We always recommend giving your gates a coat of modern UV oil at least one a year. Giving your gates oil as a treatment not only protects it in winter, but it also protects it in summer too! Pressure treated gates are initially protected from wood rot and insect attacks.

What is the best protection for wooden gates?

To give full protection to your softwood or hardwood gate please treat with a modern UV Oil. We recommend Restol™ Natural UV Extra Wood Oil. It will repel the water and stop the wood drying out unevenly, which can lead to warping. Softwood gates are already treated with preservative.

How do you protect a wooden gate?





Whether made from a softwood or hardwood, treating the timber with a wood preservative and a top coat of oil, stain, paint or varnish will protect the wood for years. Fence paints are perfect for use on garden gates and will help to protect the wood from weathering and water damage.

How do you protect a gate?

Keyed padlock, keyed latches or combination padlocks are an easy and cost effective solution to secure your side gate. Padlocks can be secured by a padbolt or chain and do a good job of deterring anyone from trying to enter your backyard.

How long do softwood gates last?

between 7-8 years

The Lifespan of Softwood Gates



Softwood gates are more cost-effective than their hardwood counterparts, with their typical lifespan being between 7-8 years. Applying treatment during the first 12 months after being installed, will keep your softwood gates looking spectacular.

Should I paint or stain my gate?





It all comes down to what you are trying to achieve really. If you want a more dramatic change in the look of your fence, and do not mind a more frequent maintenance regime, then go for paint. If you prefer less maintenance, and/or prefer a more natural looking fence, stain is your best bet.

How long does a wooden gate last?

Hardwood gates will last for a minimum of 30 – 35 years and you will get many years of pleasure from them. Your hardwood gate will surpass it’s softwood counterparts in terms of it’s superior grain, and low knot count. A hardwood gate will look good for a very long time and give you years of enjoyable service.

How do you make wood waterproof?

There are three surefire ways to waterproof your wood for years to come.

  1. Use linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish.
  2. Seal the wood with coating of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer.
  3. Finish and waterproof wood simultaneously with a stain-sealant combo.


What is the best paint for gates?



Oil-based or alkyd paints are ideal options for wrought iron gates because they create a durable finish that repels water and is resistant to stains, scuffs, and dents. If your gate is made of galvanized metal, however, it’s best to steer clear of oil-based primers and paints.

What kind of wood should I use for an outside gate?

The best woods for garden gates are spruce, fir, pine, cypress, cedar and redwood. The ultimate choice comes down to your purchasing budget, personal style, maintenance budget and what climate your state has. Whatever wood you choose, keep it well maintained to protect it from the elements.

Do wooden gates shrink?

Temperature does, however, remain an influencing factor – and, as a general rule, you can expect your wooden garden gates to grow in summer and shrink in winter. Perhaps the most immediately discernible sign of temperature-induced damage to timber is the emergence of splits in the wood.

Does fence paint protect the wood?



Paint protects wood against rot and fungal decay too, so offers you an alternative solution to preservative. It is easy to apply with a brush or roller and will sit on the wood to provide extremely effective protection against whatever nature throws at it.

How do you paint an outside wooden gate?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Then you'll need to sand the gate and prime the gate before applying two coats of paint if you're unsure of what type of paint is currently on your gate. Put some rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball.

Is it better to paint or stain a wooden fence?

Most of the time, staining is better than painting a fence. It’s true that stain eventually fades and must be reapplied, but not for several years. Also, because stain doesn’t peel or crack, it requires less preparation than repainting. Simply power wash the fence to produce a clean, prepped surface for staining.

Should I seal my fence?

An essential step in the fence installation process is to seal the wood on your fence. Sealing a wood fence will save it from swelling and turning gray from exposure to the elements. You could pay a professional to put a sealer on your fence, but it’s not necessary.

Can you leave a wood fence unstained?



Lastly, if you like the rustic look and want to let nature take its course, you can leave your fence ‘unfinished’ or natural. The natural look will be the least expensive initially and require no real maintenance.

How can I make my wooden fence last longer?

Use exterior oil-based stain or latex paint, which will seal out moisture, prevent wood rot, limit the amount of weathering and extend the life of the wood. Choose a stain or sealant with a UV inhibitor to help keep the wood from turning gray. Let the wood dry for about a week before applying a stain or sealant.

How do you protect a wooden fence from weather?

You need to protect your wooden fence from harmful UV rays without the risk of rot. Thus, consider painting with a breathable, waterproof exterior paint. You can also brush or spray on a water-repellent preservative or sealant to protect the wood from rain and moisture.

How do you waterproof a wood fence?

Apply water sealant or wax polish



Not only does the sealant waterproof the wood, but it protects it from cracking and fading in the sunlight. Just be sure to wear protective gloves and glasses while applying the product either by garden sprayer or brush.