated to prevent rust and check the warranty. Just like how a car gets rusty if not taken care of, metal gates need maintenance too.
Metal gates cost more than aluminum, vinyl, or wood gates. However, considering their strength and long life, the extra cost might be worth it. But if you’re on a tight budget, finding a cheap, quality iron gate can be challenging.
If your yard has a steep slope, installing a metal gate can be tricky and might need special adjustments. Slight slopes are manageable, but steep hills need extra planning.
Finally, finding someone who makes quality wrought iron gates is getting harder. Making these gates requires more work and materials, making them more expensive to produce.
A gorgeous modern leafy forged gate with leaves is softened even more with lush greenery around it,.
A simple and modern metal garden gate with an arch on top and some lush greenery that brings life to the spot.
A whimsical navy leaf wrought iron gate paired with a wooden fence is a unique idea that doesn't reveal too much and looks catchy.
An extra modern gate with chaotic circles and some insects is a modern art piece that shows off what's your garden about.
A classic refined forged garden gate paired with a simple metal fenceand lots of greenery around are amazing.
A brick fence paired with a gorgeous blue patterned gate with an arched top that softens the look and helps brick not to look that bulky and solid.
A small and simple metal garden gate with an arbor that is partly covered with pink and purple vines create a very welcoming look, you will stay in tis garden forever.
A sophisticated swirl garden gate of metal is accented with some pink blooms and it looks as if it invites you to a secret or fairy garden.
A jaw-dropping wrought iron gate with leaves, blooms and a dragonfly is a unique idea for any outdoor space, it's a real masterpiece.
A fab classic metal gate paired with a patterned arbor and some blooming vines create a very welcoming entrance to the house.
A whimsical arched metal door with a floral pattern and some greenery and blooms around are great if you like vintage and the beauty of charming shabby chic decor.
A breathtaking metal garden door showing off two fern leaves is a lovely addition to a woodland garden.
A simple wrought iron gate, so the arbor over it and some greenery will make it more chic and outstanding.
A sophisticated and absolutely jaw-dropping metal door showing a dragonfly and blooms is a whimsical addition to a secret or magical garden.
Swirl garden doors paired with colorful blooms on top and sides, it's fairytale-garden like.
Living walls soften the brick path and a wrought iron metal door with an arch.
Living walls make the stone fence look softer, and a casual wrought iron finishes off the style with a bit of classics.
Arched vintage-inspired forged metal doors with a bit of pattern allow to divide space but not get some privacy.
Design Ideas for Metal Gates
These gates can be both functional and decorative. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- If you love intricate patterns, opt for a wrought iron gate with ornate details like scrolls, leaves, and flowers. These gates can be real show-stoppers.
- For a sleek, contemporary look, choose a steel or aluminum gate with clean lines and simple shapes. This style is perfect for modern homes.
- To create a vintage or rustic feel, consider a gate with a weathered finish or one that incorporates antique elements.
- Many manufacturers offer custom designs, allowing you to create a gate that perfectly matches your vision and complements your home’s architecture.
- Consider combining metal with other materials. Metal and wood combination can create a warm and inviting look. Use wood for the gate frame and metal for the decorative elements. For a modern and sleek design, combine metal with glass panels. This works well for contemporary homes. Pairing metal gates with stone pillars can create a grand entrance. This combination is both durable and stylish.