Whether you just bought a house, or you simply need a new swing gate to replace the old one, it’s important to consider getting the right gate. Depending on why you need it, you’ll find that buying a good gate can be tricky, since you have to consider what each material is able to help you with, how long they last and how the design will impact your home’s surroundings.

So, the first thing you have to ask yourself is, what do you actually need your new gate to do? Should it primarily be for security? Do you need it to be as resilient and heavy as possible? Or maybe you’d like a lighter, friendlier and smaller gate that also adds to the aesthetics of your property as well as improving its curb appeal.

The latter would normally imply a gate made out of wood, PVC or another similar material that would be lighter and easier to customize or paint. Wood is best for aesthetics, while PVC can be good for privacy, ease of installation and as a low budget choice.

A metal gate is what you’d need to enjoy both aesthetics and durability. Metal gates are better at locking up and protecting your property from intruders, and they’re also fireproof and longer lasting than almost any gate made up of most other types of materials.