Handcrafted Timber Gates

01/05/2026

Most people don’t struggle to find a gate — they struggle to find one that actually suits their entrance.
That’s usually the hardest part — getting something that looks right for the entrance, not just picking a generic design.

I build custom timber gates for:
• Driveways
• Lifestyle blocks & paddocks
• Equestrian properties

Typically more substantial builds — proper timber sections, M10 bolted construction, and hardware that lasts.

If you’d like to get a feel for what could work, I can mock up a design over a photo of your entrance before anything is built.

Just send through:
• A photo
• Approx opening width

Happy to put together a concept and a rough estimate — no obligation.

Send a message to learn more

17/04/2026

Single gate options (for up to 3m)

Attached are typical layouts for single gates, suited to openings roughly 2m up to around 3m.
A good option where a full double gate isn’t needed — for example:

- Smaller driveway entrances
- Secondary driveway
- Garden access
- Other rural and lifestyle block access

These designs use a lighter 100mmx25mm construction, which suits single gates in this size range well.

The designs shown here are all structurally strong and well-balanced layouts.

All gates are built to suit your opening and setup.

👉 If you’re considering a gate, send your opening width and I can suggest what will work best.

10/04/2026

Trying something a bit different — showing gate designs in place rather than just on paper.

The first image is a mock-up onto a real driveway. The others are design options I can build to suit your opening.

If you’ve got a spot in mind, send a photo + width and I can mock something up so you can see how it might look.

Built to suit — not off-the-shelf.

24/03/2026

When people enquire about a gate, the first question is usually size — but that’s only part of it.

What tends to matter more is how the gate sits with everything around it — posts, fencing, and how it’s going to be used day to day.

A few of the things I normally work through:

Timber size
• 100x25 Oregon suits most standard driveway and paddock gates
• 150x40 gives a heavier, more solid look — often better where there are larger posts or you want more presence

Finish
• Light sanding keeps more of the natural character and tends to suit rustic settings
• Planed timber gives a cleaner, more uniform look — better alongside more refined fencing

Protection
• Staining or oiling can be done before assembly and helps with longevity
• Leaving timber natural is also an option where a more weathered look is preferred

Latching
• Throw-over latches are simple and work well for driveways
• Timber sliders are often used for paddocks or where a lower-profile solution is needed

Most of these decisions come down to matching the gate to what’s already there rather than taking a one-size approach.

If you’ve got an opening in mind, feel free to message through a few details — happy to talk through what would suit.

18/03/2026

What timber should you choose for your gate?

There’s no single answer — it depends on your property, budget, and the look you’re after. Here’s a quick guide:

🟤 Oregon (Douglas Fir)
This is what I build most gates from.
- Strong and stable
- Takes stain really well
- Clean, consistent finish
- Great balance of durability and cost
- Naturally suitable for above-ground outdoor use (doesn’t rely on chemical treatment)

Worth noting:
- It’s a softwood (like pine), so the surface can mark when new
- It naturally firms up and weathers well over time

👉 Best all-round option for most driveway gates

🟡 Treated Pine
- Lowest cost option
- Readily available
- More prone to movement and twisting

👉 Suits basic, functional gates

🟠 Macrocarpa
- Popular natural / rustic look
- No chemical treatment
- Can move or crack if not carefully selected

👉 Great for lifestyle blocks wanting a natural aesthetic

🔴 Australian Hardwoods
- Very dense and durable
- Premium look
- Heavier and harder to work with

👉 Higher cost, but long-lasting

🟣 Cedar
- Lightweight and stable
- Known for its appearance
- More expensive and softer than people expect

👉 Chosen more for looks than strength

⚫ Kwila
- Very well known hardwood
- Extremely durable
- Heavy and costly

👉 Typically used where a premium hardwood look is the priority

For most situations, Oregon gives the best balance of:
- strength
- stability
- finish
- cost

But I’m happy to work with other timbers depending on what you’re after.

👉 If you’re unsure, just send me your opening width and I’ll recommend the best option for your setup.

Black hardware works well with all of the above and is one of the most popular upgrades.

Send a message to learn more

14/03/2026

A lot of the long-term performance of a timber gate comes down to the hinges and fixings.

One thing that’s not always obvious is how the hinges actually carry the load.

The bottom gudgeon carries the weight of the gate, acting as the pivot point.
The top hinge deals with the twisting force that tries to pull the latch end of the gate downward.

That’s why the fixing and hardware at the top hinge is particularly important — it’s doing most of the work keeping the gate square and preventing sag over time.

A few of the details I normally include when building gates:

• Coach bolts at all structural joints
Every rail and diagonal brace connection is bolted through rather than screwed. This keeps the frame tight and stable over time.

• Square washers where the load is concentrated
These help spread the load where bolts pass through the timber and protect the fibres around the fixing points.

• Black painted hardware (optional)
Some customers prefer the black finish for appearance. The hardware I use is galvanised steel with an epoxy coating rather than decorative finishes that can rust quickly.

• Double-sided hinge straps (occasionally used)
These allow the gate to swing both directions, which can be useful in some high-traffic areas, though in many situations a standard single-swing setup works best.

If you're planning gates for a driveway, paddock or entrance, feel free to message with the opening width and I can suggest a suitable design.

— Mark
Handcrafted Timber Gates

10/03/2026

Recently installed arena gates for a Canterbury equestrian property. Handcrafted NZ Oregon gates for lifestyle blocks and rural driveways. Message with your opening width for a price estimate.

07/03/2026

Installed this week – handcrafted Oregon equestrian arena gates.

This project included three gate openings:

• Pair of 2.0m double gates
• Pair of 1.5m double gates
• 1.5m single gate

Double gates are 1300mm high, with the single gate 1100mm high.

All gates built from solid 150x40 NZ Oregon, lightly sanded with rounded edges to give a clean finish while keeping the natural character of the timber.

The heavier Oregon section works well with post-and-rail arena fencing, giving the gates the same solid proportions as the surrounding fence.

Each opening also includes timber sliding latches for simple and reliable operation.

Great to see these installed and in use.

If you're planning arena gates, driveway gates or garden gates feel free to get in touch.

03/03/2026

Another custom gate ready for installation this week.

• 1100mm high
• 1520mm wide
• Built from solid 150x40 NZ Oregon
• Heavy-duty cross bracing
• Through-bolted construction
• Hot-dip galvanised hardware

Designed for equestrian arena use where strength and longevity matter.

All gates are built to order — driveway, rural entrance, garden and arena applications.

Based in Canterbury.
Message the page to discuss your opening and requirements.

21/02/2026

Completed this week – 4m double driveway gates in solid Oregon.

Fitted here with black hardware and throw-over latch.

Built locally in Canterbury for rural entrances and lifestyle properties.

Standard gates are supplied with galvanised hardware, with other options available by arrangement.

If you’re considering a gate for your property, feel free to get in touch.

If you’re unsure about sizing for your entrance, I'm happy to talk through options.

11/02/2026

Example build – 4.0 m double timber driveway gate

A current build in progress – shown here before final diagonal bracing on one leaf and before hinge straps are installed.

• Total width: 4.0 m (double gate)
• Height to top rail: 1100 mm
• Stile height: 1160 mm
• 100 × 25 NZ Oregon, merchant grade timber planed with edges sanded
• Galvanised M10 coach bolts at all connection points (including diagonal ends)
• Stile layout suited to a throw-over latch on double gates

NZ Oregon is an untreated timber and can be left unfinished to weather naturally. Longevity and appearance are improved with oiling or staining, which I can carry out prior to collection by arrangement.

Sharing this as an example of the style and construction I use for rural and lifestyle block driveways.

More finished examples are in recent posts.