A good side gate does far more than fill a gap between your house and garden fence. It controls access to your property, improves security, keeps pets and children safe, adds privacy and can even improve the appearance of your home. Whether you live in a terraced property in Holgate, a semi in Acomb or a modern new-build in Clifton Moor, choosing the right side gate makes a noticeable difference to everyday convenience and peace of mind.
Over the years, I have installed hundreds of side gates across York, and I can tell you that no two entrances are ever the same. Some homeowners need strict security. Others want a stylish continuation of their fencing. Some just want a gate that will not swell, stick or rot every winter. This guide will walk you through everything you need to think about, from materials and lock options to framing, privacy, wind exposure and future maintenance.
Why your side gate matters more than you think
The side gate is one of the most used access points in most York homes. Bins, garden tools, deliveries, pets and children all pass through this route regularly. Cheap, lightweight or poorly installed gates often fail quickly — swelling shut, sagging, breaking at the hinges or becoming security risks.
A properly built side gate offers several benefits:
- Stronger home security by preventing easy access to the rear of the property.
- Improved privacy in tight streets or overlooked walkways.
- Better containment for dogs and children.
- Visual continuity alongside your garden fencing.
- Reduced heat loss and draughts through exposed passages.
- Long-term durability when built with the right materials.
Because side gates are exposed to moisture, foot traffic and strong winds funnelled through narrow passages, they need to be built and installed to a higher standard than many people realise.
1. Choosing the right material for York weather
Side gates come in several materials, each with strengths and weaknesses depending on your priorities and the layout of your home.
Timber side gates
By far the most popular option across York. Timber gates look natural, blend well with most properties and can be tailored to any size or shape.
Pros:
- Warm, natural appearance.
- Highly customisable in height, thickness and finish.
- Can be painted or stained to match fencing or house colours.
- Suitable for traditional and modern homes.
Cons:
- Needs periodic treatment to avoid swelling or rot.
- Can warp if not built with the correct framing and braces.
With proper framing and a good protective treatment, timber gates last many years and remain one of the most cost-effective choices.
Composite side gates
Composite gates are excellent for modern homes and busy households who want low maintenance and strong security.
Pros:
- Very low maintenance — no painting or staining.
- Resistant to rot, swelling and moisture.
- Smart, consistent modern appearance.
- Pairs perfectly with composite fencing.
Cons:
- Higher initial cost.
- Less suited to older period properties.
Composite is ideal if you want a gate that looks good year-round with minimal upkeep.
Metal side gates
Metal gates are less common in standard York residential properties but work well for homes prioritising security or wanting a decorative wrought-iron style.
Pros:
- High security.
- Long lasting when powder coated.
- Minimal maintenance.
Cons:
- Not ideal for full privacy unless combined with panels.
- Can look out of place with timber fencing.
Metal gates are best suited to driveways or side entrances where visibility is acceptable.
2. Getting the size and fit right
Side gate openings vary dramatically across York. Terraces often have very narrow entrances, while semis and detached homes have wider side passages. The gate must be measured and built precisely to avoid issues like sticking, sagging or gaps that let pets escape.
Height
Most side gates sit between 1.8m and 2m. Taller gates offer more privacy and security but must be correctly braced to prevent movement in wind.
Width
Widths vary from 700mm on older terraces to over 1.2m on modern homes. Wider gates must use stronger frames and hinges to prevent sagging.
Clearances
Gates need space at the bottom to avoid dragging across the ground, especially in areas with uneven surfaces or where ground heave affects clay soil.
3. Privacy options for side gates
Side gates usually sit in exposed locations — often beside footpaths, alleys or neighbouring driveways. Privacy is a major reason people upgrade their gates.
Common privacy styles include:
- Solid closeboard-style gates matching the main fence.
- Tongue-and-groove timber gates for maximum privacy.
- Composite privacy gates in modern colours.
- Gates with a small upper trellis to soften the look.
For tight terrace passages where neighbours are close, solid gates without any gaps work best. In wider suburban gardens, decorative top sections can be used without sacrificing privacy.
4. Security considerations for York homes
A side gate is one of the main access points for potential intruders. If security is important to you, choose a design that strengthens your boundary.
Strong framing
Good framing is the foundation of a secure side gate. Look for:
- Heavy-duty bracing (Z-braces or full frames).
- Thick rails resisting twisting or sagging.
- Quality timbers or composite structures.
Locks and latches
Security hardware options include:
- Keyed locks for maximum security.
- Bolted latches for simple but strong closure.
- Drop bolts on double gates.
- Heavy duty hinges with tamper-proof fixings.
A gate is only as secure as the hardware holding it in place, so choosing the right lock is as important as choosing the right boards.
Visibility control
Solid gates block the view entirely, giving you privacy and reducing the temptation for opportunistic theft.
5. Gate posts: the key to long-term durability
Gate posts take the full weight of the gate — far more than standard fencing posts. Using the wrong size or depth is a common reason gates sink, twist or blow open in storms.
The best post options are:
- Concrete posts for maximum durability.
- Large-section timber posts for natural aesthetics.
- Composite posts for modern designs.
Posts must be sunk deeper than standard fencing posts, especially in York’s clay soil which shifts seasonally.
6. Maintenance expectations
Your choice of material affects how much maintenance your gate will need.
Timber maintenance
- Should be treated every 1–2 years.
- Hinges and locks need occasional oiling.
- Avoid soil or plant contact to prevent rot.
Composite maintenance
- Just an occasional wash with soapy water.
- No staining or painting required.
- Excellent performance in damp, shaded areas.
Metal maintenance
- Powder-coated gates need very little care.
- Older wrought iron must be protected from rust.
7. Where side gates fail — and how to prevent it
Most of the side gate failures I repair in York boil down to a few predictable issues:
- Sagging due to weak or unbraced frames.
- Swelling in winter because of poor sealing.
- Rot at the base from direct soil contact.
- Hinges tearing away from undersized fixing points.
- Shallow posts moving in wet clay soil.
Every one of these can be avoided with correct installation and the right choice of materials.
8. Matching your side gate to your fencing
Your side gate should tie in neatly with your existing boundaries to keep the whole garden looking consistent. At York Fencing, we regularly build gates to match:
- Closeboard fencing
- Panel fencing
- Composite fencing
- Slatted fencing
- Decorative trellis-topped designs
We can also build gates with specific design features, such as arched tops, tongue-and-groove panels, or reinforced frames for added security.
9. Cost expectations for side gates
The cost depends on size, material and hardware. Timber gates are usually the most cost-effective, while composite and metal sit in the mid to high range due to their longevity and modern appearance.
The most important thing to remember is that cheaper gates often cost more in the long run due to swelling, sticking, warping or needing early replacement.
10. How York Fencing helps you choose the right side gate
Choosing the right side gate is not just about picking a style — it is about selecting something that suits your home layout, security needs and long-term maintenance preferences.
When you contact us, we will:
- Measure the entrance precisely.
- Assess wind exposure and drainage.
- Look at your existing fencing style.
- Discuss privacy and security needs.
- Recommend the best material for your garden.
Every gate we install is bespoke, built to size and fitted securely to withstand York’s weather and daily use.
Ready to upgrade your side gate?
If you live in York or the surrounding villages and want a secure, attractive and long-lasting side gate, we can help. Whether you prefer timber, composite or a mixed-material design, we build and install gates that are made to last.
Send your postcode and the width of your passageway, and we will provide a fixed-price quote along with design options that match your fencing.
Visit our Garden Gates page or head to the contact page to get started.